Thorn traffic update reviewed

Colfax council members Monday night gave mixed reviews to the revamping of the intersection of Highway 195 and Thorn Street. The state Department of Transportation crew installed traffic control posts to funnel northbound traffic on Highway 195 into one lane. The aim of the project is to keep northbound traffic out of the curbside lane which has been marked off with a solid white line. The object of the marking is to keep the curbside lane open for entry onto main for drivers descending the Thorn Street hill.

Council members Monday night noted northbound motorists on 195 still go into the curbside lane after rounding the curve. Councilman Steve Bretveld suggested arrows could be painted next to the markers south of the intersection to indicate the curbside lane there is to be used only for motorists who want to turn right up Thorn Street.

City Administrator Michael Rizzitiello said the state installation of the marker posts wasn’t what he had expected after meeting with DOT officials. He said he anticipated fewer marker posts, described as candles, would be installed along with bump markers close to the intersection to allow more space for drivers who want to go up the Thorn Street hill.