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Section 2E.21 

Support:

For some applications, guide signing for interchanges depends upon the interchange classifications that are described in Section 2E.11. Provisions on guide signing for interchanges that are based on interchange classifications are found in Sections 2E.23 through 2E.26, 2E.46 through 2E.48, and 2E.51 through 2E.53.

Standard:

'''The signs at interchanges and on their approaches shall include Advance Interchange guide signs and Exit Direction signs. Consistent destination messages shall be displayed on these signs.'''

Guidance:

New destination information should not be introduced into the major sign sequence for one interchange, nor should destination information be dropped.

Guide signs placed in advance of an interchange deceleration lane should be spaced at least 800 feet apart.

Use of Supplemental guide signing should be minimized as provided in Section 2E.51.

Support:

Figure 2E-2 shows a typical sequence of interchange guide signs.

In some instances the interchange that provides the most direct or preferred access to a destination might be different in opposing directions of travel due to circumstances such as the configuration of the crossroads, or the fact that an interchange is a partial interchange.

Guidance:

For each direction of travel, guide signing to a destination should be via the exit with the most direct or preferred access, even when this results in a destination being served by different interchanges for opposing directions of travel (see Figure 2E-1).

Section 2E.22 

Standard:

Interchange exit numbering shall use the reference location sign exit numbering method. The consecutive exit numbering method shall not be used. The exit numbers shall correspond to the posted Reference Location or Enhanced Reference Location signs.

Support:

Reference location sign exit numbering assists road users in determining their destination distances and travel mileage, assists road users in reporting their location in the event of an incident or breakdown, assists responders in responding to incidents, and assists highway agencies because the exit numbering sequence does not have to be changed if new interchanges are added to a route.

Interchange exit numbering provides valuable orientation for the road user on a freeway or expressway. The feasibility of numbering interchanges or exits on an expressway will depend largely on the extent to which grade separations are provided. Where there is appreciable continuity of interchange facilities, interrupted only by an occasional intersection at grade, the numbering will be helpful to the expressway user.

Standard:

Interchange exit numbering shall be used in signing each freeway interchange exit. Interchange exit numbers shall be displayed with each Interchange Advance Guide sign, Exit Direction sign, and Exit Gore sign. The exit number shall be displayed on a separate plaque on top of the Interchange Advance Guide or Exit Direction sign. The Exit Number (E1-5P series) plaque (see Figure 2E-9) shall include the word EXIT(S) and the appropriate exit number(s) in a single-line format.

Suffix letters shall only be used to supplement exit numbers where there is more than one exit associated with the reference mile points of the freeway. Suffix letters shall not be used for an exit ramp for the purpose of identifying a downstream ramp split providing access to multiple highways or different directions on the same highway. The suffix letter shall also be included on the Exit Number plaque and shall be separated from the exit number by a space having a width of between ½ and ¾ of the height of the suffix letter. The suffix letters assigned shall be in ascending alphabetical order starting with the letter A for ramps in the direction of travel with increasing exit numbers, and in descending alphabetical order ending in the letter A in the opposite direction of travel. Exit numbers shall not include the cardinal direction initials corresponding to the directions of the cross route. The minimum numeral and letter sizes shall be as given in Tables 2E-2 through 2E-5. If used, the exit numbering system for expressways shall comply with the provisions prescribed for freeways. Sect. 2E.21 to 2E.22