The Michael Summa Collection

Before digital cameras, before the Internet, before the proliferation of desktop computers and flatbed scanners, there was Michael Summa. For years, before any of us knew that it would one day be possible to share photos across the world via computer, Mr. Summa took thousands of photos with a traditional film camera and kept those pictures. Little did he -- or any of the rest of us -- know that it would one day be possible to display those photos to a global audience of those who are interested in such things. We are proud and fortunate to have acquired a large number of scans from his collection, focusing on our states of major interest here on the Millennium Highway Web site (Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee). Most of these photos were taken more than a decade ago, and we are very happy to have received Mr. Summa's blessing to be able to display them here.To view the full-sized photos, click on one of the thumbnails on this page. You will then be presented with navigation controls to view the images on individual Web pages as a slide show.

(The comments provided for each photo are the comments Mr. Summa provided with each photo. In a few cases I have added pertinent information or comments, but for the most part these are Mr. Summa's commentaries on his photos...)

ky1 1
Taken in 1984, this was the old welcome sign on US 45 near Paducah as that route crossed the Ohio River from Kentucky into Illinois.
ky2 1
Taken in 1984, this sign near Paducah shows how at the time some state highway districts were still using circular signs for four-digit routes. This is not common practice in Kentucky anymore except for District 12 and a few other areas.
ky3 1
1984 -- eastbound on I-24 at the Purchase Parkway.
ky4 1
1979 -- just south of I-64 and I-75 at Exit 113 in Lexington.
ky5 1
1975 -- in Paducah. This would be heading west on US 60 and US 62.
ky6 1
1992 -- surprising that this old US 25E sign was still around at that late date. This is on KY 74 in Middlesboro.
ky7 1
1992 -- looking south on US 25E toward Cumberland Gap, back when the tunnel was under construction and 25E still skirted the westernmost tip of Virginia before entering Tennessee. This sign, very unique for this part of the state, stood for years.
t2
Now we're in Tennessee in 1995. This is on US 11E/US 19 just south of Bristol, where US 19 splits into its component east and west alignments.
t3
1995 -- looking south on I-81 just after entering Tennessee from Virginia. This was taken at the Tennessee welcome center.
t4
1995 -- approaching US 11W from Tennessee 126.
t5
1995 -- just past the TN 126 junction.
t6
1995 -- heading north on US 11W.
t7
1995 -- this unusual "side roads" marker was on TN 358.
t8
1995 -- this is the end of TN 358 at US 11E/US 19. The overhead street sign mounted on the wire indicates that this is in Bristol.
t9
1996 -- this is on TN 91 heading south just after the route enters the state from Virginia.
t10
1996 -- the first TN 91 marker south of the Virginia state line.
t11
1998 -- this is south on I-81, just after entering Tennessee from Virginia.
t12
1998 -- in Pigeon Forge. I have photos of this same sign assembly from roughly the same time period.
t13
1998 -- This is on TN 66 approaching what locals call "The Big Intersection" in Sevierville.
t14
This is looking north on US 441 approaching the Forks Of The River Parkway in Sevierville in 1998.
t15
1998 -- looking at signage at the beginning of TN 66.
t16
1998 -- on I-40, direction of travel not noted.
t17
1998 -- on I-81, again, the direction of travel was not noted.
t18
1975 -- on US 41, entering Tennessee from Kentucky.
t19
1995 -- In Bristol.
w1
1999 -- we're in West Virginia now, looking north on WV 16 in McDowell County.
w2
1999 -- this is on WV 16 north, just past the WV 161 intersection and the Virginia state line.
w3
1999 -- this is the end of WV 161 at WV 16, right at the Virginia state line at the town of Bishop.
w4
1998 -- this is on US 460 heading east at the I-77 interchange at Princeton.
w5
1998 -- some wrong-way multiplex action going on in Bluefield. I have shots of this signage from that year as well.
w6
1998 -- looking north on US 19 and the former route of US 460, entering Bluefield WV from Bluefield VA.
w8
1995 --this is looking north on US 11 in the panhandle community of Bunker Hill and is of interest for the old-style street light above the sign.
w9
1989 -- looking north on US 119 at the WV 65 intersection.
w10
1995 -- this old-style I-81 sign was photographed mounted on one of the garages at the WVDOT maintenance yard north of Martinsburg.
w11
1978 -- looking east on I-64.
w12
1978 -- the sun glare makes it hard to see, but this is in Rainelle where WV 20 joins US 60 east.
w14
1978 -- this is looking east on US 60 at the US 19 interchange between Summersville and Fayetteville.
w13
1978 -- button copy lane signs where US 60 and the WV Turnpike intersect south of Charleston.
wv7
1996 -- where US 52 leaves US 460 east near Bluefield.
w15
1978 -- what's interesting about this is the inclusion of a WV 214 sign on the US 119 south exit.
w16
1978 -- in Charleston where I-64 joins I-77.
w17
1978 -- crossing the Kanawha River on I-64.
w18
2002 -- in Parkersburg. I have a shot of this assembly from a few years earlier.
w19
2002 -- crossing from Parkersburg, WV into Belpre, OH.
w20
1978 -- near 14th Street in Parkersburg.
w21
1978 -- at the same intersection as the previous photo.
w22
2002 -- looking south from I-77 at old US 21. This is at Exit 132.
w23
1989 -- this is crossing from Kentucky into West Virginia near Kermit, where KY 40 ends.
w24
1978 -- crossing into West Virginia from Kentucky on I-64.
v1
1992 -- now we move onto Virginia.
v2
1978 -- On US 11 at Exit 195.
v3
1992 -- this is the divided underpass on VA 311 that I photographed in 2003.
v4
1992---south of the VA 661 exit of I-64, Alleghany County
v5
On VA 311, no date. Years ago, Virginia used the text "maximum safe speed" on its speed advisory signs for curves. Now Virginia uses the standard "XX mph" advisory plates.
