What is going on with the traffic lights at Freedom Parkway and Ralph McGill? (Atlanta: deed)

[CaliDreaming01]

There are three lights at this intersection headed North. Two of the lights turn green, but then there's one light in the middle that stays red for several seconds and then turns green. This has been bugging the heck out of me everytime I go that way. Is it malfunctioning and it's just taking a long time to fix? What is the purpose of that third light in the middle anyway? It seems superfluous. Or is there some purpose for it that I just don't know about?

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by CaliDreaming01

There are three lights at this intersection headed North. Two of the lights turn green, but then there's one light in the middle that stays red for several seconds and then turns green. This has been bugging the heck out of me everytime I go that way. Is it malfunctioning and it's just taking a long time to fix? What is the purpose of that third light in the middle anyway? It seems superfluous. Or is there some purpose for it that I just don't know about?

View this: https://goo.gl/maps/zgnMRh9RXJGVJCfY7

It sounds like you're talking about the light that sits in the middle but is centered off to the right near the right lane traffic light. It's supposed to be facing the other way (as it is in google maps) as advanced warning of the presence of the signal for oncoming traffic coming around the curve just ahead of the signal. It sounds like a storm blew in and probably turned it facing the wrong direction. The reason it stays red longer is because its intended to hault opposing traffic until the left turn arrow phase clears.

In short, its functioning as intended, but is facing the wrong direction if you can see the signals while approaching from this direction.

[CaliDreaming01]

Thanks so much for clearing this up for me Need4Camaro!!

[architect77]

Originally Posted by CaliDreaming01

Thanks so much for clearing this up for me Need4Camaro!!

Yes Atlanta has always put these extra lone lights in an attempt to alert drivers at curves.

Lately they seem to have installed many new ones.

I don't really care one way or the other about these, but I don't' think they're critical.

Would someone please submit a request on atl311 to adjust this light facing the wrong direction ?

You should download the free app and it quick to report such things.

One burned out bulb on a signal at Sidney Marcus, Buford Hey sat unrepaired for 2 whole years and now another one on that island is out.

I tracking how long this one sits.

If you don't report this twisted signal, it won't get fixed.

No one else will take the time to report, so do a good deed for the city.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by architect77

Yes Atlanta has always put these extra lone lights in an attempt to alert drivers at curves.

Lately they seem to have installed many new ones.

I don't really care one way or the other about these, but I don't' think they're critical.

Would someone please submit a request on atl311 to adjust this light facing the wrong direction ?

You should download the free app and it quick to report such things.

One burned out bulb on a signal at Sidney Marcus, Buford Hey sat unrepaired for 2 whole years and now another one on that island is out.

I tracking how long this one sits.

If you don't report this twisted signal, it won't get fixed.

No one else will take the time to report, so do a good deed for the city.

In reality most localities in the U.S. and Canada do this where curves are present as it can be difficult to detect the signal in the midst of a curve increasing the opportunity of running a red light.

The real issue with this traffic light is the signals themselves are not really secure in their mount onto the mast for proper support, their mounting point on the top allows for alot of free movement versus a mounting point supported in the center, which would require mounting the signals themselves somewhat higher.

This: https://goo.gl/maps/bJYU7N2YegutMRMB8 is a much better supported signal.

[architect77]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

In reality most localities in the U.S. and Canada do this where curves are present as it can be difficult to detect the signal in the midst of a curve increasing the opportunity of running a red light.

The real issue with this traffic light is the signals themselves are not really secure in their mount onto the mast for proper support, their mounting point on the top allows for alot of free movement versus a mounting point supported in the center, which would require mounting the signals themselves somewhat higher.

This: https://goo.gl/maps/bJYU7N2YegutMRMB8 is a much better supported signal.

Yeah, one got twisted at 10th st and the connector and I kept requesting it be adjusted for years, but it always rotated sideways again. It’s permanently fixed now.

Yeah the free swinging signals are plentiful here and not the best mounts.

Since no one confirmed submitting an ATL311 ticket I will.

I have driven through about 35 states and can’t recall anywhere using the extra signal at curves. All I see them do is use a yellow shoulder sign saying signal ahead.

[architect77]

Done. Request # 1149983817

They have 30 days to make the repair.

[CaliDreaming01]

Originally Posted by architect77

Done. Request # 1149983817

They have 30 days to make the repair.

You rock architect77! I'll be looking out to see if its fixed.