Sign Making in Kane County: A Look at the Changing Technology of Road Sign Production
At the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT), a dedicated team of three to four workers in two trucks covers 800 lane miles of road every week. Their job? To inspect and maintain the county's 16,500 road signs, making sure they are safe, visible, and in good condition. Along with an on-site check, the county uses a sophisticated computer system to track the sign's location, age, cost, and even damage history. That allows KDOT to pinpoint signs that may need relocation to prevent recurring damage.
Three years ago, the county switched to a new sign-making system using a 3M printer, replacing a process that was over 30 years old. The new system eliminates waste and streamlines the process—what once took ten steps now only requires three. Not only does the printer allow for multiple signs to be produced at once, but it also uses a new film that comes with a manufacturer's guarantee that the sign's reflectivity will last for 20 years. The signs are marked as KDOT property along with the year they were made inside the reflective film, which helps determine ownership and deter theft, especially in rural areas where sign theft can be a concern.
This all adds up to significant cost savings for the County.
“On a standard 36x36 inch sign, Kane County saves $25.64 per sign using the new method of sign production," according to KDOT Maintenance Superintendent Michael Way. “Additionally, time is saved too. The old process took us about 45 minutes per sign, while the new system cuts that time down to just 25 minutes." 
The county typically prints upwards of 10 signs at once, keeping an inventory of extras on hand for quick replacement.
The new system also enhances emergency response efforts. During the devastating 2011 Joplin, Missouri, tornado, the loss of directional and street signs created major issues for emergency responders unfamiliar with the area.
“In Kane County, the new system enables KDOT to produce over 100 signs in under an hour, ensuring that critical signage can be restored quickly," said Way. The department has even collected dozens of unwanted political and campaign signs, which can be repurposed as temporary signage in times of need.
This shift in sign-making methods is a prime example of how innovation, efficiency, and cost-saving measures can have an impact on local government operations. With new technology, Kane County is ready to meet both the day-to-day and emergency needs of its roads and residents.
The sign shop, along with the rest of KDOT operations, is based in Campton Hills. Learn more at https://kdot.kanecountyil.gov/Pages/Default.aspx.