v6
1992 -- on VA 311.
v7
1992---US 11/460 north/east on a former alignment just north of Elliston. Here the N/E lanes of the divided highway broke away from the opposite lanes then narrowed to a one lane bridge over the railroad tracks. Later the highway was relocated and widened along the opposite lanes
v8
1992---Alleghany County. This location is just south of the I-64/US 60 overpass along 600. Mr. Summa says, "I seldom took shots of the present 9"X 24" size secondary route signs, instead I was only interested in the old 4.5"X 12" small size, which "got me" ever since I first traveled thru VA in 1962. There were still many of the small sizes posted in the western border counties then. Now they are very hard to find."
v9
1992---VA 600 in Wythe County
v10
1991----E. Orange Ave on the East side of Roanoke from a side street, probably posted before US 221 was added to this alignment.
v11
1991----US 11 is missing here after joining just north of Downtown Roanoke
v12
1992, west side of Roanoke
v13
VA 118 south, an odd assembly, rather than show an advance turn for each direction ahead you get two straight ahead arrows. Then again, "JCT (route)" postings are extremely rare in this region of VA.
v14
1992---VA 660 north where US 11 crosses over I-81 between Seven Mile Ford & Marion, Smyth County
v15
2003, N. Franklin St at Depot St. (still standing) should have a BUSINESS banner here
v16
2003, looking south on VA 154 in Covington, a very poorly marked route thru the city
v17
2003, looking N on VA 154 in Covington
v18
2002, VA 737 south, this is at the interchange # 26-Emory on I-81, Washington County
v19
same spot as previous photo looking south on 737
v20
2002, an oddity here south of I-81 exit 17, the route marker is usually on top of the mileage signs, and just "TENNESSEE" rather than "TENN STATE LINE" used as a control point
v21
2001, in Tazewell.
v22
2001---along VA 16 North just past BUSINESS US 19/460
v23
2001---I needed a close-up shot here for tracing purposes. In Tazewell.
v24
2001----a short distance before the VA 61 jct. In Tazewell.
v25
2001 (I think)----New signage after the US 460 freeway completion from I-81
v26
again, I think 2001----the far south end of the # 118A-B interchange of I-81, this is where the freeway ramps end & the road goes to surface street status
v27
2001 (?) end of I-81 south exit 109 ramp & the only decent looking 177 marker around these here parts ( In my humble opinion of course)
v28
2001---pretty close to the old days here, whitewashed, pyramid top cut timber posts, & US outline in a white square, but of course they just HAD to off-center the "19" (This is in Abingdon, just north of where US 19 splits off US 11 and just prior to US 58 Alternate joining).
v29
2001---looking in the other direction here ARE the old days....Black paint fading around the US outline showing the old all-white background design, the 9" X 24" direction tabs & distinctive arrows....I sure do miss them!
v30
2001---I think was in Wise, a directional arrow under the old Rescue Squad sign
v31
2001 ---Big Stone Gap
v32
Up close & presonal for the common circle-in-a-square style I first saw in the 1960s
v33
2001---missed the top portion with the 3 tabs here in Norton
v34
Missed more in Norton
v35
I was on a real roll of missing the top tabs here
v36
2001. This is at Gate City where US 58 and US 421 split from US 23.
v37
2001---A variety pack of sorts (Note: This was after the "Buisness" misspelling was corrected.)
v38
2001----Valley Rd. at Reservoir Rd in Abingdon on the mystery section of VA 75
v39
2000 (?)--- In Iron Gate, the community along US 220 at the ALLEGHENY/BOTETOURT county line
v40
2000---a block south of US 60 just south of I-64, exit 27, community of Cliftondale Park
v41
2000, just north of where US 60 left the route in Covington
v42
2000---old alignment of US 60/220 W/N approaching the newer one off exit 16 of I-64
v43
2000----too much for Clifton Forge to add a "TO" banner, I guess
v44
2000--You've seen this before but another look can never hurt
v45
1999----Pearisburg old street signs along US 460/VA 100 just north of downtown, and of course a WPTTP (whitewashed pyramid top timber post) Stop sign in the background
v46
1999---VA 720 at US 460 entrance, Bluefield
v47
1999---The right way just past VA 720
v48
1999----VA 102 EAST beyond downtown Bluefield (old style 90-degree turn sign...)
