The Driving Times

For many newer highway drivers, arguably the most confusing sign in state to state travel is the interstate or highway business loop. Perhaps underpublicized in Drivers Ed courses, business loops will often lead an inexperienced driver to exit the interstate/highway prematurely, thinking the interstate/highway itself is diverging, with intentions of staying on the current route.So what is the purpose of this unintentional trick played on those unfamiliar with the concept? As you may have noticed, many highways and interstates try to stick to the outskirts of cities and towns, away from prominent financial/industry segmented districts. Business loops, also known as business routes or, in more rare instances, city routes, branch off from the heavy flow of highway traffic and take passengers on a trek into this area of the city before reconnecting them back to the main transportation freeway. Branch off, divert, then return, hence a loop.Particularly misleading about business loops is their similar signage to the routes they intersect with. For example, business loops that connect to an interstate are designated by the same 4-pointed shield shape, with the words “Business Route,” “Business or “BUS” printed on a separate rectangular sign or wherever direction indicators such as “East” or “West” would otherwise be. Not to mention, there is no change in number. For example, both I-70 and Business Loop 70 both have a large “70″ clearly displayed on their emblem.To help eliminate driver confusion, Interstate Business Loops opt for a green shield to replace the red, white and blue markings of the Interstate itself. Many states are starting to opt for green colored markings or state routes as well, recognizing the susceptibility of drivers unfamiliar with the area to be misled by uniformly colored signs.On the bright side, if you do find yourself accidentally exiting on a business loop, by simply following the road ahead you will inevitably redirect your path back to proper direction, as long as you have a little time to spare.

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