Wilrobnson wrote:
Only in Seattle- a traffic light northbound on a one-way southbound avenue (2nd Ave at Spring Street).
SDOT wrote:
Historically, downtown intersections did not have separate pedestrian signal heads, and pedestrians were expected to watch the traffic signal for their cue to proceed. As pedestrian signals were installed, redundant traffic signals were removed or otherwise disabled.
Except that in this case, that didn't happen. Pedestrian signal heads were installed at this location in 1991. The traffic signal heads at this location are historic in design, and use just one signal "body" to display the signal indication for multiple directions. Because of this, we didn't remove the signal heads; however, the next logical step would have been to remove the louvers and lenses, and cover the northbound approach with a blank metal face. While we can't determine why this step wasn't taken 21 years ago, thanks to your inquiry we have now rectified that.
Your inquiry has helped us in more ways than one. These one-body multiple-head signals are hard to find in today's marketplace. We use them in the historic Pioneer Square district, and replacement parts are scarce. Our crews removed the one-body signals from 2nd and Spring and installed new signal heads for eastbound and southbound traffic. This should alleviate any confusion drivers may have previously experienced. And as a bonus, we now have spare parts in stock for use when the one-body signals in Pioneer Square need replacement or repair.
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