MM noticed on Monday, July 20 that the former right-turn-only lane at the corner of Wabash and the Boulevard (westbound) now sports a straight-ahead arrow! Instead of one lane going to three, now two lanes go to three lanes.
Many drivers have been observed going straight in the lane, despite the lack of an arrow. CalTrans had promised to paint the arrow approximately 2 years ago at a MACA meeting, at Mentone’s request.
At the time, Caltrans also stated that it would put a similar arrow eastbound, which would result in drivers cutting in front of other straight-ahead drivers where Circle K is located. “CalTrans had made only one straight-ahead lane for ‘traffic calming,’ ” said Steven Rogers, P.E., in a discussion among Mentonites.
Op-Ed
Finally! This writer has spent a few hours on the corner where the arrow is painted now, and observed as many as 19 vehicles, including buses and large RVs, waiting at the light. “Traffic calming,” indeed!
No wonder Boulevard traffic has been so heavy over the years. We asked for the straight-ahead arrow at least three years ago and were promised that it would be done at least two years ago.
Apparently the pandemic has given CalTrans the time or money or impetus or lack of traffic or whatever it took to get the work done. Thanks, CalTrans! It’s nice to see something we need getting done.
MM wishes to take a poll: when did you discover the new arrow had been painted? That is, how long ago? Just checking to see how long it took.
MM