Danville, IL—In what has been called a “blunder of epic proportions,” roadwork crews appear to have mislabeled a road construction sign on north Griffin street, near Fairchild. The sign measures at about 4 ft. by 4 ft., and the letters “Men Working” are in bold, capital, clearly visible lettering, calling into question how the mistake could have been made so easily.
Travelers along the road have been confused by the sign. “I seen [sic] a couple [of] guys eating lunch there one time,” reports Susan Burzynski, 38, who drives by the route 4 to 6 times per week, by her estimate. “But, I mean, they were just like, sitting on their work truck, eating sandwiches or whatever.”
Pablo Villareal, 29, often passes by the sign on his way to his grandmother’s house. “Most of the time I don’t see anyone there at all. The lane is just closed,” explains Villareal. “I don’t even know what they’re supposed to be doing there. The road looks fine,” he added.
Mario Capote, 64, is a resident living within about 30 yards of the sign, and thinks that he may have witnessed the reason for the sign about 6 weeks ago. “I was out mowing my lawn and I glimpsed up for just a second. I saw—well, I guess I thought I saw what looked like a man holding a tape measure and pointing at the road. But, like I said, it was just a quick glimpse.” When asked if he would categorize what he saw as work, Capote scratched his head for a moment, and said, “Naw, I guess not.”
The Illinois Department of Transportation had no comment when reached. However, just before press time, residents reported seeing one woman at the sight, operating a backhoe, while three men were standing nearby, watching.