v49
US 19 SOUTH/US 460 WEST on the west side of Bluefield, that is Greevey Ave ahead. according to the map this is Virginia Ave which turns right ahead as well. (old-style turn sign with newer speed advisory marker)
v50
1999----First set of markers past the WV state line
v51
1999---a short distance south of downtown & the VA 102 crossing (Bluefield)
v52
1999----WV line to the left, Bluefield College to the right
v53
Town of Bland, 1999
v54
Town of Bland, 1999
v55
1999---Community of Sylvatus, I think this was VA 749 END, northern Carroll County
v56
US 52 SOUTH just beyond the Blue Ridge Pkwy junction


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v57
2000----Iron Gate
v58
2000---18" size secondary marker in Boones Mill, that is US 220 ahead. It appeared that the 12-county district of Salem uesd their own distinctive fonts, such as these numerals. I never saw them in any other area of the state
v59
2000----US 11 NORTH/US 460 EAST, Shawsville
v60
2000, Front Royal, US 340/US 522/VA 55 turn north (VA 55 WEST) at this intersection, north side of town
v61
2000, Front Royal, and you thought US 55 wasn't around anymore
v62
2001, just south of where US 19 joins US 11 on the south side of Abingdon
v63
US 11 North, Abingdon
v64
US 11 north, north side of Abingdon, 1995
v65
1995, can't remember which direction this was looking
v66
old VA 609 at US 11 north side of Abingdon
v67
1995, one sign at VA 615 END, Floyd
v68
1996---town of Stuart, VA T1009 at VA T631
v69
1996---Instead of a route marker above the double arrow sign you get a speed limit here at the intersection of VA T1000 & VA T1017 in Hillsville
v70
1996----just outside of the town of Hillsville
v71
1996
v72
1996---VA 16 SOUTH
v73
2003 ( I think ) Here's that shot I told you about with the first replacement of the old I-81 shields. Probably if not for this photo, this would still be standing
v74
1996---Meadows of Dan, END VA 758
v75
1996----Hillsville, just beyond the US 58/221 crossing
v76
1996----E side of Wythville US 11 joins the interstate
v77
1996
v78
1995----US 11 SOUTH western Smyth County, between Seven Mile Ford & Chilhowie
v79
1995---You've seen this before...Here's another look
v80
1996---VA 94 END
v81
1996
v82
1996---Just past the VA 107 junction in Chilhowie
v83
1996---One piece older style four route marker sign at VA 611, just north of exit 13, I believe, of I-81/US 58
v84
1995---3 years after the first photo I took of this assembly, US 411 remained standing
v85
1995 (Bristol)
v86
1996---flash effect didn't work that well here
v87
1996(?)---south side of Wytheville
v88
1996(?) enterance to Wythville Community College from US 11
v89
1996(?)---a liitle ways up from the previous photo, one of the old 9"X 12" directional arrows used with the old embossed border/flat painted copy cut outs
v90
1996---the best I could improve a poor picture
v91
1996---You've seen it before, but likely don't mind seeing it again
v92
1996 again
v93
1996
v94
1996---before the older style black outline shield in a white square signs were erected here.
v95
1996---about the shortest distances you can get for 3 conrtol points
v96
1996---South end of Main St. (T1004) thru Chilhowie. That is US 11 south straight ahead
v97
1995--- West BUSINESS US 460 in Blacksburg. Since this was a yellow & not a constuction orange sign, I thought I was seeing double from a distance
v98
1995---Radford city street, an official looking VA curve arrow, but who "centered" it?
v99
VA 232 north in Radford, no F in SAFE
v100
1995----VA 232 North goes from 4 lane divided to 2 lane city street in Radford. Oversize variation of the Maximum Safe Speed sign (still stands)
v101
1995---A short distance before the previous shot
v102
1995---Old pre-orange portable constuction sign at a Chilhowie scrap yard
v103
1995---City of Radford, still stands but in worse deteriorated condition, Former VA 611 near VA 177
v104
1995---Nearing the entrance to one of the Radford Army Ammuniton Government properties in Dublin. Not a VDOT sign. This road, now VA 1030, apparently was maintained by the US govermment, or some branch thereof. All the signing was standard contracted.
v105
Looking north on VA 100, past VA 608, SE Wythe County
v106
VA 608 looking east
v107
looking from the opposite side at the same intersection of the previous photo, these Barren Spgs shots were 1995
v108
1995---Downtown Wytheville. Note how a section of the TO sign was cut away to fit next to the mast arm. Looks like this assembly was in place when US 52 did turn left here before the interstate was completed. I just got a postcard on eBay that supports this theory
v108A
A section of the aforementioned postcard, note here US 52 was signed east/west
v109
1995----looking south from the 11/21/old52 downtown intersection. No oldies here
v110
1995 I think. I also think this photo is posted already somewhere but since I'm not sure here it is anyway. Located 1 block north of US 11 in downtown and still standing last fall when I was down that way
v111
1995, Town of Bland
v112
1994 VDOT maintenance yard at Dublin. One of the old small size secondary signs, the blank back side used for marking sections inside the grounds
v113
...and another...(I just could never get enough of these small size markers)
v115
1994 and the older "Salem District" font
v116
1994 (about)----You've seen this one before but here the sign was relocated while building construction was going on, then returned to it's original location
v117
1994---just beyond the US 52 crossing in Hillsville
v118
Town of New Castle, VA T615 north
v119
1994---VA 42 north in Craig County
v114
1994---VA 8 North of Floyd, looking north
v120
1994---US 58 West
v121
1994
v122
US 11 north about to join the interstate on the east side of Wytheville
v123
1994---a little too close here a short distance from the previous shot, at the south side frontage road of I-77/81
v124
1994---In the grounds of Hungry Mother State Park, near Marion
v125
1994---Bad enough another US 16 mistake, but can those directional arrows be any smaller?
v126
1993 or 4---Downtown Christiansburg close up as US 460 business turns left & joins US 11 north also above this assembly was "TO VA 8 right"
v127
1994-- view of VA 100 looking south from the NRV airport outside Dublin
v128
1994---same spot as previous photo, older directional sign & the 'ol trusty now retired bicycle (the best way to get sign photos)
v129
VA 624 crosses US 11 near Fairlawn, Pulaski County
v130
1994---END VA 177 in Radford
v131
1995---I can't even recall the exact town this was in , somewhere along US 11 between Harrisonburg & Winchester was this old dead blinker (a moment of silence, please) along some town street
v132
1995---old portable construction sign at Waynesboro DPW
v134
1995---No need for the white TO banners here, this IS 17/50/522
v133
...and the other side...
v135
1994---US 11/460 north/east at I-81 exit 118 before I-81 was widened here & the US 460 freeway was added with the C/D lanes
v136
1995----New Market, A good look at the difference in size between the small & largrer sizes of the secondary route signs, posted here, one on each side. This is at US 211, & I-81 is just ahead
v137
1995---Beuna Vista on US 501 North
v138
1995---A short distance off US 11, just north of exit 195 of the I-81/64 overlap near Fairfield. This one has the older non-reflective surface & there weren't that many with this type of arrow arrangement.
v139
....and across the street....that's the 716 in the previous shot in the background..... I sure wouldn't have minded having my mailbox next to one of these.....
