[Talk-us] Pennsylvania's quadrant routes

[Minh Nguyen]

On 2015-01-19 00:50, Paul Johnson wrote:
> Are they actually separate networks, though?  Just because there's more
> digits doesn't a different network make.

What distinguishes the various networks that a given agency maintains? 
For our purposes, I think we're most interested in:

1. Significant differences in signage (signage type, shield designs, 
bannered routes)
2. Potential overlaps in numbering

Given the extra digits, #2 is unlikely, but the quadrant routes are 
signed very differently than ordinary state routes. It looks like 
they're only indicated as secondary information on out-of-the-way 
mile-markerish signs. (It also appears that conventionally one is 
prefixed "PA" while the other is prefixed "SR".)

For example, here's a directional sign for PA 443:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougtone/4176740362/

There's a quadrant route number on the marker beneath it. It's the 
four-digit number next to "SR", above "210". Unlike "PA 443", "SR 3009" 
is inappropriate for how OSM clients use the `ref` tag. It might be 
worth mapping inasmuch as bridge inventory numbers are worth mapping, 
but I agree with James that we should keep mappers from conflating the 
two systems. And if the solution starts with `ref:penndot`, there's no 
need to square that with route networks in other states. :-)

-- 
minh at nguyen.cincinnati.oh.us