New Exit Sign Project Starting on Route 9 on Jan. 23

January 20, 2023

What's in a number? New signs are coming to Route 9. The “big reveal” is nearing. Beginning Jan. 23 (weather permitting) the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) will finally be switching over to the new numbering system along Route 9.
 

I’ve written about this issue before (see previous communication HERE) but to summarize: This is a federally-mandated program. The State of Connecticut must comply with a national exit numbering system that is based on miles from a starting point (in this case, I-95) and not a numerical order.

While this strikes many of us as counterintuitive, it is becoming the national standard. If you’ve traveled out of the state recently, you may have already seen this elsewhere. With GPS tracking the prevalent way of navigation (and yes, we could argue this for hours, says someone who still likes to read maps) it is, never-the-less, the way of the future. It is said to help emergency vehicle drivers more easily locate an accident, among other things.

Here’s an excerpt from a DOT news release:

"These projects consist of the exit renumbering and replacement of highway signs along the Route 9 corridor that have reached or exceeded their useful life. The exits are being renumbered to mileage-based numbering to conform to Federal standards and is part of a multi-year effort on all of the State’s highways. Motorists can expect to see both old and new exit numbers displayed throughout the transition for a few days while work progresses. To expedite the transition this work will be performed by two state contractors simultaneously. Variable message signs will be advising motorists in the area for the week prior to work. The work is anticipated to be completed within three weeks.”

 

Please expect some traffic delays, as the right lane may be periodically shut down. And have patience with the State workers - this wasn’t their idea! Here’s a chart of how the converted numbers will look:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
860-594-2560
DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov
Operating Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.