v140
1994---About a mile south from downtown Christiansburg, you could have taken VA 8 about a half mile back to I-81. From here it's another 11 miles via the signed routes
v141
VA 111 END at US 11/460, this old arrow sign has been replaced
v142
1993----US 52 NORTH crossing the New River in Wythe County, north of Poplar Camp. This bridge is no longer,so forget about the sign still being there
v143
1993---Cut outs still survived in Independence. You can see some of the Grayson County Courthouse building in the background. The cut outs were gone by the following year.
v144
Now check out the shape of the US 21 here, note the elongated point at the bottom (don't drop this type on your foot). A few of these were scattered about southwestern VA but not many. Also the 221 here looks like it was painted over a 21.
v145
1993---That ROANOKE sign at the bottom was the old cat-eye marble type
v146
1993---Pearisburg and that's just rust on the 460s
v147
1993---VA 100 SOUTH approaching Pearisburg and the old "divider line" of sorts from the past
v148
1994---A slight variant on the old reverse turn signs in Shawsville visible from US 11/460 on VA 609
v149
1995---Yes, you've seen this before, that was the vertical polaroid shot, this assembly warrented a second shot with an old Kodak camera
v150
1992---US 220 SOUTH
v151
1992 at I-81
v152
1994---VA 121 END
v153
1994---The back of the routes go left? Actually the arrow points to a parking area, the sign is "SOUTH 11-TO 8" in downtown Christiansburg.
v154
1994---US 11 NORTH, VA 365, the route to Wytheville Community College, is just ahead. These old specs shields , still standing by the way, are oddly not screened at all. The red & blue fields are over old Silver Scotchlite, with the copy cut out showing the silver unerneath. Rather unusual.
v155
1994---And speaking of Wytheville, right after US 21 leaves, of course, is "the big pencil"
v156
1994---Again, those color-over-silver scotchlite I-shields.
v157
1993---Grade separated junction of US 11 & VA 100 at Dublin
v158
1994---US 11 NORTH approaching the I-81 junction at interchange # 73, a northbound only exit, the roadway goes from 2 to 4 lanes divided from here into Wytheville
v159
1994---Older 18" advance secondary signage on US 11 NORTH in western Wythe County near Rural Retreat.
v160
1994---Old style along US 11 on the north or east side of Pulaski
v161
1993---US 11 NORTH/US 460 EAST about to descend Christiansburg Mtn. next to the Christiansburg Wayside
v162
While this photo was taken around 1993, these signs are still standing
v163
2000 or so---Temporary detour cut out shields
v164
2003---Close up of the Interstate shield-in-a-Virginia primary SR cut out. VA 18 END at US 60/220 at Covington
v165
2002----Downtown Roanoke & the 18" X 21" interstate shield-in-a-24" X 24" square
v166
2002---Thaxton
v167
1994----US 11 SOUTH at VA 365
v168
1994---Embossed oldie on Wytheville town maintained street
v169
1993---VA 617 at US 11, Dublin
v170
1995---A rare find in VA, the old cable "guardrail" along a short stretch of US 58 in Lee County
v171
1992---US 58 WEST nearing the end of the route in far west Lee County
v172
1992---I thought I had sent this one to the "Virginia Cutout Collection" page, but I don't see it there, so here it is...
v173
1992---same thing here...
v174
1992---US 421 NORTH turns & joins US 11E/US 19/VA 381. Should be a double arrow under the 381. Or was it the former VA 113? now that I looked at the older maps it's not really clear. Hmmmm......
v175
1992
v176
1992
v177
1992---didn't see these mistakes on cut outs very often, not nearly as often as seen in newer square route signs around the region. This spot is a few blocks prior to the previous photo
v178
1992----two types of 220 fonts but one missing the BUSINESS banner
v179
1992----Goshen in Bath County
v179A
Here's a section scan of a photo from THE ROANOKE TIMES inset article on I-81 a few years back, a look at the first exit number tabs used in VA, I assume. This sign faced northbound traffic. The file date is listed as 1967.
v180
1992----Goshen, Rockbridge County
v181
1992---about a mile south of VA 39 in Bath County
v182
1993---Old signal in Wytheville looking south on US 21 as US 11 south turns right.
v183
1992----Can't remember exact location. Fairfield, or somewhere near.
v184
1992----western edge of town leaving Bluefield
v185
1992----Heading towards downtown Bluefield from the west side of town. A closer shot is on the VA Cutout Collection page from Adam Prince.
v186
1992---Please join me in a moment of silence with one of the few remaing original secondary assemblies in Rockbridge Baths, just south of VA 39
v187
1992
v188
1992
v189
1991----This was the only I-581 old specs 3-digit size (30" X 25") standard shield I ever saw in all of the Roanoke area.
v190
1991---About 3 miles NE of the community of Oriskany, in western Botetourt County, along VA 615. I tried to slowly walk across this bridge and couldn't do it. Too much sway.
v191
1991---A short distance from the previous picture. VA 615 at VA 817. Why bother to build a bridge when you can just swim across VA 817?
v192
1990----blurry old signage
v193
1991---VA 661 at VA 683, community of Callaghan in Alleghany County, near I-64 exit 10
v194
1991---Steel embossed border shields along Williamson Rd. in Roanoke
v195
1991---That's the tallest building in Roanoke in the background
v196
1991----Flat shield in same area
v197
1991---Williamson Rd in Roanoke
v198
1993---West side of Wytheville, note the old street sign. Ah, pedaling back in the days of still plentiful cutouts!
v199
1993---Entering Christiansburg, these are long gone......
