Michigan Highways

Michigan's Route Markers: The Clearview Future?

In the late-1990s and early-2000s, a brand-new highway sign typeface, Clearview, was developed and tested heavily in Pennsylvania and Texas to replace the familiar FHWA typeface, in use since the middle of the 20th Century. Purported to give a certain segment of the motoring population with poor eyesight in nighttime driving conditions while using high-beam headlights a slightly longer time to clearly comprehend the signs, the Michigan Department of Transportation began a widespread program to remove existing freeway signage and replace them with brand-new signs with the new typeface in early 2005.

FHWA-Clearview Typeface ComparisonAt first, when only the sign legends (the regular "text" on the signs) was being switched over to the new typeface, some wondered if the cherished FHWA typeface used on highway route markers since before the coming of the Interstate Highway System would also change. In the vast majority of the new guide signage installations, MDOT has been retaining the FHWA typeface for all route markers, so it seems the old font may be around—at least for the route markers—for awhile longer. However, a few route markers have cropped up during 2005 featuring the Clearview typeface along I-69 near Marshall, although these errant markers may be due to contractor error. (See photo, courtesy of Charles Sarjeant and the Indiana Highway Ends site.)

Below are representations of existing Interstate, US, State and County route markers in use in Michigan followed by what those same markers may look like using only the Clearview font. Please keep in mind these are simply "artists renderings," if you will, as MDOT has only erected a scant few Clearview route markers at present.

Interstate Highway Markers (FHWA Typeface)
Interstate Route Marker - Michigan
Interstate Business Loop Route Marker - Michigan
Interstate Route Marker - Michigan
Interstate Business Spur Route Marker - Michigan
Interstate Highway Markers (Clearview)
US Highway Markers (FHWA first, Clearview second)
US Route Marker - Michigan
US Route Marker (wide) - Michigan
State Highway Markers (FHWA first, Clearview second)
State Route Marker - Michigan
State Route Marker - Michigan
County Route Markers (FHWA first, Clearview second)
County-Designated Route Marker - Michigan
County Route Marker - Michigan
Federal Forest Highway & Forest Road Markers (FHWA first, Clearview second)
Forest Highway Route Marker - Michigan
Forest Road Route Marker - Michigan

 

Acknowledgements:

Every route marker image above was created by Christopher J. Bessert and, therefore, are copyrighted ©2005 Christopher J. Bessert, All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or otherwise use them without prior written permission. Any commercial use is strictly prohibited.

However, some acknowledgements and credit are necessary.

  • Many thanks to Michael Adams and his "Roadgeek2005" typeface series used to create many of these route markers.
  • Richard C. Moeur's "Sign Manual" website provided a few of the graphic bases used in creating these markers.
  • James Lin's "Highway Route Markers" website provided much inspiration.
  • Charles Sarjeant graciously provided a link to a photo of the very first Clearview route markers, posted near Marshall in mid-2005.

 

Additional Information