Ask the Answer Person: Why are there cones on the corner of Mechanic and Water Streets?

Dale e-mails: "We've been wondering why are there cones on the corner of Mechanic & Water Streets.  At one time we thought it was due to the dumpster sitting in front of the former BBQ location, but that has been gone for a considerable time.  Definitely slows the flow of traffic at that corner with the right lane closed so there is no right turn on red."

The Answer Person says: "The cones have been put out in the right lane of northbound Mechanic Street because semis have been frequently running over the stoplight on the southeast corner of the intersection, in front of the Old Armory.

Closing off the turn lane makes it highly unlikely that a semi taking a right turn onto Water Street will hit the stoplight.

As you might remember, the stoplight has been knocked over multiple times and the last time the semi driver didn't stop.  That cost the City of Decorah $6,000 for a new traffic light—and the city wants to avoid similar expenses in the future."