v200
1994---close up of Radford city signage at VA 177 END
v201
1994---Botetourt County, VA 640, One piece 11 assembly
v202
1994---An odd looking shield probably made by the city of Salem. This is in downtown Salem where US 11 leaves US 460
v203
Yellow arrow flasher close up for US 11 south traffic at VA 8 in Christiansburg
v204
1993---Current Roanoke city signage resembling the past style. 18" marker
v205
1992---Cloverdale, just south of the I-81 interchange 150/ US 220/US 220 ALT junction. Yet another US shield shape variant.
v206
1992----US 460 WEST/US 221 SOUTH-Orange Ave. at US 11/US 11 ALT/VA 116-Williamson Rd in Roanoke.
v207
1992---Troutville
v208
1992
v209
1993
v210
1995
v211
1994
v212
1995
v213
1994
v214
1994
v215
1994
v216
1994
v217
1994
v218
1992
v219
1995
v220
1995
v221
1994---No longer there, a newer installation was erected after the I-81/US 460 interchange # 118 A-B-C was constructed
v222
1994---Just past the VA 8 junction in Christiansburg, this cut out still stands!
v223
1991---13th Street in Roanoke, looking west,(south US 11) at the bridge over the Roanoke River
v224
1991----Same spot as previous photo, looking in the opposite direction
v225
1991---Along Williamson Rd in Roanoke
v226
1995---Entering Pulaski County from Radford City
v227
1991---Steel, embossed border shields along  Brandon Ave at Grandin Rd., Roanoke
v228
2002----Surviving one piece assembly on the east side of Christiansburg near exit 118C of I-81
v229
1991---Downtown Roanoke, although this is BUSINESS US 220
v230
1991---Franklin Ave at Brandon Rd., Roanoke
v231
1995 (Harrisonburg)
v232
2002---It was still there last fall
v233
2000---Commerece Rd approaching Greenville Ave. Staunton
v234
STILL STANDING (but fading fast), this shot about 2002 at VA 758 & F042 (south frontage road of I-81/77)
v235
1993
v236
1994 or so, none of these are still there. This assembly had been moved from across the street.
v237
1993 or so ---note how the 18" VA shield comes to a point at the bottom.
v238
2000
v239
2000---those arrows look like they belong on the old VA destination signs instead
v240
1995--- Another shot while the late afternoon shadows were approaching.....You don't mind seeing it again do you?
v241
1991---US 221 turning from Brambleton Ave. onto Brandon Ave. in Roanoke
v242
1991---Brandon Ave in Roanoke
v243
1991---Close up of the signage at Wells & Williamson near downtown Roanoke
v244
1991---Orange Ave just past the US11-Williamson Rd. intersection. That is I-581/US 220 up ahead & it looks like there must have been a "TO I-581" on this assembly at one time.
v245
1996
v246
1994---Yes, you've seen this one too, back before it was moved for construction then returned to this spot afterwards next to a new building
v247
1996 or so
v248
1994--- Downtown Salem and it's been quite a while (like 1926-1935) since US 311 was last seen in these parts....from nearby Roanoke south on today's US 220 routing.
v249
1994---Right after VA 8 END in Christiansburg
v250
1994 or so before this section of I-81 had exits 118A-B-C & the C-D lanes for the US 460 freeway connection
v251
1992---Dixie Caverns
v252
Downtown Christiansburg around 1991
v253
1992
v254
1995---Salem ,at a point where US 11 NORTH is actually heading near due south
v255
1991---The other set of signs with this distinctive US 460 shape is on the Vintage VA photography page of Adam Prince
v255A
a closer look at what Adam described as a "chipmunk" looking shield.
v256
1994---VA 647 right after I-81 exit 132
v257
1994---One piece assembly at VA 111 END. It should also be signed as BUSINESS US 460 here, but who's going to mess with this giant of a sign?
v258
This was 1991 & "BUSINESS" banners were still not used with the US 460 shields in downtown Christiansburg. BYPASS US 460 was not yet converted to freeway status
v259
1993---At the corner of Main St & Roanoke St. in front of the old Christiansburg Municipal building were the older shields. With the new building came the removal of these with newer cut outs now on the other side of the street
v261
1991
v260
1991---same spot in Salem
v262
1991
v262A
1991---Close-up--How's this for old signage? VA 117 has been extended south since then
v264
1994 -- Dublin
v263
1991
v265
1995---US 11 looking north at a school entrance near Seven Mile Ford
v266
1991---Roanoke, the bridge over the Roanoke River, that sign is an advance left angle turn for US 11 NORTH but even the backs of the cutouts looked good to me
v267
1990---From the Roanoke Civic Center parking lot
v268
1998---Newer signage after crossing US 11 in Salem
v269
1998---VA 927 in western Roanoke County. US 460 is missing here, not only the sign, banner & arrow but the whole right side of the assembly bars. Had they been broken off by a passing vehicle, It should be the left side, don't you think? How did this happen? One of those "Mysteries of the Highways" I guess.
v270
1994---Missed all the TO banners on this shot. VA 623 END at VA 600 near Fairlawn, Pulaski County (still standing)
v271
1991
v272
2000---US 11 looking south at the US 211 turnoff in New Market. All the cut outs that were there in 1995 were gone, but one small secondary sign against the backdrop of the assembly meant I had to get this patriotic shot
v273
1993--Older signals (since replaced) at Roanoke & Main US 11/US 460 BUSINESS, Chriatiansburg
v275
1991---Wells Ave & Williamson Rd near Downtown Roanoke. Best I could do here was a shot from across the street.
v274
1993---Older oversize curve arrow on US 11 SOUTH, approaching Radford
v276
2000---Rockbridge County old sharp pointed arrows
v277
US 11 south past US 340 END in 1995
v278
1995---US 11 SOUTH enter VA
v279
1995---This just looked too good to pass up, even covered over from when it read DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS but still the old posts. US 11 looking north near Edinburg, Shenandoah County
v280
1992----US 11/US 19 SOUTH (& former US 58 WEST before I-81) Very official looking to me!
