Nebraska has begun installing colorful new tourism signs along Interstate 80. Nebraska tourism director Kathy McKillip had unveiled examples earlier in the month with representatives of the state Tourism Commission, Department of Roads, and Game and Parks Commission in a ceremony at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.

Each bright blue sign features an eye-catching image and promotes an attraction or scenic byway. McKillip says their vivid colors are a result of a high-contrast reproduction process called posterization.

The 37 new signs will replace the existing green aluminum signs that have dotted Interstate 80 since 1971, many of which are aging and worn.

McKillip says Nebraska tourism officials have wanted to replace the signs for years, but couldn’t afford it. The issue of signs came up repeatedly in developing the  Tourism Commission’s strategic plan over the past 2 years, and McKillip was able to put together an alliance of agencies to come up with the money.

She calls it “the perfect example of what state government agencies can do when they work together,” demonstrating “how important and progressive inter-agency partnerships” are for the state, and “the road map that Nebraska Tourism is following to promote a unified Nebraska identity to travelers.”