Q. I noticed that you wrote about signage the other day on Route 95 South at exit 9 — a left hand exit from 95 South. I have noticed for about two years now, when the DOT made a major change on the overhead signs that nowhere is a sign on 95 South that shows that this exit is the way to East Greenwich. Before the signage was changed, there must have been a half dozen signs on the overhead and ground level showing that this is the exit to East Greenwich. There are signs after you enter the exit — by then it is too late. All the signs both on the overhead large signs and ground level are North Kingstown and Quonset, etc. Nothing says East Greenwich. Why?

A. The purpose of primary directional signs on I-95 South, or anywhere else for that matter, are to give a driver a sense of where they are heading. Listing every town a driver is heading towards would overload them with too much information.

Signs are placed at critical points where motorists need to make a decision as to which direction they want to continue on their route. Wording is limited on the signs so a driver can comprehend the sign, react to it, and make a decision. This must all be done prior to reaching the exit so that they are able to carry out their decision in a safe manner.

Wordy signage, especially at a critical point such as a left exit like Exit 9, could confuse a driver and cause them to make an unsafe move such as switching lanes at the last minute.

When the signage was upgraded in 2001 around Exit 9 off I-95 South, the wording was changed. The town of North Kingstown was selected because motorists choosing to take Route 4 South at Exit 9 need to know where this roadway ultimately will take them, and not necessarily what the first exit is. Those who take Route 4 South to get to Route 1 will also find listings for the towns of Newport and Narragansett. Note that motorists who continue on Route 95 South to exit 8 will find signage for East Greenwich there.

Dana Alexander Nolfe, chief public affairs officer for the state Department of Transportation, has agreed to answer questions of general interest posed by Journal readers about state roads and other state transportation matters.

The DOT is responsible for the state’s transportation infrastructure, which includes highways, bridges, traffic signals and bikeways.

To ask a question that would also be of interest to other readers, send a letter to Ask RIDOT, Features Department, The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902. You can also e-mail your question to projocars@projo.com. Please put “Question for the DOT” in the subject field.

Questions or complaints of a specific nature should be posed to the DOT directly and will not be answered in this column.