David

The second straight arrow is required as back up. Without backup if a red bulb were to blow traffic would be running a red light geating a very dangerous situation. thanks.

Dana Wardwell
Bangor Public Works Director

This does not make any sense. This is the only place in Bangor that has a redundant backup signal, "in case the bulb burns out". This situation still confuses many motorists and continually causes traffic tie-ups on the off-ramp for people waiting in the middle lane to go straight.

I agree with what David has mentioned here and brings up a valid point, furthermore them lights need to be aligned better with their respective lanes, perhaps a signal on an island to the left (in between where people enter and exit) should be placed there and shift a signal for the right turn in line with a lane. If a red light is out, people should use common sense and verify if it is even safe to continue. If you want 2 straight lights, put one up high above the lane and as I suggested put a second on an island in between the entrance and exit.

so this is apparently the only light in bangor that needs two left arrows so there is a back up light.. what a load of crap a back up bulb.. because if the red burnt out people would assume there was a green don't understand that

Red light or no red light, 2 red lights or 1, people run them anyways, I think this new excuse of backup lights is getting a little out of hand or Bangor is far behind for some light upgrades.

I like RT's idea, I can see the valid points here but this is why there is a second light (although I do agree it is needed, but it needs to be put elsewhere hence why I like the island idea as the current position is to this day confusing for some it seems) The extra signal is more then likely present in this case due to the timing of the lights. In other words, these lights are not green when the right arrows go off at the same time. If an only arrow was out, and someone assumed to proceed because the right arrows are green, someone going to I95 could be approaching at the same time causing an accident as they technically have the right of way, not the driver that assumes because their lights is out and the other lanes are green are able to continue through. You will also observe a backup light from the direction of the Drew St area for the left lane into that mall, again, it as well is on its own timer and is different then the thru lights next to it. I do completely agree despite this more then likley being the reason the backup light is present in this case, that the light needs to be aligned in a better place, and I vote for an island light.

This Issue remains unresolved. The placement of the second, redundant, on the island would definitely remove much of the confusion that having 2 of the same signal side by side creates. With the addition of the new shopping center to the left on Stillwater Avenue it would be a perfect time to address this issue, before that center opens.

Now would be a great time to make changes to this intersection since they are building the new shopping plaza to the left of the exit.

I see where several others have a problem with this intersection. There are those that think there should be a left turn lane at the intersection and others that feel that the light is very confusing. The excuse that they need a redundant light here in case one bulb burns out, is only a cop out and ignores the real issue. The issue does bring safety concerns. When someone sits in the middle lane, waiting for the straight arrow, they cause traffic that intends to turn to have to either change lanes or wait until the offender finally gets the arrow to go straight. This issue needs to be resolved once and for all. It will not go away by stating that it was intended to be a back up signal.

The second light is going to be required due to the timing, the position of the redundant light is in a bad spot, it needs to be placed on the median (island light) rather then hanging it in a lane intended for right turns, the state or the city got lazy on hanging the light. That is something the persons responsible for are not comprehending, the redundant light needs to be moved, I don't know of any other traffic light in this state where you find a straight arrow light in a right hand only lane.

Where is Dana now? There are several other similar issues posted and none of them officially address the issue at all.

This issue needs to be fixed before there are real serious consequences on the form of accidents with serious injuries.

Even though the City of Bangor gets emails from this site, they can't be bothered to field or review them and instead come on here and made a post recently telling us to go to there site and file a report there, and let me tell you, out of 3 complaints, they have addressed only 1, and only did it half right...so if you choose to file a report there, don't hold your breath, expect the same result you are getting here.

They are starting the process of creating a left hand turn. It was started that this process takes a long time because of having to involve federal agencies in the process. I hope that they are also adding this issue with it.

Guys, there are LOTS of traffic signals around the city with redundant signals for backup. There is no cause for confusion at this intersection, as there are two sets of overhead lane markers. This is a matter of drivers not paying attention to the markers.