v281
1995
v282
1999---US 15 BUSINESS SOUTH
v283
1999---a short distance from the previous spot
v284
1999--Looking NORTH on US 15 BUSINESS past the US 460 interchange towards Farmville
v285
1999--US 460 WEST
v286
1999
v287
1999
v288
1999
v289
1994---US 58 WEST/US 221 SOUTH past VA 89 END in Galax. The sun wasn't quite where I wanted it for this shot, 3 ways to keep right.
v290
1996---I was more interested in the black 460 shield here than the other sign while approaching Bluefield on US 19 NORTH/US 460 EAST (Note from H.B. -- wouldn't this be an error? If you are going north on US 19 and east on US 460, you will not encounter any tunnels if you enter I-77 northbound because you will do so in West Virginia. You will encounter the tunnels if you go SOUTH on I-77).
v291
1992----US 11 south at Cloverdale. VA 604 was modernized into US 220 ALTERNATE. Somehow the "olde" doesn't fit in well with the "newe" style street sign here to me.
v292
1993---US 460 BUSINESS WEST about to merge with US 460 BYPASS WEST before this became a freeway interchange on the north side of Christiansburg
v293
1994---VA 611 north of Pulaski (gone, but not forgotten here), I don't know if this was an old state sign or not. This area is now within the Pulaski city maintenance. This one was wood
v294
2003---View along US 220 SOUTH heading towards Covington near the Alleghany/Bath county line
v295
2002----Apparent Virginia Beach city signage along VA 408 NORTH
v296
2002----US 58 EAST approaching VA 408
v297
2002 ----Looking south on Island 1 with the pier and resturant on the CBBT
v298
2002----South US 13-CBBT after leaving Fisherman's Island
v299
2002----poor quality shot as I-64 WEST prepares to join I-81 SOUTH
v300
2002----A shot out the side window as we crossed US 258 on US 460
v301
2000----Nice map detail on  a wooden sign on the Blue Ridge Parkway
v302
1994----Christiansburg town street as a church used these old VA 314 cutouts for a slow/children & speed limit hand painted signs.
v303
1992-----VA 779, Botetourt County near Daleville.
v304
1992----Oversize arrow on US 11 SOUTH/US 460 WEST in Elliston. This particular curve alignment has since been straightened therefore eliminated.
v305
1991---somewhere in Roanoke County
v306
1991---off VA 779 in Botetourt Co.
v307
1994----A different mounting method on the campus of VPI, more commonly refered to as Va. Tech. (VA 314). Was Virginia Polytechnic Institute too tough for them to remember or spell?
v308
1994---VA 314 again
v309
1995---Segment beginning of VA 42 at US 460
v310
1991---Lynchburg signage. Those banners are 18" wide so it appears these are maybe 21" squares for the US routes
v311
1990---Red fire station signals in Roanoke
v312
2000---I sure had a habit of getting too close or being off centered. You'd think all the years I'd been doing this I would have gotten better alignments. Maybe it was too much excitement & I could never hold the camera still enough or point it straight.
v313
1995---Segment of VA 42 END at Newport.
v314
1992----Entering Bedford along the US 460 expressway
v315
1996---Former VA 57 in Martinsville. Another angle of this shot comes later
v316
1992---close up at VA 419 south
v317
1994---VA 717 END at US 52 in northern Wythe County. I equalized the I-77 sign which could hardly be seen at all in the shadow here
v318
1999---VA 675 END south of Hillsville.
v319
1994---Older signs near exit 109 of I-81
v320
1992---Lynchburg
v321
1992---Not even TO "route" 460 as previous VA mileage signs were worded
v322
1993
v323
New next to old around 1995
v324
3 "VILLEs" ahead around 1995
v325
2001---Not sure if I sent this already so in case I didn't....
v326
By the time this was taken, around 1996, US 460 had already been relocated to the new expressway, but like the city of Bluefield, VDOT also had not removed any the US 460 signs along US 19
v327
2000---Blurriness cannot diminish the grand combo of US 17/US 50
v328
2000----When I tried to improve the quality of this photo I came up with this glowing effect. Now if only they were older shields
v329
1993---the old Christiansburg municipal building in the background. These borderless variants are still there
v330
1990---Franklin Ave at Wonju St., Roanoke
v331
1995---If you can't read the sign on the left it's the Wytheville town limits
v332
1997---Along VA 16 NORTH in Tazewell
v333
1999----the way VA 102s are supposed to look
v334
1991----VA 116 NORTH at US 460/ US 11 ALT, Roanoke
v335
1990---Bullitt Ave at 9th St, Roanoke
v336
1990
v337
1995
v338
close up of the v331 shot, once again looking like the post was cut to remove the US 21 shields that once stood here also
v339
2000---US 15 leaves US 522/VA 3 in Culpeper, only a block from US 29
v340
1994 or so, not quite the best spacing arrangement here, VA 16 SOUTH turns right here
v341
1990----Orange Ave in Roanoke. Probably erected prior to US 221 being extended to Lynchburg along this alignment
v342
1991--Elm Ave., Roanoke
v343
1991---Main St., Roanoke
v344
1992---Business US 220 on the north side of Rocky Mount just off the US 220 Bypass
v345
1992---Just past the VA 122 split on the NE side of Bedford
v346
1992---VA 18 END
v347
1992
v348
1992---BUSINESS US 15 leaves BUSINESS US 460 in Farmvllle
v349
1992---Also BUSINESS US 15/460 split. While trying to improve this shot I came up with this "rays of light from Heaven shine down upon VA US cutouts" effect. Had to leave it like this!
v350
2003---VA 600 looking north in the community of Mountain Grove, off VA 39, western Bath County
v351
2002---US 13 NORTH after the CBBT toll station, Kiptopeke
v352
1992---18" marker along VA 634 past the BRP (no connection) in Roanoke County, east of Vinton.
