Virginia 135 (1980) Road Sign Decal: A Visual Journey Through Virginia's Past

This vinyl kiss-cut decal authentically recreates the classic Virginia Route 135 road sign as it appeared in 1980. The design instantly evokes the familiar feel of Virginia's roadways during the late 20th century.

Design Elements and Meaning

The artwork centers around the distinctive Virginia state shield shape, a powerful symbol of the Commonwealth. The arched top and flat bottom, along with the central point, are immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with Virginia's highways. The white background, rendered with a reflective quality, mirrors the reflective sheeting mandated by the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) in the 1970s, which provides visibility on Virginia's roads even at night. This background provides a clear canvas for the bold signage.

The black border that outlines the entire shield gives the artwork a defined structure that contrasts with the white background. This bold outline helps the sign stand out, ensuring clear visibility and recognizability at a distance, a key function of road signage. The black and white combination creates a classic, timeless aesthetic.

At the top of the shield, the small, uppercase "VIRGINIA" lettering provides context. The large, bold black numeral "135" that is centered gives the route its identity. These bold numerals denote the specific highway. The numerals are centrally displayed, conveying clarity and ease of recognition. It represents a specific path for travel, directing drivers and marking its route.

The overall design reflects the practicality and clarity of 20th-century road signage, while the shield itself and the state's name establish its location. It's a snapshot of a moment in time, a reminder of a specific highway, and the visual language of navigation.