Poll: Traffic signals make life harder for most

Petaluma’s sometimes troublesome traffic signals are, at least, an imposition to the majority of readers responding to this week’s poll.

One respondent wrote, “Many of the signals are poorly synchronized, which wastes gas and causes unnecessary delays.”

The Argus-Courier reports on the state of the traffic signals, how they work and what the city is doing to address problems at different intersections. See the story on A1.

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“Fix the timing of the four-way light at Corona and McDowell Boulevard. Cars coming from the south and north sides sit for at least 5-10 minutes after noon time seven days a week! PLEASE!”

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“Especially at the left turn from South McDowell to Washington between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., which allow only two cars to pass. Will it get worse after the Safeway gas station opens? Thanks to city for making our lives miserable.”

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“More should be converted to allow left turns when safe to do so. Maybe that requires teaching some drivers the rules though; a significant number seem to think rules do not apply to them.”

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“Other than E. Washington going over 101, it doesn’t seem too bad.”

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“The light at the intersection of Maria and Washington was always long enough and now with the new construction of more housing on Maria Drive and the influx of people living in Petaluma, it takes forever to make it through that intersection, let alone be able to get off our street onto Maria to make a signal. No one should have to schedule an extra 10 minutes to get off their block in the morning when they are not residing on a main thoroughfare.”

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“There are way more important issues to think about than stoplights.

“The city should do its job and time the lights accordingly to ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. The rest of us should do our jobs whatever they may be.”

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“West side elitists should drive to the east side in order to experience poorly timed lights, short green lights and massive traffic jams exacerbated by the traffic lights. Not to mention terrible road conditions, dumping ground for any and all development, and graffiti.

“How many city council members live on the east side?”

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“We all need to drive less.

“Plan your local trips, make the kids walk whenever possible. Walking and biking is better for your health and the environment.”