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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Getting There

4th and Maple gets new traffic signals, will ease traffic back-ups

In this Wednesday, April 24, 2013 photo, traffic signals are seen on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. The nation's most congested city has become a model for traffic control. With the flip of a switch earlier this year, Los Angeles became a worldwide leader by synchronizing all of its nearly 4,400 stoplights, making it the world's first major city to do so. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press)
In this Wednesday, April 24, 2013 photo, traffic signals are seen on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. The nation's most congested city has become a model for traffic control. With the flip of a switch earlier this year, Los Angeles became a worldwide leader by synchronizing all of its nearly 4,400 stoplights, making it the world's first major city to do so. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press)

Who loves the intersection at 4th and Maple? 

No one. That's who. But the city is beginning work on the intersection's traffic signals this morning, which will help ease the traffic congestion.

According to the city:

Currently, the eastbound and westbound signal phases operate simultaneously. During peak afternoon/evening hours, this can cause some traffic backup due to ‘heavy’ eastbound right turns and westbound left turns. Occasionally, this results in traffic on the westbound off ramp at Maple and Walnut to back up onto Interstate 90. Moving forward, the signal phases will be operated independently at all times to address this issue.

Starting Tuesday, crews will place the signal in flash while they change out the existing overhead three-section signal heads to four-section signal heads. During a ‘green phase,’ a green ball and green arrow will be illuminated so motorists know they no longer have to yield to oncoming traffic when turning.  The City will also post ‘Signal Revision Ahead’ signs for 30 days. 

Work is expected to be completed during the day Tuesday.  

Get it? Good. Hooray!



Getting There

News and commentary about transportation in Spokane, the Inland Northwest and beyond.