As I travel along the US-2 corridor through Iron Mountain, east through Norway, and then back, I have noticed the amount of traffic that is traveling this busy highway.

These vehicles are traveling at speeds between 50 to 60 mph, my guess. There are small vehicles to larger vehicles, as in semi-tractors pulling trailers or logging trucks pulling “pup” trailers.

What I find unsettling is the fact that, as these vehicles are traveling these speeds, there are no left turn signals for vehicles waiting to turn left. I do not see drivers slowing down when they approach a green light, in case a driver decides to make their left turn.

Most drivers, I have noticed, when they see the green light, speed up in the hopes of making it through before the light turns yellow/red. For the driver waiting to turn left, they must make a judgement call as to when they feel safe enough to make the turn.

The Michigan Department of Transportation will look at their statistics and say, according to their numbers, there aren’t enough accidents to warrant left turn signals at these intersections. Unfortunately for the local driver, the number of close calls aren’t recorded to add to their statistics. An example of one of their statistical decisions, when US-141/41 through Niagara was under construction, traffic was rerouted through the city of Norway, from US-2 to US-8. MDOT placed a temporary stoplight at the intersection of US-2 and US-8. For the vehicles turning left off of US-8 to US-2, they were able to make that turn without the risk of pulling out in front of vehicles traveling east and west. Once construction was finished, down came the light. Their numbers didn’t show enough traffic for the light to remain.

Now we have a new medical facility being built between Tadych’s Family Market and Pizza Hut. Trying to turn left from either direction is already extremely difficult, now more traffic turning left will be added coming from the east. I think it’s great this facility is being built, as it will save myself and many others from having to travel to Green Bay, Wis. But I can tell you, driving in Green Bay is a lot safer than driving through Iron Mountain.

I guess the only way for MDOT to really pay attention, unfortunately, is for people to lose their lives. The accidents and close calls don’t count. For MDOT, it’s all about the numbers.

My suggestions for left turn signals would be at the M-95 north junction turning left (north) as we are continuing east; East Ludington Street, both sides of light; East F Street; Michigan Avenue (Taco Bell and Holiday gas station), both sides of light; Flagstar Bank and UP State Bank, both sides of light; Lake Antoine Road and Quinnesec Avenue, both sides of light; and Main Street in Norway, both sides of light. The south junction connecting US-2 to US-141/41 south, would need a left turn light for vehicles traveling west.

It is my hope someone from MDOT will read this and do a re-evaluation and take this letter under consideration.

For all you drivers, be careful out there.