Features

If you drive west on Center Street into the Shattuck Avenue intersection, you encountered two permanent signs reading “No Left Turn—Except Buses and Bicycles.” But because of Vista College construction on the next block of Center Street, you also encountered a temporary sign ahead saying “Road Closed Ahead.” 

Having blundered into this trap, there was absolutely nothing you could legally do. You couldn’t turn left or go straight. You couldn’t turn right, because that’s the wrong-way (southbound) branch of Shattuck Square. You couldn’t back up, because that would be nuts. And you certainly couldn’t stay put. 

Fortunately, the flagman at the “Road Closed Ahead” sign was helping motorists intelligently disobey one or both of the posted signs. But why did the city set this insane trap? 

—Michael Katzz