|
|
Here is a photo of IL-42 in Winnetka, showing the old style IL route marker. This photo dates from the mid 1950's. Thanks to Sgt. Glenn Florkow, Winnetka Police Department Historian. |
|
|
This assembly, in Half Day IL, shows the current standard for IL and US 2 digit markers in Illinois. Both signs are 24" square. The US marker uses 12 inch numerals, and the state marker uses 10 inch numerals, and 3 inch letters. Some older style IL markers use 4 inch letters and 12 inch numerals. |
|
|
Here is a view of all 3 current 2 digit markers in IL. (Onarga) Note the US sign's numerals are the same size as the State markers' numerals (10 inch) instead of the usual 12 inch. The Interstate marker is the current model with no state name. Interstate markers with the state name are still found here and there in IL, both on old and new signs. There seems to be no pattern that I can detect. |
|
|
US-66 is a most popular route even today. Most people do not use it for actual through traffic, but as a step back into time. For a while after the below bridge was closed in the early 1990's IL-129 was rerouted south of IL-113 onto IL-53. IL-129 has since been pulled back and now ends at IL-113. |
|
|
This magnificent bridge carried US-66 over a railroad branch to Coal City. It was closed in the early 1990's due to deterioration of the surface. A foot excursion showed gaping holes in the blacktop and the concrete. It will probably be torn down rather than refurbished, since the traffic flow has been reduced to a trickle, and no real problem has developed since it has closed. Since the railroad line only carries a couple trains a day, the bridge can be brought down and a grade crossing can be restored. The railroad in the foreground is currently operated by the Union Pacific, and had been Southern Pacific; Chicago Missouri & Western; Illinois Central Gulf; Gulf Mobile & Ohio; and Chicago and Alton in the past. Fast freight and Amtrak trains use this line (From Chicago to Springfield and St. Louis). It makes for a fun trip for railfan roadgeeks. |
|
|
The Illinois River Road follows the Illinois River, which is not as great as the Great River Road (which follows the Mississippi). While the GRR road signs are supposed to be green, here is a brown one. Maybe it got too close to the IRR and some of the paint spilled... Actually it is brown because it is a Spur of the GRR. |
|
|
Here is a mainline Great River Road sign, in Kampsville as you exit the ferry. |
|
|
This photo near Carmi shows the difference between the current standard IL marker (Top IL-1) and old style (bottom IL-14). Older signs had larger numerals and letters and a different surface. The older style signs look darker due to age as well |
|
|
IL-68 (Dundee Road) currently ends at US-41 in Northbrook. Here is an older style sign on Skokie Blvd. |
|
|
Unique Interstates 57/64 marker on a guide sign in Mt. Vernon IL. This sign is above IL-37 and also is unusual in that it is not above a freeway, and for the directional banners above the route markers.(Thanks Harv) |
|
|
When IL-5 was changed to I-88, there arose such a conflict that a few years later they changed IL-88 to IL-40 (a former number on part of the route. For the first year they left the old IL-88 signs up with a yellow "Former" banner on them. On the E-W Tollway several of the old IL-5 markers had the word "Former" added to the sign itself. |
|
|
Nothing special about this sign, but here it is. (Lansing IL) |
|
|
This is what US markers looked like in the 1930's. In the late 1950's and early 1960's they were changed to the square signs we have now. This sign was found on a contractors warning sign near Metropolis. |
|
|
Typical IL-15 sign. (Thanks Harv) |
|
|
I-255 doesn't go anywhere near Tulsa, neither does its parent route. But it does take you to I-44, which does go to Tulsa. IL-3 goes to Columbia IL, not South America... |
|
|
"FAP 342" is the official project designator for the north extension of IL-53's expressway in Lake County. These green signs are posted where the new road will cross other roads to let local residents prepare. While the road is still in the pre construction stage, we can see where the concrete will lay one day. |
|
|
US-6 in IL (as well as IN and other states) is also designated the "Grand Army of the Republic". IL uses these GAR signs occasionally. This one is at Lansing (near IL-83) |
|
|
Let's see.... US-20 is named after who? This sign is at Pecatonica, in front of the Illinois State Police Post, which means it probably will not be stolen... |
|
|
IL uses unique mile markers on many of it's state and US routes. The signs have a green circle with the route number above the county name, and the miles to the county line (or end of the route) below. Usually only the route number is shown, with no "US" or "IL". The above sign is on one of Illinois' secret "900" route numbers used on formerly numbered roads not yet ceded to local authorities yet. The "900" series number is used for inventory purposes, not navigation. |
|
|
Above is a mile marker for the old US-24 (now Business US-24) not far from the current US-24 (that bypasses Washington). These markers are sometimes used at side roads or bridges. Different Highway Districts have different rules on the use of these signs. |
|
|
Business US-24 thru Washington runs thru the town square, now a bustling antique and boutique center. Notice the unique arrow sign... |
|
|
Notice the distinct lack of business's along Business US-24... |
|
|
Here is a unique to IL Business US-51 marker in Bloomington. |
|
|
An old photo that shows IL-42 in Winnetka.
|
|
|
Old style Yellow stop sign along IL-113, near Kankakee IL. |
|
|
US-12/20/45, Melrose Park IL. |
|
|
|
|
|
Near Joliet Union Station, under the bridge for the BNSF(ATSF) and IC tracks. |
|
|
Downtown Joliet |
