NORTH and 
SOUTH at 
and 
NORTH End of 32 (September 13, 2002-present)/
SOUTH End of 386 (September 13, 2002-July 1, 2003):
Stoplight, US 52/IA 3, Sageville, Dubuque County
Odd.
That about expresses my thoughts when Jason Hancock sent me these pictures. Although all were put up at (near?) the same time, there are quite a few differences between similar signs and everything just seems...a bit off. See if you think the same. (Of course, replacing all the 386 shields doesn't help for uniformity.) Clockwise from about 7 o'clock:
End 32
Facing northeast, but heading north, on 32
Photo by Jason Hancock
Here, the numbers are uniform, but small. This is not the normal sign font.
Facing northeast, but heading north, on 32
Photo by Jason Hancock
Facing northeast, but heading north, on 32
Photo by Jason Hancock
Notice that Bellevue is listed instead of Dubuque, even though we are not in Dubuque yet.
Facing northeast, but heading north, on 32
Photo by Jason Hancock
Since IA 32 is a four-lane highway for its entire length, it has freeway-style mile markers.
52/3 South/East
Facing southeast on 52/3
Photo by Jason Hancock
Compare this sign to the one on US 65 NB at 330 and 117. Here, missing black borders around shields notwithstanding, the "Junction" seems too small, and the differing font sizes are weird.
Facing southeast on 52/3
Photo by Jason Hancock
Small arrows, a different-style US shield, and is there a bracket shortage?
End 386
Facing southwest on 386
Photo by Jason Hancock
Back to all little numbers again.
Facing southwest on 386
Photo by Jason Hancock
Can you spot the sign goof in this picture?*
Facing southwest on 386
Photo by Jason Hancock
The shoulder seems plenty wide enough to have a right-turn lane, but perhaps it was felt unwarranted. Off to the right is where 386 used to end, but that roadway has been removed. At least now this end doesn't have a redundant 52/3 assembly.
Facing northeast on 386
Photo by Jason Hancock
Turn around from the above picture and you will see this. Although it appears someone intended a directional marker to be placed, there isn't one, leaving 386, as Jason says, "with a grand total of zero directional markers on the entire route." This is due to the fact that 386's "north" end is southwest of its northernmost point, and in fact both ends face southwest.
52/3 North/West
Facing northwest on 52/3
Photo by Jason Hancock
The American Veterans Memorial Highway designation is for 3. Just like southbound, there's a size difference on the "Junction" sign.
Facing northwest on 52/3
Perhaps it's an illusion, but there seems to be more space between letters and around the outside than usual.
Facing northwest on 52/3
Photo by Jason Hancock
...for a grand total of zero brackets, and 100% small single-direction arrows, at this intersection.
To the IA 32 South End / To the IA 386 North and former South End
All pictures by Jason Hancock: 12/24/02
Page created 2/27/03; last updated 2/27/04
*The yellow sign says "Divided Highway Ends" while the division is actually beginning; notice the "Keep Right" sign.