Evansville Traffic Hazard noted; Citizens advised; A short history of stop signs

At the recent Evansville Planning Commission meeting, one of the longest discussions related to the problem of the intersection of Hwy 14 and John Lindeman drive, or the turn to McDonald's. Drivers who stop to turn left are in danger of being rear ended because there is no drive around lane to the right. The city, the developers of the land next to the new Ace and citizens are all anxious for the necessary land to be acquired, and by forced eminent domain if necessary, to make this drive by lane a reality as soon as possible. However, this may take a while---- Maybe a year or longer.

Why is this important to know? As a driver you need to know that this is a hazardous situation. Speeding cars coming in to Evansville from Janesville make the situation worse.

Could the recently acquired radar trailer be used out there to slow down incoming traffic? Could a warning flashing sign be used to warn drivers of the hazard? The Observer does not know. I will leave others to decide if anything can be done.

There was some talk of the developer across from McDonalds wanting another intersection---I assume on Hwy 14 to access the proposed commercial and industrial development. The short history of stop signs is that the DOT likes to wait till there is evidence of need----in the case of the stop signs at M and Hwy14, the original plan was to put in the wiring but not the lights during the recent construction. Two tragic car accidents on Hwy 14 that took three lives changed the DOT's idea. They put the lights in immediately.

The reason I mention it is that you do not want to be the statistic at that drive by lane. Drive safely.

If you have further info on this matter and were at the meeting the other night, feel free to comment. You make the call.