Fish and Chips?

During a recent road trip, we were traveling in rural Pennsylvania and spotted the road sign pictured below.

The first thing that came to mind was fish & chips--fried, battered fish with French fries.  Mmmm.  

We looked for a restaurant or roadside stand selling fish & chips but were disappointed when none appeared.

So, we reflected on what the sign meant, especially after we noticed a couple more "fresh oil and chips" signs along the road.  

The other clue appeared on the roadway itself.  A lot of gravel had recently been laid on the road near edge.  

We guessed the gravel equalled the "chips" and the "fresh oil" held the gravel to the road surface.  

Later, we confirmed our guess was correct.  The Department of Transportation in the Keystone State has a practice of oiling the crumbling edge of a roadway and laying down a thin layer of gravel to extend the life of the roadway.

The "fresh oil and chips" signs warn savvy motorists so they can avoid the patches and prevent damage to their cars.  

Who knew?

As for us, we are still looking for a fish & chips restaurant.

P.S.  In case you were wondering, there are some interesting signs right here in D.C.  One of Greg's favorites is the street sign for Half Street in D.C.  No joke.  There is a street before the numbered streets begin.  "Half Street" seems to be as good a name as any other name.