Show odd traffic signal on rural highway prevents mishaps NATURAL BRIDGE VA situated on a stretch of highway in a strictly rural area and far remote from any intersection a red traffic light amazes motorists speeding north over highway 11 through virginias shenandoah valley the light warns of the approach to the 90 foot span of the natural bridge of virginia across a foot gorge just before crossing the natural span the highway twists sharply on a steep downgrade to pre present sent a dangerous traffic menace the light was erected two years ago after a series of serious mishaps the result highway department engineers contend has been highly satisfactory no smashups sma at a point where there had been 28 in 10 years with 12 fatalities and injuries to 53 others it if the motorist approaches the light at a speed greater than 25 miles per hour it flashes bashes red moreover the light wont turn green until the driver slows down if the motorist slow he be will have to stop at the red light but when he does docs stop the light flashes green the light Is controlled by a complicated sequence of electronics rigged with underground wires to a detector arm Im bedded in the highway feet from the light elated over success of the rural blinker the highway department is planning to install similar lights at other danger zones |