March 14, 2012

We’re relatively certain the Five Man Electrical Band had a vision like this when they released their hit single “Signs” in 1971. Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind.

When the re-design on the traffic circle at Benton Boulevard and St. John Avenue was completed a few years back, the engineers with the Public Works Department forested the area with a bevy of directional signs telling us to yield, go this way, slow down here and so forth. Last week, however, the city added four NEW signs to the mix, blocking out even more scenery in the process.

We talked to Forrest Decker over at the Parks Department about possibly thinning down the sign count so the new design of the circle can be seen instead of obliterated by what traffic engineers say is essential. Apparently, this newshound wasn’t the only one who couldn’t see the forest for the trees – er, signs. Crews were on hand Monday morning allegedly removing some of the signs blocking the view. Sign removal at that location is a double edged sword though, as some less than intelligent motorists still don’t know how to properly navigate the circle. We’re thinking maybe lessons could be given.