Sandy Marcks of Old Lyme sent us a note published in the Oct. 12 edition of the Times inquiring about some mysterious signs seen in Niantic near Exit 75 off Interstate 95. Many readers responded, and here are some of their answers to her “What in the World?” questions:

I think I may have the answer to the question Sandy Marcks asked about the letter “B” signs in Flanders. Attached are two pictures of signs found in Waterford as you are approaching the bridge to Niantic. The yellow one is on Route 156. As you turn off 156 to get to Niantic River Road, there is another “B” sign. I took a picture of a third sign that is on the connector ramp between Route 156 and Niantic River Road. They mark the route you should take if there are any bridge delays that you don’t want to deal with. Hope this helps to answer the question.

Patty Sammataro

I have heard the B signs are break signs for state workers. I think they are approved places where the workers can stop for their breaks. Don’t know how true this, but one of those signs points to my business. This was the story told to me.

Greg Terracciano

The “B” is meant to indicate an alternative route to avoid traveling over the Niantic River Bridge. I think this was installed when the metal swing bridge was there. During the summer, when there was a lot of boat traffic, the bridge would frequently be closed to vehicles and the lines of traffic would grow. The “B” route is by no means a time saver, but it is a pleasant drive.

Susie Whitney

I believe that traffic sign with the B in it indicates business district or area.

Roman Dudus

I believe that the “B” in the highway traffic sign is the alternate or B route that used to direct traffic around the old Niantic River swing bridge prior to the new bridge being installed.

Tom Gardner

I recognized the ‘B’ route sign in the Waterford Times for Oct. 12. There’s one before the Niantic Bridge in Waterford, at Niantic River Road. I thought it was supposed to reroute traffic when the old bridge was open a long time.

I looked online to find an answer and found an article about Rt. 156 in 2013, kurumi.com/roads/ct/ct156.html. The signs seem to be leftover from plans to reroute Rt. 156 and bridge replacement plans many years ago.

Pat Durham

The signs with black letter B are to indicate the route around the Niantic River when the Niantic River highway bridge is open. When the old swing bridge was in use, the openings were often lengthy. Signs not so much needed now.

Neil Passman

I’m not completely positive, but I always thought that the “B” sign had to do with a detour if you were not able to use the old Niantic bridge for some reason, (for instance, if it was stuck open).

Donna Heikkinen

As a Niantic resident I have seen the “B” road signs. Based on their locations I assumed they were a detour route related to the Niantic River Bridge. Using that as a search string revealed the article linked below.. Apparently, some time after the 1960s, the B route detour was signed to alleviate traffic backups from the drawbridge that was replaced in 1991. The traffic is less of an issue with the new higher bridge, but the signs remain. kurumi.com/roads/ct/ct156.html

Dan Lombardo

The B sign is for the alternate route if the Niantic Bridge is open. On the Waterford side there is a sign that tells you to follow the B route when there are delays.

Shelley McCormick

I have lived in Waterford for 35 years. I believe that the B signs designate an alternate route. This alternate route was necessary to get back and forth between Waterford and Niantic back in the days of the old Niantic Bridge that connected the two towns. The old bridge was very low and so had to open to boats/close to traffic for almost every boat that was coming into or leaving the river. Back then boats had the right of way at this bridge. This meant that the bridge could be closed to motor vehicle traffic for literally hours at a time, especially in the summer. The alternate B route was used to prevent cars for sitting idling for long periods of time.

Cindy Craft

Editor’s Note: What in the World is an occasional feature in the Times in which we ask readers to submit photos of mysterious or interesting goings-on about town in hopes our readers can help solve the puzzle. To respond to this reader-submitted feature, please email answers to l.howard@theday.com. Include your name, hometown and number for verification purposes.