Take a minute to think about how many street signs there are across the city. Two or more at every intersection, with additional posts sprinkled in here and there — our basic math says, that’s a lot.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at the process of making these graphics inside the department’s North Portland maintenance facility.
There, digital printers, an applicator, and a large cutting machine are used to create street name designs. Ultraviolet protection and anti-graffiti measures are also added to extend the life of each sign to 12 years (and beyond in some cases).
Residents of Southeast Franklin Street, this one’s for you.
Gif by @pbotinfo
To report a missing or damaged street sign, reach out to dispatchers at pdxreporter.org, call (503) 823-1700, or email pdxroads@portlandoregon.gov.
According to PBOT, the sign maker is fabricating approx. 500 signs a week ahead of a mass update this fall. Where would we be without them? No really, we’re lost...