Follow The Directional Signs ... Unless You're In Southern Enfield [UPDATED]

UPDATE, 4/30/25, 6 p.m.

The signs have been fixed! In an email reply to Patch's initial query about the incorrect signage, DOT Special Services Section Manager George Santos wrote, "Thank you for reaching out and informing us about the signing error out on Route 5 near the East Windsor border. We have since sent out our CTDOT Signs & Markings crew to correct the issue. This was, as you had identified, an error on the contractor’s part made when installing the new signs. We have notified them of the error and asked them to be a bit more aware when out providing these installations. Please let me know if you have any further questions regarding this."

Original Story

ENFIELD, CT — I begin this column with a confession: I'm not exactly a modern technology whiz. Having grown up in the era of 8-track tapes, rotary dial telephones and bell bottoms, I'm considered to be somewhat of a dinosaur, particularly when it comes to electronics. When I'm out for a long drive, I still use road maps and follow street signs.

I realize those methods are pretty much obsolete, and something I noticed this weekend has convinced me to move into the 21st century and learn how to use a global positioning system (GPS) when navigating unfamiliar roads. Fortunately, I know my hometown of Enfield inside out, and could probably get anywhere with a blindfold on, but for those out-of-towners who are as unfamiliar with a GPS as me, they could be in trouble in a certain spot in the southern end of town if they are reliant on signage for direction.

On the section of Route 5 known as King Street, there has always been a pair of directional signs directly across from the junction of Depot Hill Road: 5 North and 5 South. In recent days, replacement signs were put up in that spot, as well as a new one proclaiming "Jct. 5."

The problem is, the arrow on the 5 South sign points north, while the one on the 5 North sign points south. Drivers seeing that while in search of the Mobil Mart station, Astro's Pizza or the Exit 46 on-ramp to Interstate 91 will instead, in 30 seconds flat, wind up in East Windsor.

Patch emailed a query and photo of the mixup to the Connecticut Department of Transportation Monday morning. In response, a customer care representative wrote, "We have referred your email to our District 1 Office for investigation."