We could talk about Connecticut and how they removed all tolls in 1988 or maybe how it was only in 1998 that they raised the maximum speed limit to 65mph. In 2023, three parts of I-95 ranked in the top 25 busiest corridors in the nation. Maybe we could talk about how in spite of, or maybe because of, these things, Connecticut has some of the lowest transportation-related fatalities in the nation. Instead, let’s brighten up our weekly content with something light-hearted and frankly, just plain cute, like how Connecticut recently changed up their welcome signs on seven different highways to highlight unique successes of this little state.
Last month, on September 24th, Connecticut unveiled a series of welcome signs on 7 main entry points to the state. These spots are I-85 and I-95 from NY, I-91, I-84, and I-395 from Massachusetts, and I-95 and US Route 6 from Rhode Island. Most state signs stick with one key slogan and have that slogan reproduced on all the signs but not Connecticut! Instead, four different features are highlighted on the signs—with a few of them repeated.
The first sign announces Connecticut as “Home of the Pizza Capital of the United States” and of course this sign is posted for those entering from New York. Seemingly done in a competitive spirit, New Haven actually IS the pizza capital, at least it was proclaimed to be so on February 9th of this year by Rep. Rosa DeLauro. Pizza Today has written about how Connecticut is home to the best pizza in the US, and there are six locations that have been rated in the top 50 in the nation. The pizza pride goes so far that New Haven offers a Pizza Trail and a Pizza Tour, complete with classes at the New Haven Pizza School.
If you enter from Massachusetts, the welcome sign reads, “home of the basketball capital of the world.” This past April, Rep. Joe Courtney congratulated Storrs UConn Huskies for their second national championship win, and the women’s team’s 23rd final four appearance. Does it warrant being called “the basketball capital of the world” after two wins? Some disagree, but why not just let folks be excited about their state wins? If Connecticut wants to be the basketball capital of the world, maybe they’ll be inspired to live up to the name. Regardless, they’ve been doing well and that deserves a round of applause.
Back in 2016, Groton, Connecticut celebrated their “submarine century,” to commemorate the centennial anniversary of our nation’s first submarine base and Naval Submarine School. They are not only the first submarine base but also house 22 submarines and our nation’s first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus. Even Naval Petty Officer, 1st Class James Pearson has gotten special attention for his submarine based murals and artwork. The Submarine Committee keeps this unique Groton history alive by hosting events to inform and educate the public on a century's worth of submarine design, building, and innovation. Throughout the state, various businesses also keep the theme alive. In addition, to the submarine base, there are the two submarine squadrons, the Regional Support Group maintenance facility, the Navy Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, the Submarine Force Library & Museum, and now, the UWDC (Undersea Warfighting Development Center) which makes regular worldwide fleet and undersea operations on a daily basis.
Finally, the only Connecticut sign that isn’t doubled up is the one from US Route 6, for the folks entering from Rhode Island: “Welcome to Connecticut, Stop for a bite in the Foodie Capital of the New England.” Unlike the others, which claim to be a capital across the nation and the world, this one focuses just on New England. This is a fair choice since the reason for this sign is not as far reason as their other qualities. Chef David Standridge was awarded the James Beard Award, granted annually by the James Beard Foundation for notable chefs, restauranteurs, authors, and journalists. Previously a Manhattan resident, Standridge opened Cafe Clover and Clover grocery centering his menu on overall wellness. He also worked under Joel Robuchon in New York, where they earned two Michelin stars. Now located in Mystic, Connecticut, Chef Standridge is known for his sea to table restaurant that prioritizes offering sustainable local seafood, The Shipwright’s Daughter. He definitely deserves his notoriety, and Connecticut feels so strongly about it that they’ve put it on one of their state welcome signs!
Whichever way you decide to enter Connecticut, remember that Interstate Signways has been here for over half a century, making the signs that not only guide the way, but greet you when you enter!
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