Beaver Dam Council To Address Illegal Left Turns Into Post Office

(Beaver Dam) City officials in Beaver Dam may be putting their foot down on motorists making illegal left turns into the post office.

Following 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.

A plan that advanced out of committee this week would see the installation of flexible marker posts between the northbound and southbound lanes by the post office on Spring Street.

Alderman Mike Wissell cast the lone vote against the plan because he says the yellow pavement striping should be turned into a left turn lane. Mayor Becky Glewen noted that the project received state funding for the reconstruction and the designs did not allow for a left turn lane.

The council is expected to vote next month on putting a law officially on the books that makes a left-hand turn into the post office illegal, along with the installation of the rubber posts.

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.