Kansas US Route 81 highway marker (1957)

Description

US Route 81 runs straight up the center of Kansas, from the Oklahoma line, up through Wichita and Salina, and running into Nebraska north of Concordia. Much of the route has been superseded by the Interstate system during the present day. In 1956, the Kansas Turnpike (carrying Interstate 35) opened, bypassing the section of US 81 between Oklahoma and Wichita. During the 1970s, the route between Wichita and Salina was upgraded to a freeway. This US 81 freeway was originally incorporated into the Interstate System as Interstate 35W. In 1976, when directionally-suffixed routes became increasingly seen as needlessly confusing, it was renumbered to Interstate 135.

Our replica Kansas US 81 route sign is made to the exact 1957 Kansas state standards. This style was unique to the state; it featured extra-rounded corners compared the shields used by other states. Kansas implemented these as a safety measure to prevent crews from injuring themselves on sharp corners during installation. We have faithfully replicated the layout of the sign and used the same fonts found on the original sign. Signs like this do turn up on the collector’s market from time to time, but they usually go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Save money and get the sign you want with our replicas!

Our Kansas US 81 sign is flat printed on heavy 14-gauge steel. It has a glossy, non-reflective coating that will look great for years, indoors or outdoors. The sign is available in its original 16-inch wide size, as well as three rescalings to meet your display needs. We offer a 12-inch-wide small size for those on a space or monetary budget. We also offer two oversize versions, in 24-inch and 36-inch widths, for those looking to make a statement with their sign. All of them include two mounting holes for easy installation. (Did you know we can make just about any road sign in the world? If you’re looking for something we don’t have on our site, just ask and we can get it there for you! Just contact Jake to get started on your custom order.)