FORT WAYNE – A reader helps drivers get through downtown better by pointing out a fairly obvious fix.
Q. At the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street at Parkview Field, turning is apparently allowed only from the middle lane, as the right-hand lane is marked by painted lines. Is that lane ever going to be marked properly? – Beverly Richardson, Fort Wayne
A. I’ve wondered about the lack of a turn lane many times myself, Beverly, and it appears your question has spurred change.
In the past two weeks, the city has changed the striped area into a regular right-turn lane. Apparently, the area was originally supposed to be a loading zone, but that was never needed. The city’s redevelopment department along with traffic engineering concluded that a turn lane would be appropriate.
I’m pretty sure your question helped start this review, so I thank you for making my commute from Sage Jr.’s child care a bit easier.
Q. The traffic light on Dupont Road just west of Coldwater Road is an accident waiting to happen. Drivers leaving the shopping centers are forced to turn in front of each other while dealing with blind spots. Can turn arrows be added? – Bill Colby
A. Unfortunately, Bill, you will have to continue dodging traffic without an arrow.
Shan Gunawardena, city traffic engineer, said the signal does not warrant turn arrows in these directions. Adding unneeded arrows will only increase delays at the intersection by forcing traffic to wait longer on Dupont to get a green light.
He said the turn lanes coming out of the two shopping centers are clearly marked on the pavement with a dedicated left-turn lane and a shared right-turn/through lane. The city will install overhead signs indicating the left-turn lanes to better inform drivers.
Western relief
Southwest Fort Wayne motorists have been enjoying the newly expanded Illinois Road and soon will get to enjoy a portion of the expanded Aboite Center Road.
After a delay of several weeks, the project between Coventry Lane and Dickie Road is expected to be complete by 5 p.m. Wednesday, opening Aboite Center Road to traffic. This includes the intersection of Aboite Center and Coventry, which has been closed since late July.
After it is done, crews will begin working on Aboite Center from Dickie to West Jefferson Boulevard, which is scheduled for completion in mid-October. The $6.6 million project widens Aboite Center from two lanes to four and adds a path and sidewalk.
Railroad work
Norfolk Southern will begin repairs on two railroad crossings next week, creating detours from some drivers in southwest Fort Wayne. Engle Road will be closed from Tielker Road and Kekionga Drive, and McArthur Drive will be closed between Ideal and Bradbury avenues to allow for the repairs. The work is expected to begin Monday morning and last until Aug. 27.
Radio Sage
The bonus audio question this week comes from Mr. Glassman, who asks about the intersection of Coldwater Road and Northwest Passage. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
