Dear Mahatma: When you leave the Promenade shopping center just west of McDonald's on Chenal Parkway, there is no sign indicating you are entering a one-way eastbound lane. The westbound lane is mostly hidden by a wide median full of foliage. A driver unfamiliar with the area could easily turn left, west, the wrong way. I know, because I did it, and so did a friend. Help! -- Martha
Dear Martha: That signage should be up fairly soon. The city's traffic engineering manager, Bill Henry, said he has already directed the staff to rustle up a work order to accommodate your request.
If only The Mahatma were so efficient. Mostly, he staffs the Procrastination Desk. This is a function of a long career in the newspaper business, where it's considered normal to start writing 15 minutes before deadline.
Dear Mahatma: Almost daily I see a motorist trying to go straight in what becomes a left-turn-only lane while driving south on Shackleford Road as it passes under the new Interstate 630 overpass. The confusion probably arises from the "straight" arrows painted in the two lanes prior to reaching the overpass that turn into the left-turn lane as you pass under the traffic signal. Should something change here? -- Confused
Dear Confused: David Nilles, spokesman for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, extends his thanks for the suggestion. He notes this is the second such reader observation.
This reminds us of what James Bond was told by Goldfinger. Once, he said, is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.
Rather than wait for a third time, Nilles said, the District 6 engineers are contemplating the installation of in-lane interstate shield markings. Also under consideration is additional signage with the interstate shields next to the corresponding traffic signals.
Dear Analyst of the Asphalt: What happened to the plan to widen U.S. 70 to five lanes from Interstate 30 to Hot Springs? To date it appears nary a twig has been cut. Give me the scoop. -- Weary Traveler
Dear Traveler: The Highway Department said the job will be let to bid in December. Contractor crews should be on location as the old year turns over to the new.
O Wise One: I saw a strange device on this car. After receiving many crackpot answers from my family, I turn to you. What is this tube? -- Befuddled
Dear Befuddled: Thank you for sending that photo of a Volkswagen Jetta, dark gray, exiting the parking lot at McCain Mall in North Little Rock. It has a vertical exhaust tube attached to the back, coming out of the exhaust pipe down below.
Our best guess is this is a diesel vehicle. And the driver is making a statement. We suspect sarcasm.
VW has been stuck in a scandal over diesel emissions. It has admitted it sold 11 million cars worldwide with software to beat environmental testing.
Mahatma@arkansasonline.com
Metro on 11/19/2016