City traffic engineer explains meaning of 'Stop Here on Red'

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 9, 2005

Puzzled about something in our area? "Did You Ever Wonder?" is here to help. Send your questions to the address below.

QUESTION: When the pavement is marked "Stop Here on Red" does this mean there's no right turn on red? I've seen people interpret this as no turn on red, and I've seen people interpret this as turn after stopping. Steve Allen

It means stop at the stop bar. Then, when it is safe "and you don't run over anyone in the crosswalk," proceed forward to make a right turn on a red light -- but not a red arrow, says principal city traffic engineer John Merritt.

Merritt says "Stop Here on Red" is used in a number of situations, including those where drivers tend to drive across a crosswalk before they stop. It's also used when the location of the signal makes it difficult to see if the vehicle is too close to the intersection.

QUESTION: At the beginning of the south entrance ramp to Interstate 25, at Uintah Street, there is a rough bump that extends the width of the ramp that's getting worse every week.

It was that way for a long time, before it was finally repaired a couple years ago, but now it is back.

I can't help but wonder, was it meant as just a temporary fix or didn't they repair it correctly so it would last? And will it be repaired again? It's very annoying. Lee

This is pretty common and occurs where there are different roadway surfaces, according to Colorado Department of Transportation. At this location, the roadway goes from asphalt on Uintah Street to concrete on the ramp.

CDOT engineers checked out your complaint but found no significant problem. In problem areas where perhaps the ground has shifted and pushed up the edges, maintenance crews will grind down the high spots.

CONTACT THE WRITER: Send questions to Linda Navarro at Lnavarro@gazette.com with "Column Question" in the subject line; mail to "Did You Ever Wonder?," P.O. Box 1779, Colorado Springs 80901. No personal replies; because of limited space, not all questions will be answered.