Connecticut has new welcome signs for drivers – NBC10 Philadelphia

Connecticut has a new way of welcoming drivers as they enter the state, which could draw strong reactions from other parts of the tri-state area.

The new signs, which read “Welcome to Connecticut,” are intended to highlight aspects of the state that are close to the hearts of Nutmegger residents, but could also draw enthusiastic responses from residents of New York and New Jersey.

On I-95 and I-84, which enter Connecticut from New York, a sign reads, “Welcome to Connecticut, Home of the Pizza Capital of the United States.”

“These new signs aren’t just markings on our highways, they’re a reflection of what makes Connecticut special,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a press release. “We want everyone who enters our state to immediately feel proud of what we do well here, whether it’s making the best pizza in the country, world-class food, national championships or the most complex machinery in the world. Each sign is an invitation to experience all we have to offer as one of the best states to live, work and play.”

Needless to say, the proclamations did not sit well with at least one of Gov. Lamont’s colleagues. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy responded to X, responding to Lamont’s announcement tweet by saying, “You guys aren’t even the pizza capital of the tri-state area.”

Murphy continued his tongue-in-cheek criticism of the self-proclaimed title, say thursday on X “We’re from the pizza capital of the world, and you’re not. Especially not you, Connecticut.”

But the state doesn’t just want to claim to have the best pizza.

“Welcome to Connecticut, home to the basketball capital of the world” will now be greeted by drivers on I-91, I-84 and I-395 entering Connecticut from Massachusetts.

Along the coastline, motorists entering Connecticut from Rhode Island now see a sign that reads, “Welcome to Connecticut, Home of the Submarine Capital of the World.”

Drivers entering Connecticut from Rhode Island are greeted by a sign that reads, “Welcome to Connecticut, stop for a bite in the culinary capital of New England.”

“These new signs aren’t just markings on our highways, they’re a reflection of what makes Connecticut special,” said Governor Lamont. “We want everyone who enters our state to immediately feel proud of what we do well here, whether it’s making the best pizza in the country, world-class food, national championships or the most complex machinery in the world. Each sign is an invitation to experience all we have to offer as one of the best states to live, work and play.”