Freeway Fiasco: New US-101 Sign Unveils 'Nofato' Instead of Novato

Drivers navigating the familiar stretch of US-101 northbound in Marin County were recently treated to an unexpected—and rather amusing—sight. A brand-new freeway sign, meant to guide motorists towards the charming city of Novato, instead proudly proclaimed the destination as "Nofato." Yes, you read that right: a simple 'v' transformed into an 'f', creating a moment of collective head-scratching and more than a few chuckles among eagle-eyed commuters.

The misspelled sign, located just north of San Marin Drive, quickly became a local talking point.

It wasn't long before residents and media alike noticed the rather conspicuous typographic error, a blunder that felt more like a mischievous prank than an official state-issued directive. Photos of the sign rapidly circulated online, turning what should have been a mundane piece of infrastructure into an overnight sensation.

Caltrans, the state agency responsible for California's vast network of roads and highways, was swiftly alerted to the gaffe.

A spokesperson confirmed the error, acknowledging that the sign was indeed newly installed and, unfortunately, incorrectly rendered. Assurance was promptly given that the erroneous sign would be replaced, restoring Novato to its rightful spelling and allowing drivers to navigate without wondering if they were heading to a parallel dimension.

This isn't the first time Caltrans has found itself in the spotlight for a spelling mishap.

A similar incident occurred years ago when a sign intended for "San Pedro" instead directed drivers to "San Pefro." These isolated incidents, while humorous, serve as a gentle reminder that even in the age of advanced technology, the humble proofread remains an indispensable part of any project, especially those guiding millions of travelers daily.

As the "Nofato" sign awaits its correction, it stands as a quirky testament to the human element in infrastructure development.

For a brief period, Novato had a new, albeit unofficial, moniker, providing a lighthearted moment for drivers on their daily commute and a memorable story for the city's history books. Soon, all will be right with the world, and Novato will be Novato once more, correctly spelled for all to see.