Red street name signs in Mesa's Fiesta district (Chandler: neighborhood, transportation)

[Pink Jazz]

We were recently driving on US 60 in Mesa, and looking at the lighted street name signs off the exits in Mesa's Fiesta district, they are RED. If anyone thought Chandler's brown signs were odd, this is the only time I have ever seen red street name signs.

I wonder what was the reason for Mesa choosing red street name signs for the Fiesta district. I wonder what AZDOT feels about them.

In New Mexico, NMDOT was ticked off by Albuquerque's decision of using blue street name signs on a state highway (NM 448), when state highway laws require them to be green.

[CodyW]

I like when cities play with the stoplight and sign designs for special districts. Details like these can do a great deal to change the vibe and atmosphere of a place.

I imagine they meet transportation guidelines, but ADOT really only has control over state highways, so I'm not sure they can do much about what happens on city streets.

[Jukesgrrl]

I agree with CodyW. Especially if a city is investing money to improve a city neighborhood and/or highlight it for a particular use, it seems like a great PR move. Lots of places put up banners or flags, but new street signs seem like a serious investment that signals the determination of whomever designated this as the Fiesta District. I say, "Ole!"

[AZ bound]

While I can understand the character aspect of the intent, there are purposes for having standardized color for signs.
When I'm looking for street names to get to a destination, I key in on the color green.
It's hard enough having to deal with traffic, distractions, and responsibly drive, without having to use valuable seconds to adjust for color.
Of course this is coming from the position of a professional driver.
I would hate to someday explain to a cop that I didn't see the pretty purple stop sign.

[CodyW]

I think there's a difference. Signs that deal with traffic laws themselves never change. They're standardized to the book. You're not allowed to alter a stop sign. Road name signs are, for all intents and purposes, NOT required from a city standpoint. They are meant to guide and aid motorists. Yet still, there are some major intersections (particularly on the northwest side) that are not fully signed.

It's a matter of finding where you're going. We're not talking state and federal highway regulations here. Those stay green. A city stoplight, owned and paid for by the city, placed by the city, can have a sign in any color, or none at all. Just as long as the lights are still red, yellow, and green.

As for finding your way.. I've never really had a problem with it. As long as it's legible. Some colors are bad for that. Red isn't the perfect color, but neither is green, honestly. Besides, more and more people are using GPS, right? :P