FAQs - Distance Signs on primary highways other than freeway
For Distance Signs there are two categories of primary highways--interstate and intrastate.
Primary INTERSTATE highways are roadways that keep their route number designation after they cross the state line. A primary INTRASTATE highway is one that has its entire length within the state.
Select a question below to reveal the answer.
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What cities are shown on the Distance Sign?
Distance Signs may contain up to three lines of legend.
Primary interstate highway
The top line is the next incorporated community on or adjacent (within one mile of the highway) to the route.
The middle line is the next county seat or incorporated community of 1000 or more population on or adjacent to the route.
The bottom line is the next incorporated community of 15,000 or more population on or adjacent to the route. An out of state community may be listed or the distance to the state line may be shown.
Primary intrastate highway
The top line is the next incorporated community on or adjacent to the route.
The middle line is the next county seat or incorporated community of 500 or more population on or adjacent to the route.
The bottom line is the next incorporated community of 5,000 or more population on or adjacent to the route. Only two lines will be shown on the sign if no communities of this size or on or adjacent to the route.
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Where are Distance Signs installed?
The Distance Sign is typically installed at the corporate limit of incorporated communities, as you are leaving the community. The sign may be omitted if the proposed location is in close proximity to a primary road intersection.
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How is the mileage measured?
The mileage shown on distance signs is the distance to a point near the center of the community. A public building such as a post office, city hall or courthouse is used as a point of reference for the center of the community. The mileage is rounded to the nearest mile.
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How do I request a Distance Sign for a primary highway (other than a Freeway)?
Please send a written request to the appropriate
Iowa DOT District Office. Include in your request a description of the sign message you are requesting and the location where you would like the sign installed.
