Oh Great and Wise Mahatma: Last week after slogging through an hour of stop-and-go gawker traffic on Interstate 40 between Morgan and Mayflower, the traffic miraculously reached normal highway velocity. Lo and behold, the roadway became THREE lanes headed west. Was this connected to tornado relief? -- Tired Traveler
Dear Tired: First, thank you for not turning "Wise" into a compound modifier.
Now, to the interstate. We are told by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department that this section previously under construction was opened to six lanes on May 8 and 9. The 7 miles of expanded highway begins at U.S. 65 and continues east from mile markers 125 to 132. Opening was set for June, so the project was actually ahead of schedule. The connection to tornado relief is coincidental.
Next up is the section immediately east of this one, 4 miles that begin at Palarm Creek and extend east. Completion up to about 70 percent now. To be opened in late summer or early fall.
Dear Mahatma: I'm confused about traffic circles. Do I signal to exit? -- Roundabout.
Dear Roundabout: We have some traffic circle, or roundabout, tips from Bill Henry, the traffic engineering manager for the city of Little Rock. Some of this may be familiar, having been addressed here before. But given that traffic circles are more numerous than ever before in these parts, let's review and add editorial comment.
• Circulate counter-clockwise. Circling clockwise is, as the sports broadcasters would say, a huge-huge mistake.
• Traffic to a driver's left always has the right of way. When entering, yield to traffic on the left as you would at a traffic island.
• Use turn signals correctly so you don't confuse other drivers. The turn signal is that thingamabob on the left side of the steering column. Down to signal left; up to signal right. Everybody got that?
• Use the right turn signal when passing the exit before the one to be taken.
• If you don't know or miss the exit, hey, this is a circle. Go around the central island again, identify the proper exit, use the proper signals, and exit stage right.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• Big trucks may need to straddle lane lines. Do not pass trucks in the traffic circle.
• If an emergency vehicle approaches, take your desired exit and pull over as far to the right as possible.
Lt. Carl Minden of the Pulaski County sheriff's office says the telephone number reported here last week was, indeed, the main number for the police agency. But it's the automated line, and if something nefarious is ongoing who wants to mess with an automated line?
So call (501) 340-6963, the 24/7 communications center number. Live operators standing by.
Vanity plate seen on an expensive sports car: WASHIS. No doubt a division of assets, says the reader who sent it in. As in divorce. (The Mahatma joyfully introduces Herself as "my first wife.")
Mahatma@arkansasonline.com
Metro on 05/17/2014