Drivers should follow the signs of the road, even if other motorists don’t.
Q. I have just noticed in the past few weeks that a “No Turn on Red” from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. sign is posted at Ardmore Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard, heading east on Jefferson. Today, I watched nine cars make the right turn on red. Can you find out why this sign is posted as no one is obeying it? S. Beckley, of Fort Wayne
A. I can tell you why the sign was installed, but I think we both already know the reason it is ignored.
Shan Gunawardena, city traffic engineer, said right turns on red are restricted for most of the day because of the high number of pedestrians crossing at this intersection. If turns on red were allowed, there would be no breaks for pedestrians to cross, he said. The time of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. is when pedestrians are anticipated. While this is true at any intersection, at least in bigger cities, cars expect to have to wait to turn for people walking. That does not seem to be the case, at least in my experience, in Fort Wayne.
As far as people ignoring the sign, it just goes to people being impatient. I’d ask you heed the sign, or be ready to face the consequences.
Beware of ghosts
With Halloween right around the corner, I encourage motorists to take extra caution when driving through neighborhoods in the next few days. While most adults generally can be expected to remain on the sidewalk, kids are unpredictable, even when they aren’t jacked up on sugar. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to keep them safe by dropping down a few miles per hour to get home.
In Fort Wayne, trick-or-treating will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Tree closure
Sherman Boulevard will be closed next week between Franke Park Drive and Louisedale Drive to allow crews to cut down dead trees. The road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, weather permitting. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained, but through traffic will not be allowed.
101 update
The state made a change at the intersection of Dawkins Road and Indiana 101 this week that merits attention. A four-way stop was installed, requiring Dawkins traffic to stop at the intersection where motorists previously had the right of way. In addition to installing stop signs, the state installed “Stop Ahead” signs and rumble strip pavement markings to alert drivers. The change is the result of a traffic study conducted by the state this summer after a fatal crash at the intersection.
Radio Sage
This week’s audio question comes from Steve Wesner, of Fort Wayne, who asked about the block of Brackenridge Street near the Federal Building. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
