The placement of word messages is dependent on the type of freeway guide sign. For most guide signs, word messages are centered on the vertical axis of the sign (Figure 4‑21).

The placement of word messages on an Exit Direction sign depends on the location of the arrow. If the arrow is the only character in the bottom line of copy (preferred), the word messages should be centered on the vertical axis of the sign (Figure 4‑22).

If the word message and the arrow are the only line of copy on the sign, the word message and arrow should be correctly spaced laterally and centered on the sign (Figure 4‑23).

If the arrow is located on the right or left side of the sign, the longest word message should be correctly spaced laterally with the arrow and centered on the vertical axis of the sign. The smaller lines of copy should then be centered with the longest word message (Figure 4‑24). Route sign and arrow placement for Exit Direction signs is discussed later in this chapter.

The placement of word messages on interchange sequence series and distance signs is based on lateral border spacing and has equal edge-spacing left and right for all message lines, regardless of message length. The lateral spacing between two words should be equal to the uppercase letter or capital letter in the given line of text. For the longest word message and associated mileage numeral, the lateral spacing between the word message and the mileage numeral should be equal to 1.5 times the uppercase or capital letter height in the given line of text, and the whole line should be centered on the sign. The remaining word messages should be left justified with the longest word message and the associated mileage numerals should be right justified (Figure 4‑25).