I am sure everyone knows of the flashing light on N. Market Street at Ferguson Drive, directly in front of Baird Funeral Home. Officer Richardson directs traffic at that location each morning, and his effort is great appreciated. However, I think there is an improvement to the scheme of things that the city should take note of. So, let the city powers that be, read further. Currently the traffic light at that location is a flashing signal, not capable of cycling. Replace the current light with a light that can cycle red, yellow, and green. Use the cycling light manually during the morning commute to school and in the afternoon after school,in order to direct traffic. Manual mode would be set so that each direction of traffic will have exclusive right of way until manually cycled. (Northbound, then southbound, then Ferguson Drive) The result of this measure would be to remove the police vehicle from the intersection and opening up the southbound lanes of travel. Traffic would move just as smoothly as now without putting an officer into traffic. A real concern comes about with the left turn into Ferguson Drive. So, mount a light that has two green lights on it for northbound traffic, one having a left turn arrow. That would eliminate the hesitation of turning left and the worry of whether the oncoming traffic has a red light. The light should also have a delay so that when it gets cycled, traffic can stop and the intersection be cleared in order to avoid a traffic jam. If properly implemented, then this would enhance the traffic flow and provide more safety for the officer that is directing traffic. In the afternoon, another officer can perform the same detail that would permit an even safer departure from the school and eliminate the daily near misses and pedestrian issues for that area. Let's see if this gets responded to, ignored, or whatever. |