NO LEFT TURN... SIGNAL

Programming a left-turn signal on newly installed traffic lights at Broadway and Clark is not something Cape Girardeau plans to do, the city engineer said Thursday, even though some motorists are confused about making left turns off Broadway onto Clark.

Muriel Branson, who lives at 906 N. Clark St., said she likes having the new lights at the intersection, but she believes a left-turn arrow is needed for east- and west-bound Broadway traffic.

"We can't see the green from the other side, so you just have to take it on faith that they're going to stop and stay there while you make your left-hand turn on green," Branson said. "Maybe it's because we're used to seeing an arrow. It would make us feel safer anyhow to make that left-hand turn. It's kind of scary."

City Engineer Mark Lester said Broadway is designed for only four lanes of traffic. A left-turn arrow would require a fifth lane for turns, and that's not a possibility right now, he said.

"With Broadway being designed for four lanes of traffic, four lanes fit there," he said. "We may put in a turn lane later, but we're still constructing."

Lester said he is not certain why motorists are confused by the intersection and looking for left-turn arrows.

"We never had one there before, so it shouldn't be a problem," Lester said.

Motorists say oncoming traffic eventually gets a red light, while those who are waiting to make left turns still have a green light for their turns. The problem, they say, is that they have no way of knowing if oncoming traffic truly has a red light or not.

Lester said timing of the lights is something workers still have to do.

"That's something we'll look at when everything is completed," he said. "Timing is the last thing we'll do on the stoplights."

Other motorists who frequent the intersection are relieved that the lights have been installed and say they are not confused about left-hand turns.

Dana Lathum, who lives at 2050 Thilenius, said her driveway empties onto Clark, and she is glad the lights were installed because there now are breaks in traffic that give her time to pull out into the street.

"It's a relief," she said. "There are a lot of stop lights on Broadway, but there is a lot of traffic, especially in the mornings when you have to leave. It's easier to get out on Broadway now, so you don't have to wait so long. After school or at busy times of the day you get that break."