Illinois 251 South (South Beloit) Apparently Changing It’s Name, What?

While driving south on 251 late last night I noticed something that grabbed my attention. For the record I was riding in the passenger seat with my wife, so NO I didn't take this picture while driving.

We were coming from Beloit, heading south on 251 towards Roscoe. Once we hit a stoplight, I looked to my right and noticed a change to a sign that apparently spells out a possible name change for the road.

I haven't heard much about a "name change" I mean 251 is 251, right? It's a lengthy stretch of road that runs north/south so what could possibly be done to cause a change?

Sometimes a road gets the "dedication" treatment, which is totally cool. Giving a name to a road is pretty cool, could you image "Double T Way" or "Double T Avenue?" That would be awesome.

So getting back to this 251 South name change. It was dark out last night, and I had to do a double take but yes, the sign for sure looked different and kinda turned the naming and concept of 251 upside down.

I quickly checked Google Maps on my phone to see if it recognized the name change, but apparently this change is so new that technology hasn't grabbed on yet.

Well I guess we just adjust, and move forward knowing that the actual road hasn't changed, just the name. I mean, what's in a name anyway?