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Stop sign for Fourth and Forest
(by Megan Burrow - March 19, 2008)
The traffic signs at the intersection of Fourth and Forest will once again be changed.
The council passed a resolution on Tuesday authorizing the replacement of the current yield sign on the northbound side of
Forest and Fourth avenues, with a full stop.
Originally, the yield sign was arranged for those travelling east at the intersection. Borough Engineer Steven Boswell said this led to problems as drivers routinely went 45 miles per hour in a 25-mph zone when travelling from
Forest to Fourth. There was no real turn, so when drivers put on their blinkers it stayed on after the intersection and caused confusion.
To resolve these issues, Boswell designed a changed intersection. He wanted to get rid of the bypass lane to the traffic signal and eliminate the yield sign, to create a natural break in the traffic. The signal would control the entire intersection and any vehicle going on Fourth would have to come to the light and make a right turn.
The county decided to instead keep the bypass lane and move the yield sign from the eastbound to the northbound direction. According to Boswell this created a slew of problems. There has been one reported accident as a result of someone failing to yield and “numerous close calls.” Enforcement has been difficult for the police because drivers were confused as to who had the right of way.
Tuesday night was the final day of the 90-day trial period and Boswell reported he has already told the county engineer he should order a stop sign. The new sign will “give us the breaks in traffic we are looking for,” Boswell said. “It will unfortunately not solve the blinker problem, but will allow the police the opportunity for enforcement.”
Boswell said he expects the new sign installed by the end of this week.
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