United States Cross Road signs

Description

The United States Numbered Highway System was devised in 1926, providing a uniform numbering system to make interstate travel easier. Because drivers would be traveling longer distances, it was more important than ever that signage become uniform between states, too. So, in January 1927, the Joint Board on Interstate Highways released a booklet entitled Manual and Specifications for the Manufacture Display and Erection of U.S. Standard Road Markers and Signs. This was the first version of national highway sign standards in the United States. One very noticeable difference between signs in those days the modern era was that there were two classes of warning signs. Diamond-shaped signs were used for hazards that were always present, like curves and hills. Square warning signs were used when the danger was only intermittent, such as conflicting traffic at a crossroads.

In 1948, an updated version of the sign manual was released, now titled the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. By this time, all warning signs were using diamond-shaped blanks. The 1948 MUTCD introduced several pictorial warning signs, including a new crossroad sign. It features two heavy lines intersecting at right angles. This design is still used along America’s highways to the present day, and can be found just about everywhere.

Our Cross Road warning signs are precise recreations made to the 1927 and 1948 highway sign standards. For the 1927 version, we have used the classic block fonts used in the era. Every detail of both signs is made using the original dimensions to ensure historical accuracy. (Please note, however, that they do not meet modern standards for retroreflectivity and are intended as display pieces only. Consult a traffic engineer and/or lawyer before installing any signage intended to warn about an actual hazardous condition.)

Our Cross Road warning sign is flat printed on heavy 14-gauge steel, right here in the good old USA. Its high-gloss, non-reflective finish will protect it from the elements when installed outdoors. Mounting holes are included to make installation easy.  Choose either the 1927 or 1948 versions, as well as from the following sizes (measured along the edges):

• 12 in. × 12 in.
• 16 in. × 16 in.
• 24 in. × 24 in.
• 36 in. × 36 in.

We can make just about any warning sign you might want, from any era! We also make state welcome and city limit signs, route markers, directional signs, and more! If you’d like a sign not listed here, don’t worry, we love custom orders! Contact us today to get started!