ROAD SIGNS OF NEW MEXICO

All photos taken by Mark O'Neil unless otherwise noted

Created December 6, 2002

INTERSTATE SIGNS

Current New Mexico interstate sign. New Mexico is one of a handful of states that still puts the state name on its signs, although some new generic signs are being posted. (My collection).

US HIGHWAY SIGNS

US routes markers from the 1940's - early 60's were an interim style. Older embossed blanks were used along with reflective sticker indicating the numbers. This was another (albeit scarcer) style that only had an embossed border and a screened legend and route number (from Ebay, owner unknown).

Older fully embossed, non-reflective US marker. This style was used from 1926 until the late 1940's when they were replaced by semi-reflective signs. (photo by Joe Koehler).

STATE HIGHWAY SIGNS

Current style New Mexico route marker. The sun is very harsh on the red 'Zia' symbol (ironically it's a sun symbol) Many signs on the road are missing the Zia (my collection).

(November 2001) Santa Teresa, NM. Larger 36" signs uses a modified Zia with shorter rays. Three digit signs simply use a smaller font, no extended signs are used.

Interim style NM state route marker from the 1950's as described above in the US-84 section. The route number is silkscreened on a reflective cream-colored Scotchlite sticker and placed on a blank embossed sign. Fully embossed signs in this style were used from the late 1920's until the late 1940's. Earliest signs may have had a yellow background, if 1920's Official NM maps are accurate (Photo from Ebay, owner unknown).

(November 2001) Santa Teresa, NM. State route signs on green signs omit the Zia symbol.

COUNTY HIGHWAY SIGNS

(November 2001) Tucumcari, NM. Counties that number their routes use the standard blue pentagonal county route marker.

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