A small team of three people in the Public Works Department’s sign-making team produces thousands of signs for the City of San Antonio each year. According to Marc Jacobsen, the assistant director of Public Works, the team makes around 8,000 signs annually and purchases another 10,000 signs.

Sign-Making Process

The team makes speed limit and stop signs the most. The process of making a sign can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. The team starts by setting up the file for each sign’s design, then sends it to the vinyl-cutting process. After the vinyl is cut, the next step is weeding, where they remove the excess vinyl.

The team then uses transfer tape, cuts off any excess, and places the wording on the sign, then transfers the design to the physical sign. Finally, the team removes all air bubbles to ensure the transfer tape is fully in contact with the vinyl. They peel the backing to ensure the vinyl stays stuck to the transfer tape, then use a machine to push down the vinyl onto the backing to finalize the sign.

Street Name Change Process

The department also works on street name signs and has been in the loop on the proposal to rename César E. Chávez Boulevard. The process to change the name of César E. Chávez Boulevard begins with a Council Consideration Request, which Councilmember Teri Castillo has already submitted to rename the street from César E. Chávez Boulevard to Durango Boulevard.

The Historic and Design Review Commission approved the name change, with only one person voting against the measure. The planning commission will vote on the name change, and in August, City Council will vote on it. The Development Services Department will work to ensure that those signs can be ordered and installed once the final decision is made.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.