v353
1995----Forgot the exact location along 600 in Pulaski County
v354
1995----Another 18" size oldie at VA 624 END near Belspring in Pulaski County
v355
1995 or so---24" size in Montgomery Co. off VA 114
v356
1994---VA 99 EAST , now within the Pulaski town maintenance jurisdiction, so it is no longer 699
v357
1994---Another one of those reused small size markers at the VDOT yard in Dublin
v358
1994---Leave Christiansburg town limits/enter Montgomery County. This was before the interchange 118A-B-C reconstruction on I-81
v359
1996---VA F048 looking north from US 52/VA 42 at the west side of the I-77 junction near Bland
v360
1992---Roanoke County near the BRP
v361
1995----VA 8 SOUTH in Riner
v362
1994---North of Dublin. VA 747 here is the old US 11. The 747 sign harkens back to the era of the whitewashed pyramid top timber posts & survived after being transfered to a newer post. (gone now)
v363
1994---Here is another 18'' size old timer also transfered to a newer post outside New Castle
v364
2001----Close up of a well preserved 18" size remnant in Big Stone Gap
v365
1994---Max Meadows, BEGIN VA 121 SOUTH
v366
1992---Troutville
v367
1992----Roanoke County east of Vinton
v368
1992---North of Roanoke in Roanoke Co.
v369
1992----These signs marked the town limit line of Troutville in Botetourt County. They were mounted perpendicular to the road, not facing traffic
v370
1992
v371
1992---Fincastle
v372
1992---VA 816 near Daleville
v373
1992---Botetourt Co. VA 640 at ???(can't recall)
v374
1992---Right off I-81 exit 137, VA 112/VA 619 at frontage road
v375
1994---Rural Retreat
v376
another angle
v377
1992---Roanoke County line
v378
1992---This was visible during the winter months from I-81 northbound approaching exit 132 on a dead end. Fighting a few thorn bushes to get this shot proved a minor inconvenience
v379
1992----VA 690 at VA 610 in Rockbridge County which at this time still had numerous old small non-reflective markers such as these. No pyramid top cut on this post though.
v380
1992---At VA 658 in Roanoke Co.
v381
1992---VA 635 at VA 843, Franklin County
v382
1992---At VA 635 in western Rockbridge County
v383
1992---Fincastle
v384
close up of v383
v385
1992---US 11 NORTH, Rockbridge County
v386
another view of v385
v387
1994---Another view on old VA 57 in Martinsville
v388
1992----Unusual to see a secondary route signed in the US & primary state style above a mileage sign with more than one destination.. Also note how an arrow takes the place of a distance less than 1 mile. Located off exit 156 of I-81
v389
1994---VA 682 nearing VA 611 outside Dublin
v390
1992---US 460 EAST/US 221 NORTH just before the routes split on the west side of Bedford
v391
1994---VA 100 NORTH just north of Dublin. Older wayside signs were a non reflective dark blue background such as this.
v392
1994---VA 1330 at VA 747 (old US 11) near Dublin
v393
1993--VA 603 near the Ironto exit # 128 of I-81
v394
1994---In Pulaski county, a simple delineator on the old official post
v395
1994--VA 662 near Newbern in Pulaski Co.
v396
1994---Rural Retreat
v397
1994---VA 600 near Belspring, Pulaski Co.
v398
1994----Hmmm, don't remember where
v399
1993---Ya think?....VA 669 west of Riner, Montgomery Co.
v400
1994---US 11 NORTH heading into Pulaski
v401
1992---VA 779 Roanoke County, also US BIKE ROUTE 76
v403
1992---northeastern Roanoke Co.
v402
1995---VA TECH grounds, making this VA 314, about to pass under US 460
v404
1994---US 11 SOUTH Christiansburg
v405
1992--VA 779 near Daleville
v406
1994---VA 111 Christiansburg
v407
1993---US 11, Pulaski
v409
1993--US 11 NORTH/US 460 EAST about to head down Christiansburg Mountian
v408
1994---town rd off VA 8 Christiansburg
v410
1991---VA 115 in Roanoke
v411
1993---US 460 BUSINESS WEST beyond the VA 111 junction in Christiansburg. The merge of US 460 BYPASS is ahead. This scene is much different now with a full freeway interchange
v412
1992--- Along VA 779 and wherever you find this sign you're almost sure to find a pile of rubbish
v413
1994---US 11 looking south on the west side of Wytheville. Does this mean I just provided undisputed proof of what a dangerous  lawbreaker I really am?
v414
1995---VA 624 just off US 11 near Fairlawn in Pulaski County
v415
1996---Re-entering VA on US 460 EAST in Giles County(also former US 219)
v416
1994---Not a traffic control device but it does have the old official post in green
v417
1999---VA 622
v418
1994---VA 111
v419
1994---US 11 NORTH leaving Radford
v420
1994---Old US 11 entering Dublin (VA 747 south)
v421
1993---"The Straightaway" as it's known in Elliston. US 11 SOUTH/US 460 WEST. If you magnify this shot you can see where someone turned the no parking sign into a smiley face parking sign
v422
1993---Usually the green RESCUE SQUAD sign was accompanied by a red FIRE STATION sign but not here on the campus of VA Tech /VA 314
v423
1993---Some of the lettering on this oldie had faded to the point of the green background showing thru
v425
1994---Pulaski
v424
1995---VA 611 SOUTH heading towards Pulaski
v426
1993---VA 615 SOUTH, south of Christiansburg. Nothing wrong here, right?...or left?
v427
1994---No, it's not "Fo-fifteen", who put the hyphen on this one?
v428
1994---Looking north on US 11 here which is actually more in a southerly direction crossing the New River on the old bridge into Radford
v429
1993---Wytheville off I-77 exit 41, seems like an odd state sign, or city sign
v430
1995---Wytheville Community College, VA 365
v431
1994---Along the old section of US 11, frontage road F047, alongside I-81/US 11 in Pulaski County near the Wythe County line
v432
1994---Usually they paint over the back of a reused sign but not here on VA 600 in Pulaski Co.
