A couple of weeks ago, intersections were discussed here. Readers were invited to pass along their least favorite. Some did, bless their hearts.
Dear Mahatma: None of the intersections noted can hold a light to this one. Travel west on Mabelvale West Road and try to get to Interstate 430. You are at the yield sign, looking over your left shoulder at 160 degrees at two lanes of traffic on the access road. You must cross the right lane and immediately merge with the left lane to get on the I-430 ramp. Try this during morning traffic before daylight. -- Clif
Dear Clif: We have been this way before, and feel your fright.
Dear Mahatma: Although not the busiest, now that my daughter attends Mount St. Mary Academy, I have to navigate this dreadful intersection twice a day on weekdays. It's the unexplainable intersection of Kavanaugh Boulevard, Hillcrest Avenue and North Lookout Road. Does anyone really know who has the right of way? -- Concerned Little Rock Driver
Dear Concerned: We feel your confusion. Who has the right of way? All a driver can do is follow the signage and look all ways before proceeding.
The Mahatma once wrote a column about the perils of pedestrianism here and at the nearby intersection of Kavanaugh, North Van Buren and H Street. It was an experience in near-death. Crosswalks, people. Crosswalks mean pedestrians. Watch for them.
Dear Mahatma: I would like to comment on an intersection I consider to be one of the worst in Little Rock -- University Avenue and Midtown Avenue, where the light allows only two vehicles through going toward the Doctors Building. A third car will go through at the risk of being hit by oncoming traffic. Who set the timing of this light? -- Midtown Girl
Dear Girl: The timing of lights in Little Rock are mostly set by the city's traffic engineers. They rely on knowledge, experience and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. They are not rookies. This is not their first rodeo.
Cycles are set to serve the most traffic. At this intersection, the most traffic -- and hence the most time on a cycle -- is devoted to University Avenue.
Perhaps the timing should be adjusted. Perhaps the traffic engineers, assiduous readers, will take note.
Dear Mahatma: University Avenue and Cantrell Road. Time was, southbound University had two lanes, left turn and straight-right turn. Now the left-turn lane also allows straight through. The lanes don't exactly line up as they cross Cantrell, so there is a slightly curved line between them directing drivers across Cantrell. I often see drivers on the right going straight across, winding up in the left lane, oblivious to cars that have to pull up for them. -- Faithful Reader
Dear Faithful: See above, traffic engineers. Also the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, which controls Cantrell/Arkansas 10.
Mahatma@arkansasonline.com
Metro on 01/09/2016