Witty Phoenix street signs hope to take sting out of pavement projects

PHOENIX — Construction projects are typically a hassle, but the city of Phoenix is hoping a little wit will go a long way in easing potential frustrations from drivers.

The city is getting creative with its street signs warning of upcoming pavement projects, incorporating pop culture references to hopefully crack a smile or two.

The move comes in the midst of Phoenix’s most expansive paving project in history.

More than 250 major-street miles and a total of 1,650 miles will be repaved by June 2023 as part of the city’s Accelerated Pavement Maintenance Program.

“There will be a lot of construction, so this is a great opportunity to take the sting out of the inconvenience we know happens when your streets are being worked on,” Ashley Patton, a public information officer with the city’s Phoenix Street Transportation Department, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

Signs alluding to “Star Wars” and “Aladdin” have recently been in use, with ones from “Stranger Things,” “Lion King” and “Spider-Man” soon to hit Phoenix streets.

The signs are used in all stages of pavement construction and the messages are supposed to reflect the current stage of construction, according to Patton.

Patton said the city has received positive feedback regarding the signs.

“We want people to be informed and know that there will be work going on on the streets, but we thought we could incorporate some recent pop culture,” Patton said.

Scroll through the slideshow below to see some of the city’s most recent witty street signs.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.

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