By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
After years of questioning and confusion, action is being taken on the
proper directions to turn into McDonald’s restaurant at the 10th
Street and Harrison Street intersection in Great Bend.
The main problem that
exists stems from westbound traffic on 10th Street wanting to turn
into McDonald’s. Some drivers are illegally turning into the eastbound-only turning
lane to enter.
Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis says the city has contacted McDonald’s to physically change their 10th Street
entrance.
"We want to make it a more defined right-turn in, right-turn out," said Francis. "Those changes would have to be approved by corporate McDonald's. We have been trying to make the least impact to their business."
The turning lane that exists on 10th Street is to only be used by
eastbound traffic wanting to turn north onto Harrison.
The city has ordered plastic delineators, or plastic barriers, that will stand 3-4 feet tall that will be lined up along the turn lane on 10th Street to prevent westbound traffic from using the 10th Street entrance to McDonald’s.
Public Works Assistant Director Jason Cauley says the city will also warn
motorists that U-turns around the flexible delineators are prohibited.
"Where the delineators end, we will put a no U-turn sign," said Cauley. "I'm sure there will be a lot of people thinking since I can't turn left, I will go down to the end of the delineators and make a U-turn to get into McDonald's. We will try to eliminate that as well."
The extended delineators will also prevent motorists from turning left (west)
onto 10th Street from the McDonald’s exit. Those exiting McDonald’s
from the 10th Street drive will be directed to turn right (east).
Westbound traffic on 10th Street wanting to enter McDonald’s will be encouraged to use the Harrison entrance, just south of the intersection.
Listen to the City Edition interview that aired July 22 on 1590 KVGB & 95.5 FM with Eagle Radio's Cole Reif and Assistant Public Works Director Jason Cauley discussing the traffic issue near McDonald's.