As I See It
La Crosse unveils new stop signs, sort of
In the grand scheme of things, this is hardly a big deal. But I do find it puzzling. If you have spent any time driving in downtown La Crosse recently, you may have noticed some new stop signs. It is understandable if you haven’t, because these signs look to be only one half a stop sign, which is blank. On nearly all downtown lighted intersections, the city has installed these stop signs. The signs are attached to the street light poles, and are folded in half so the word “stop” is not visible until the sign is opened and it becomes a functional sign. It seems these were installed to be ready to be unfolded in the event that a stop light becomes in-operational. I guess that makes sense on some level. If a stop light goes out, the already installed signs can simply be unfolded and there is less disruption to traffic. But how often do the stop lights fail? Is it really more efficient to install signs at every intersection in case one light goes out? If it is a rampant problem, perhaps the real problem is with defective lights. If it isn’t rampant, which I suspect, is La Crosse saving time by installing stop signs in advance? I guess it is good to be prepared. I’m just not sure the likelihood of what the city is preparing for.
char wegner
December 11, 2023 at 1:26 pm
Scott, it is when there is a power outage, the signs can be flipped open by police or cse’s. Prior to the signs being instalked, dispatch would have to call a street dept Supervisor, who would call staff from home [anywhere from la crosse to mindoro] and they would come I’m load stop signs that are secure to flashes, the haul then to each intersección and place them. Having them sabes time and potential property and injuries to due accidents.
John
December 12, 2023 at 5:59 am
Blackouts from not letting us get coal from people like you Mr. Shaw.
Tom
December 12, 2023 at 9:54 am
Let me get this straight. It would take someone from the city to “open” the signs. Well, could not that be the same person who would direct traffic until light was fixed and save the cost of the signs, its installation, and maintenance?
Pam Day
December 12, 2023 at 12:08 pm
If the light go out can’t people just take turns. Common sense. Just like everyone had a stop sign?
Nick
December 12, 2023 at 8:04 pm
If only there was some type of intersection that doesn’t require electrical stoplights and smoothly direct traffic in a standardized direction…