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
A. I absolutely can, David. Remember, such turns are almost always legal unless you are told they are not.
Numerous intersections have two lanes for vehicles turning right. This is especially common for off-ramps leaving the interstate.
Sgt. Ron Galaviz, spokesman for the Indiana State Police, said such turns are legal from both lanes. I have done this at numerous locations.
Of course, the turns are legal only when it is safe for drivers to progress – that is, there is no oncoming traffic. Also with dual turn lanes, drivers should stay in their lane throughout the turn. There are likely to be two vehicles turning on red at similar times, so this is critical to avoid side collisions.
The exception to the rule is the same as if there were only one turn lane. You can’t turn right at a red signal if a sign indicates such turns are illegal there.
The only small difference at multiple-turn intersections is that turns on red can sometimes be prohibited from the second, non-curb, turn lane.
In those cases, a sign would read “No Turn On Red Except Curb Lane” or something similar. You would be allowed to turn on red in the curb lane but not in the other lane.
I hope this clears up the confusion and eases your navigation of these intersections.
Cloverleaf update
Change has come to the Coliseum Boulevard cloverleaf that will open it up to more drivers, but it likely won’t assist my commute in any way.
The state announced that the southbound left lane on Coliseum is closed at the Norfolk Southern bridge just north of the Washington Boulevard interchange.
Crews reopened the southbound right lane on the bridge, which allowed the state to reopen the northwest loop from westbound Washington to southbound Coliseum. That means all ramps at this interchange are open.
Traffic is still likely to be congested in the area, as this route is the designated detour for the Clinton Street closure north of downtown and is used heavily by people avoiding the road work on Lake Avenue.
The project will replace and widen the eastbound bridge deck over the railroad and is scheduled to be done in October. Primco is doing the work for $1.2 million.
Radio Sage
This week’s bonus audio question comes from Ed Fenstermacher, who asked about gateway entrances into the city. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be heard online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
