Barrier To Be Installed Stopping Left Turns Into Beaver Dam Post Office

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Common Council Monday night approved the installation of a barrier to prevent motorists from making illegal left turns into the post office. Following the reconstruction of North Spring Street two years ago, the left-hand turn lane that had been in place for decades was eliminated, leaving southbound motorists with a lengthy turnaround process to make a righthand turn. State transportation officials say the left turn lane was a safety issue because it was too close to the intersection and traffic would back up onto Mackie Street. There is a no left turn sign in place but motorists, faced with no easy way to turn around, have been chronically ignoring the signage.

Alderman Mike Wissell says the city should just let sleeping dogs lie. Wissell says if one person gets away with it once in a while, so be it, as there may be more problems created with turnarounds in the school or library parking lots.

Alderman Kevin Burnett supported installation of the barrier, saying that government does not change the speed limit because people keep speeding.

Mayor Becky Glewen noted that the police department says that the law is broken multiple times per day, generating multiple complaints.

The council voted 9-to-4 to install flexible marker posts between the northbound and southbound lanes on Spring Street.

An improper left turn could lead to a $60-dollar ticket and three demerit points against your license. A second offense within one year is a $98-dollar ticket and three additional demerit points.