Where's Billy Joel when you need him?

Because clearly I'm not in a New York State Of Mind, and I could use some explanations!

First, why don't they number freeway exits like they do everywhere else I've seen -- by the mile marker? The ones I encountered on my way to Niagara Falls are numbered sequentially and have nothing to do with mile markers. I was quite confused for a little while there.

Second, what's with the speed limit signs? On the interstate, I see ones that just say 65 mph. Then I see some that say "State speed limit 55." Then I see others that say "City speed limit 35." Okay, the city ones make sense. But how does it make sense that the state speed limit is 55 and then there are some highways inside the state with a 65 mph speed limit?

Third, who thought it was a good idea to create toll bridges that only have automated lanes for people with electronic toll collection devices, and then put up signs that say "dial **826 to pay by mail and avoid fines?" So crossing the bridge I'm saying "star star eight two six" over and over so that I don't forget it, and then pulling into a parking lot as soon as I can after crossing the bridge so that I don't forget to do it.

Okay, venting over.

The drive through Buffalo was foggy. Not so foggy that I couldn't see to drive, but gray all around with tops of buildings disappearing into clouds. Then, magically, as soon as I got out of Buffalo, the air cleared. By the time I got to Niagara Falls, the sun was out! So I went for a walk. I'm still moving slowly and a bit painfully, but at least I can go for a walk.

So far, my favorite part is the rapids near my hotel. Video of the rapids and falls doesn't really do them justice, but I find these clips enjoyable to watch and listen to anyway: https://youtu.be/PmzBEIwqaNY If you don't want to indulge in the video, here's a still shot of one view:


Today has been rainy and chilly and I've felt like staying cozy inside and relaxing and napping. The weather is supposed to improve tomorrow, so I may feel more adventurous about exploring the various attractions.



Comments

  1. UnknownMay 15, 2018 at 9:51 PM

    California used to number freeway exits the same way as you describe. My understanding is that the change to correspond to mileage had to do with a federal mandate. Fed funds would have been withheld if the change wasn't made .So I guess the change hasn't come to upstate New York yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. vanishingpointkmMay 16, 2018 at 3:30 AM

      Do you remember about when that happened? I can remember at some point that it was an epiphany for me that exit numbers matched mile markers, but I have no recollection of when that was or whether it coincided with a change it how it was done, or just with new awareness on my part.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMay 16, 2018 at 6:22 PM

      Here's a link to an article about it: http://articles.latimes.com/2002/jan/16/local/me-22909
      Among other things, it says this:
      The Federal Highway Administration has required such a numbering system for all states since the late 1950s. But at that time, California had already built an extensive freeway system and thus was exempt from the federal guidelines.

      Delete
    3. UnknownMay 16, 2018 at 6:23 PM

      Not sure why it doesn't appear as an active link above but you can copy and paste it into the address bar and it should work.

      Delete
  2. UnknownMay 27, 2018 at 4:04 PM

    The default speed limit incCalifornia, unless otherwise posted, is 55.

    ReplyDelete

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