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Ask Dr. Delay: Why don't cars turn right on red at 54th Ave. N, I-275?

 
Vehicles in the turn lane on eastbound 54th Avenue N just before the ramp onto I-275 south must stop behind the white line for red lights. Because this is not a true intersection, there is no turn on red.
Vehicles in the turn lane on eastbound 54th Avenue N just before the ramp onto I-275 south must stop behind the white line for red lights. Because this is not a true intersection, there is no turn on red.
Published Jan. 3, 2014

If you've already answered this question concerning the traffic light at 54th Avenue N and Interstate 275, please do so again: If you're in the right eastbound lane of 54th Avenue N and at a full stop at that red light, can you turn right on the red signal there and enter onto the interstate? Or must you wait for the light to turn green? Everybody always waits for the light to turn green even though I feel it's not necessary. In fact, the only signs there are ones that read "Right Lane Must Turn Right." There are absolutely no signs reading "No Right Turn on Red."

John H.

There is no right turn allowed on the red light at this intersection because it's not a true intersection of roads; the traffic signal on eastbound 54th Avenue is several yards west of the entrance to southbound I-275. Vehicles must stop behind the stop bar on the red signal, so it's good to know that this is what most drivers are doing. If eastbound 54th Avenue N vehicles were to roll into the intersection toward the entrance to the southbound I-275 entrance ramp, they would be interfering with traffic that is exiting southbound I-275, then hooking left to head east on 54th Avenue.

Barricade watch

St. Petersburg: The bridge replacement work along Park Street from Fifth Avenue N to Ninth Avenue N is continuing on schedule. Traffic is down to one lane in each direction in some sections and motorists should be prepared to slow down, expect delays and be alert to flag personnel in the roadway. The current completion date is May 1.

Lealman: Work that began last month to improve drainage adjacent to the Lealman pond area will mean lane closures along 58th Avenue N until the project is completed sometime in February.

Clearwater: Three roads will remain closed through Thursday for ongoing work to install a 48-inch stormwater pipe: Eldridge Street from Vine to Myrtle avenues, detour via Seminole Street; Seminole Street at Vine Avenue, detour via Pennsylvania Avenue; Vine Avenue from Eldridge to Seminole streets, detour via Myrtle or Pennsylvania avenues. The next phase of the installation is set to begin Monday with work continuing until the end of the month along East Shore Drive from Baymont to Papaya streets, which will be closed to traffic (excluding local traffic) through Jan. 27. Use Poinsettia Avenue as a detour route.

Email Dr. Delay at docdelay@gmail.com or follow Dr. Delay on Twitter @AskDrDelay.