Lawton’s Honor Street Nameplates Get a New Color Scheme | news

Public works officials say the existing code specifically exempts arterial roads, streets with section lines, and streets with a continuous name through the city (like West Lee Boulevard) from the policy. However, there is one thoroughfare that bears a honorary name (South 11th Street/Fort Sill Boulevard) that has been designated Heroes Boulevard, so the city government recommends removing the restriction to thoroughfares, section lines, and through streets.

Existing rules – which remain in effect – dictate that those seeking an honorific must focus on the shortest possible segment and not disrupt the existing name. Such applications are analyzed by city officials before being submitted to City Council for processing.

Streets Superintendent Cliff Haggenmiller said the bigger problem is the fact that Lawton’s color code doesn’t match Federal Highway Commission guidelines. These federal guidelines specify that commemorative or dedicated plaques must have a white legend and border on a brown background, while Lawton’s code requires a white reflective background and green font.

Haggenmiller said the color scheme is part of federal efforts to create a nationwide unified traffic sign system “to reduce driver confusion.” He said universal color schemes are why stop signs are always red, while give-way signs are always yellow.

Haggenmiller said after the amended code goes into effect in 30 days, the city’s streets department will update all existing street designation honorifics with those that correspond to the white and brown colors. The exception is the Heroes Boulevard signs, which will remain as is.

Street signs are made by city employees in the public works yard.

Lawton City officials also stressed that the city will maintain its policy against renaming existing streets in the city. In the past, councilors have said that renaming streets creates confusion and creates a tremendous amount of work for residents on those streets as they scramble to update everything that contains their addresses.