PennDOT Forced to Reprint Highway Sign After Typo

Drivers in Philadelphia recently noticed a typo on a sign on I-95 Southbound directing them to “Cenrtal Phila.” The new sign was installed near where the highway collapsed last year.

Drivers could surely figure out what it was meant to say. And for many, their brains could even re-arrange the letters and they might not even notice. But it’s still a bad look for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

The mistake went regionally viral on social media, with local accounts jokingly welcoming visitors to Cenrtal Philadelphia, and chastising them with “You had one job, PennDOT.”

PennDOT issued a public apology on X, chalking the mistake up to rushing to get the sign up after the highway construction.

We were so focused on getting this done and reopening the 95 Cottman ramp that we moved a little too quickly...and forgot to proofread.

Sorry, Philadelphia. https://t.co/9hxxzLsoaj pic.twitter.com/KZdNnYASgB

— PA Department of Transportation (@PennDOTNews) June 25, 2024

The sign was immediately taken down and re-printed. It was a quick turnaround, and not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. But it’s a lesson for printers and decorators that mistakes do happen, even on simple things like signs.

In an era where rush jobs and quick turnarounds are common, it’s necessary to take the time to proofread, check colors and perform other quality control measures. PennDOT was able to have the sign re-printed, but still had to spend the money to do so. In a promotional products campaign, a misprint means dead stock and unhappy customers, plus the money to have products re-decorated or reprinted.