As we travel down the roadways of Washington State, we rely heavily on road signs to navigate our way safely from point A to point B. But have you ever stopped to consider the evolution of these vital road markers? From the early days of hand-painted signs to the advanced technology of today’s digital displays, the history of road signs in Washington is a fascinating one.
Road signs were a relatively new development at the turn of the 20th century. In Washington State, they were typically made of wood and hand-painted with arrows and basic directions. By the 1920s, the government began to take an interest in standardizing road signs. In 1926, the federal government passed the Standard Highway Signs & Markings Act, which established guidelines for designing and placing road signs. This act paved the way for the modern road signs of today.
Throughout the mid-20th century, road signs continued to evolve. Reflective materials were introduced, making signs visible at night. The first electronic traffic signal was installed in Seattle in 1928, and by the 1960s, digital displays were being used to provide real-time traffic information to drivers. With each new development, these traffic signs became more effective at keeping drivers safe.
Today, road signs in Washington State continue to undergo changes and improvements. Digital displays are becoming more common, providing real-time information about traffic conditions, road closures, and weather. Signs with solar-powered illumination have also become popular, helping to reduce energy costs. As we look into the future, we can only assume that designs will continue to be updated to make them more effective, informative and visible.
