Confusing highway signs from Tacoma to Kitsap

I am confused and curious! All roadway maps, and my compass, show that Highway 16 runs north and south! So why then, are all SR16 road signs marked east and west? Moreover, all news reports now report existing traffic conditions as east- or westbound! I know for a fact that Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale and Poulsbo all lie north of Tacoma!

The road signs on SR16 are very confusing for motorists and even for many local Kitsap County residents! 

I therefore suggest then that either Highway 16 be renumbered to Highway 161, or all the signs designating east or west be changed to read north and south!

Richard E. Asche, Port Orchard