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Drivers might no longer have to wait for phantom turn signals, but it will take some time to reach that dream.
Q. I was wondering whether someone could rationalize the turn arrows at Ewing and Superior streets. No matter whether someone is in the turn lanes or not – the arrow
always
activates and you have to wait for the regular green light. – Nathan Herber
A. Nathan, you have hit one of my biggest pet peeves when driving – waiting for unnecessary turn signals.
The one that irks me the most is at Lake Avenue and Anthony Boulevard, but the city has good news for both of us. Shan Gunawardena, city traffic engineer, said the city is examining changes to dozens of signals in the city to improve traffic flow.
Our problem intersections do not have vehicle-detection systems, meaning there is no way to tell the signal a car is waiting for an arrow. He said this is the case in all of the signals downtown as well. Because there is no detection, the signals must run for a fixed time to allow any potential traffic to progress.
This system is typically used when traffic is predictable and signals are simple – many downtown intersections have no turn arrows. He said other areas where turn arrows are provided, signals with detection units are better at moving traffic. The only catch is the cost difference between a standard signal and one with a detection unit can be “very substantial,” he said.
To improve traffic, he said the city has identified 70 signals in the downtown fringe and outer city that should be upgraded to signals with detection systems. Your intersection is on the list – and I hope mine is as well.
Gunawardena said changes to the signals will be made as money becomes available.
Q. Is a traffic signal planned at Landin, Maysville and Trier roads? With all the right, left and straight lanes it becomes a mess when there are up to nine cars at the intersection. – Paula Wertman
A. Well, Paula, I have an update to this area, but you probably won’t like it.
Shan Gunawardena, city traffic engineer, said a traffic study done last December at the intersection found traffic volumes do not justify the installation of a signal. The only good news is the city will continue to monitor the location.
Drivers should expect some delays on Jefferson Boulevard soon. The state will be seeking contracts this month to repave the road from Illinois Road to the entrance to Lutheran Hospital. The $1.3 million project is being financed with federal stimulus dollars.
This week’s bonus audio question comes from Tim Zumbaugh, who asked about the intersection of State and Georgetown North boulevards. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
