What’s the deal with those clever, punny road signs in metro Denver?
Colorado Public Radio••nation
Key Points:
- Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) along E-470 in the Denver metro area display creative, pun-filled safety messages crafted by a small team at the E-470 headquarters in Aurora, rather than using AI-generated content.
- The team, led by Shelby Costello and Emily Young, spends significant time brainstorming messages that are both entertaining and concise enough to fit on the signs while emphasizing driver safety.
- E-470’s status as a toll-funded road, not receiving federal or state funding, allows it more flexibility to use creative signage compared to most highways that must adhere strictly to Federal Highway Administration regulations.
- Some messages, like a Halloween-themed “Skeleton X-ing” sign, were quickly removed after causing driver confusion and concern, highlighting
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