Road Sage | Journal Gazette

Center turn lanes are not for passing

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

In my final column, why not dedicate it to the project that has dogged my commute so frequently. Q. You previously stated that it is unsafe and illegal to use center turn lanes to pass other vehicles, including buses at stops. I believe it would be legal to pass a stopped bus. What are your thoughts on the matter. - Bill Tone

Lake Avenue diet' lane markings down

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

Sometimes diets are put on hold, even for roads. Q. The other night my wife reported that most of the barrels are down in the Lake Avenue "diet" construction zone, and traffic was flowing nicely - two lanes in each direction. - Brian

Use sense with traffic signals

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

Red lights seem to be simple enough to understand, but it's clear that people have different interpretations. Q. I regularly cross Lima Road on Cook Road. I have entered the intersection with the light green and had it turn red before I made it fully across. How is this timing supposed to work. - Steve Kepler

Widening falls short on Aboite Center Rd.

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

Road improvements sometimes don't stretch as far as we want them.

Tip spawns plan to smooth out traffic kinks on Main

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

Once again, a column reader will improve traffic flow for everyone - this time downtown.

Early troubles blew St. Joe bridge target out of water

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

When a road project is delayed at the beginning, all the good weather in the world sometimes isn't enough to get it back on schedule.

Citilink going on diet' in light of Lake remake

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

The lanes won't be the only thing reduced as part of Lake Avenue's road diet. Q. Citilink still contains multiple stops along Lake Avenue between Coliseum and Anthony boulevards. I worry that each time the bus stops, cars will illegally use the center turn lane to pass the bus. - Brian M

If light is out, it's a 4-way stop

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

Q. The afternoon the storm hit, lots of traffic lights were out. Time and time again, people sat at these intersections and looked back and forth at everyone else. How do we educate the masses on proper behavior at a four-way stop. - Gary Kuhn

Turn right on red, even with 2 lanes

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Turning on red is a great way to keep traffic moving, so long as it is done safely. Q. I see more and more stoplights where there are two lanes designated for right turn-only. I often see motorists turning right during red lights from both of these turn-only lanes. Can you clear up whether or not this is legal. - David Overholt

Rules of road for funerals

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Funeral processions seem to be an endless source of confusion for many area drivers, so once again I will try to explain the rules and their reasons.

With money in the till, road crews ready to roll

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

While projects might be in the works, all the planning in the world won't mean anything unless there is money to complete actual road construction. Q. Two years ago you wrote about the poor condition of Amstutz Road north of Leo-Cedarville to the DeKalb County line. Any update. - Jim Eagle

Hilger's exit may bring signal shift

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Changes in road use do eventually lead to changes in road rules, but drivers sometimes must be patient. Q. With the closure of Hilger's Farm Market at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Butt Road, why don't they turn off the blinking yellow light to save money. - Jay Hallead, Columbia City

Cloverleaf among ongoing headaches

BEN LANKA — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Road Sage isn't perfect. I admit this, so please accept this effort to right the wrongs of the past week.

Road Sage: Update on status of major construction projects

Benjamin Lanka — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:00:00 EST

As Allen County drivers prepare to enjoy their summer on the road, they should be aware of the hurdles - or orange barrels - that await.

Indiana 127 project to affect Steuben County

Benjamin Lanka — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:00:00 EST

The summer driving season wouldn't be complete without road trips outside the region. Here's a look at some of the issues Fort Wayne residents might face when traveling outside Allen County.

City going wireless - with vehicle sensors

Benjamin Lanka — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:00:00 EST

The city will be trying out new detection units on intersections in an effort to help move traffic with a lot less work. Q. On Washington Center Road at the intersection with Dartmouth Drive, there are three or four aluminum poles with a small box at the top. Do you know the purpose of these. - Ken Schilf