SOMERSET COUNTY, MD - The Crisfield City Council approved the purchase of nearly 60 replacement street signs during a meeting Wednesday evening.
Public Works took inventory of streets where signs were damaged, faded from sun exposure or deteriorating. The signs are missing entirely in other areas, such as at the intersection of Somerset Avenue and Cove Street.
Brian Fowler joined the Crisfield Public Works Department as its director in January 2025. Fowler said he had noticed the signs needed replacing while identifying streets with potholes in the city.
"I went to write it down ... and there was no street sign on either end," Fowler said. "That's when I realized we really, probably should move this up on the priority list and do this pretty quickly."
Public Works plans to order blank signs first and then partner with a local graphics business in Crisfield to affix the vinyl lettering and design. Fowler told the city council Wednesday that the crab image depicted on current street signs will remain on the replacements.
"The Crisfield Crab is part of the heritage here," Fowler said. "There is going to be a grab on every sign."
Public Works officials told WBOC they hope to have the new signs in place by Memorial Day 2025.
"It's very important for a tourist," Fowler said. "If they're trying to look for the roadway in ... that road needs to have a street sign."