Inappropriate red arrow for southbound traffic. ▶ Archived

1200-1298 South 2nd Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota • Show on Map Hide Map
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Issue ID:

656511

Submitted To:

Minneapolis 311

Category:

Traffic Signal Trouble

Viewed:

2012 times

Neighborhood:

Loring Park

Reported:

on

Service Request ID:

15692

Description

2nd Ave has two through lanes southbound in this location, yet the left through lane is controlled by a red arrow. The green arrow does not always show in unison with the green circular indication, so it is possible to have a green "through" light but a red left-turn arrow. This is extremely confusing:

1. Are vehicles in the left lane permitted to proceed straight through the intersection? (It is not marked as a left-turn only lane)
2. If so, may they do so when the red arrow is activated?
3. Left-turning vehicles must stop completely, blocking access to southbound cars proceeding straight through the intersection in the left lane.

This configuration is also in violation of the MnMUTCD. In 4D.17, "A protected only mode left-turn movement that does not begin and terminate at the same time as the adjacent through movement shall not be provided on an approach unless an exclusive left-turn lane exists."

I would suggest that either:

1. The lanes be marked so that the left travel lane becomes a Left Lane Must Turn Left (preferred). This is how things are marked on Marquette.
2. The signals be reconfigured, so that north and southbound are in separate cycles, with the green arrow showing at all times for the southbound cycle.

also asked...
Q. Enter intersection street names
A. S 12th St and S 2nd Ave
Q. Select the problem
A. Other
Q. If Other, describe
A. 2nd Ave has two through lanes southbound in this location, yet the left through lane is controlled by a red arrow. The green arrow does not always show in unison with the green circular indication, so it is possible to have a green "through" light but a red left-turn arrow. This is extremely confusing: 1. Are vehicles in the left lane permitted to proceed straight through the intersection? (It is not marked as a left-turn only lane) 2. If so, may they do so when the red arrow is activated? 3. Left-turning vehicles must stop completely, blocking access to southbound cars proceeding straight through the intersection in the left lane. This configuration is also in violation of the MnMUTCD. In 4D.17, "A protected only mode left-turn movement that does not begin and terminate at the same time as the adjacent through movement shall not be provided on an approach unless an exclusive left-turn lane exists." I would suggest that either: 1. The lanes be marked so that the left travel lane becomes a Left Lane Must Turn Left (preferred). This is how things are marked on Marquette. 2. The signals be reconfigured, so that north and southbound are in separate cycles, with the green arrow showing at all times for the southbound cycle.
Q. Date Observed (MM/DD/YY)
A. 07/26/2012
Q. Time (Military time)
A. 17:00
Q. Direction of travel
A. South

2 Comments

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