Freeway guide signs and conventional guide signs are based on different philosophies, as explained below:

Freeway Guide Signs.

The major emphasis of freeway signing is on destinations. Control cities and street names provide the primary exiting information for drivers. Route signs and cardinal directions are used in freeway signing, but they are not emphasized to the same extent as control cities and street names. Guidance information, such as the destination (control city, street, or highway), is provided in advance of the exit. Information is shown in Advance Guide signs and repeated in Exit Direction signs.

Conventional Guide Signs.

The major emphasis of conventional guide signing is on highway class, number, and cardinal direction. This information is provided at the intersection where the maneuver is performed. Destination information (cities) is provided in advance of the intersection and is not repeated at the intersection.