v433
1994---Not many of these left
v434
1992----A parking lot in Roanoke. Good 'ol kudzu.
v435
1994---Scene along VA 600 at VA 612 in Pulaski Co.
v436
1991
v437
1994---Small embossed sign along the road to one of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant properties in Pulaski Co.
v438
1994---US 11 SOUTH at JCT VA 90 ahead, near Rural Retreat
v439
1994---When was the last time you saw one of these old type street light fiixtures?
v440
1992
v441
1994---I don't see a side street here, not even a hint of a driveway, do you? Maybe 50 years ago?
v442
1994---VA F047, old VA 100 north appraching I-81/VA 100, exit 98, Dublin
v443
1994---US 11 SOUTH entering Pulaski County. A lot has changed here. With the construction of new dual bridges over the New River, the beacons are gone. So is VA 715
v444
1994---VA 747 in Dublin
v445
1992--Note the pointy decoration on the bottom of the right beacon in Salem
v446
1992
v447
1990---Roanoke
v448
1992---"Olde" VA 604 approaching US 11 at Cloverdale
v449
1995---Current 18'' size marker resembling the old all white style in Roanoke
v450
1992----View looking straight up from VA 651 in Botetourt Co.
v451
1992 or so
v453
1991----Old syle 24" size after the I-581/US 220 interchange
v452
1992----I sure misfocused this shot at US 460/US 11 ALT at VA 419 in Salem. And how about that "divider line" between the 81 & 419 shields? At least you can still see that
v454
1991
v455
1993---Pearisburg, BUSINESS US 460 EAST/VA 100 SOUTH, heading downtown and a familiar sight of someone standing by wondering why this weirdo is taking a picture of a road sign.
v456
1991---Not often you'd see a side road with a MSS advisory sign. VA 24 EAST near the BRP
v458
1978---I don't remember if this was after the state line or the first exit in VA, but it was the original way they did the interstate markings. The same black outline US or VA shields used on the BGS's were also used in this fashion as ground mounted confirmation or reassurance.
v457
1992---VA 118 near the Roanoke Airport
v459
1978---"I'd walk a mile for a small Virginia secondary route sign". Well actually, in this case I did, while the others were having dinner at the fast food, off exit (now)16 of I-64, I skipped eating to get this shot & get back in time before they left. Ah! the power of the VA secd. rtes.!
v460
1978---On the walk back from the previous shot there was this one that got my eye
v461
1977---First time I had seen signs embedded or painted or otherwise attached to the pavement on this bike path paralleling US 60 in Virginia Beach
v462
1977---One of the towns along old US 13 on the Delmarva peninsula of VA
v463
1977---Near Martin's Siding in Northampton County
v464
1977---South side of Exmore, near US 13
v465
1977----US 13 SOUTH, How did I get across with a bicycle? 6 hours hitchiking, 3 in the late afternoon, 3 more the next morning...
v466
1977---US 13 SOUTH
v467
1976---Not sure which exit off I-95, might be US 17 as I can only read "Fredricksburg" on the background sign. These were the first of the logo signs, note how small they started out compared to today
v468
1976---I can't recall which exit this was either, somewhere along I-95 between the beltway & Fredricksburg
v469
1976---In the opposite direction of the last photo
v470
1976----A stop at the toll station allowed me to get this most excellent shot, dude!
v471
1976----This one, off US 301, was for my state highway section which I never completed
v472
1973----Back to the black & white polaroid film days. I-95 NORTH at the welcome center
v473
1973---Somewhere along US 58 EAST out of Emporia
v474
1973---Near Oyster in Northampton County
v475
1971----Now here are the probable original styles, steel with an embossed border, numbers painted on the flat surface, and less of a rounded corner radius. This matched the style of the early US & VA embossed border cutouts with numbers only in the shield. Taken in Prince William County. These particular ones are backed with a piece of wood.
v476
1971----Hanover County, the embossed border style with the all flat style
v478
1969----VA 651 at 670, Fairfax County
v477
1969- ---VA 644 at the beltway
v480
1969---VA 644 at 611, Fairfax Co.
v479
1969---Same intersection as v478
v482
1969---VA 655 at 701, Fairfax Co.
v481
1969---VA 670 at 832, Fairfax Co.
v483
1969---Up close & personal
v484
1969---Fairfax County, I-66 from the VA 655 overpass, I think this was looking west. I wonder how different it looks now?
v485
1969---Intersection of US 29/50/211/VA 237. US 211 is no longer here
v486
1969---Thanks to photo studio I was able to really improve this shot out the passenger window as we drove past.
v487
1969---Hanover County, VA 785 at 780
v488
1969----Atlee, in southern Hanover County
v489
1969----Louisa along US 33/VA 22
v490
1969----Most likely in Prince William County, but the numbers on the county map don't correspond.
v491
1969---Same thing here, I have this marked as 621 at 802, but it doesn't match up even though the numbers intersect.
v492
1969---Hanover County VA 780 at 753, here again is the older embossed border style
v494
1969----These next 4 are poor quality as they are from prints made from slides, but I'm sending them anyway....Not sure on this location
v493
1969----Entering  VA on US 301 SOUTH
v495
1969---color shot of the same sign as on Adam's page
v496
1969---about the best I could get this to come out
v497
1969----US 50 EAST 2 left lanes US 29/211/VA 237 right lane
v497A
This is the best I could improve that last shot
v498
1989---one of the 4 overlooked from 1989. US 52 NORTH
v499
On the exit ramp of SOUTH US 52, the fading black paint around the shields shows their age here as originally all white backgrounds
v500
along US 52
v501
US 52 at the BRP

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