Lane Ranger: Just be patient with the ‘spite light’

Dear Lane Ranger,

I call it the "spite light." The traffic signal at the intersection of Forestdale Plaza just west of Forestdale Avenue seems to detect and purposely slow morning commuters, who are just getting up to speed after they turn onto Dale Boulevard from Minnieville Road.

The light seems to be on a timer as opposed to using weight sensors. When the light changes to red, it stays red for 40 seconds. It is very frustrating for me and many others to sit there wasting fuel for a red light when no one is there exiting the shopping center.

This happens about 4:30 a.m. while the shops in the center are closed.

Perhaps from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the lights in front of the shopping center can be put on flash, where the yellow caution light is the only one flashing.

Scott Ro

Dale City

Dear Scott,

We took your questions to Jennifer McCord at the Virginia Department of Transportation and she said that light had been malfunctioning.

The light runs on a loop sensor, which detects cars and adjusts the timing of the light according to how many cars are waiting to use it. She said that "unfortunately," the loop sensor at the intersection stopped working. It was replaced earlier this week.

"Motorists should notice an improvement very soon," said McCord.

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