Section 5: Overhead Signs
Anchor: #i1002427Introduction
High-speed, high-volume highways depend on fully effective overhead signs. Therefore, it is essential that overhead signs be properly maintained at all times.
Except for supports, overhead signs should require less maintenance than ground mounted signs. This is a result of their mounting height and the materials the overhead signs are made of. Damage by vandalism is also less. However, when damage does occur, immediate measures should be taken to repair the damage if sign effectiveness is impaired. Most damage to overhead signs is caused by thrown objects and firearms, usually resulting in minor damage.
Anchor: #i1002542Special Equipment
Special equipment is required for economical maintenance of overhead signs, including routine maintenance such as cleaning and patching.
Anchor: #i1002552Supports
All overhead sign supports should be thoroughly inspected every two years for actual or probable structural distress or failure. Possible causes of distress and failure include overload fatigue, corrosion, vandalism, and collision damage. Components to be examined include:
- Anchor: #GYVMWLAF
- foundations. Anchor: #XJOXPCYD
- anchor bolts and nuts Anchor: #IGNKAWCT
- base plate assemblies Anchor: #VPAHUDCM
- tower columns, web members, and connections Anchor: #PJIYCOMA
- span member to tower connections Anchor: #HPBBJVFP
- span member chords, web members, and connections Anchor: #GJCWTQRQ
- walkways and connections.
Walkway
Walkways should be inspected and maintained to ensure structural integrity.