Good-by arrows, turn left with caution

Drivers who travel east or west on Marion and Lucille avenues will notice the left turn signals have been eliminated, although the lights now stay green for a longer period.

“The traffic engineer from IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) said he knew it would be a learning process for residents who frequently use these streets,” said Public Works Director Larry Coloni. “He said the change was made to empty the east and west lanes quicker.”

Mayor Hap Gilbert said no traffic studies were conducted at the intersections to support IDOT’s decision to eliminate the turn signals and he foresees the Village requesting replacements. Trustee Bob Albright agrees, and said he has witnessed “...a couple of close ones [near accidents]” at the intersections.

Deputy Jim Hermann of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department said he was unaware of any major traffic accidents at the intersections since the new signals were installed.