Sunday, April 20, 2008

Signs of confusion?

powells_signs_bw_enhanced
Do Not Enter. No Left Turn. One Way. Left Lane Must Turn Left.

I took this photo while stopped for the traffic signal at SW 10th and West Burnside. Since I didn't plan to turn left onto Burnside, I was in the center lane when I noticed these signs.

Whoa, I thought, these signs could be confusing, unless you know this intersection's quirks. West Burnside is a two-way street, running east and west. SW 10th is one-way, northbound. Coming off West Burnside, going east and to the left of all of these signs, about 50 feet from the traffic signal and at a sharp angle to West Burnside, is SW Oak, a one-way street. Hence, the Do Not Enter and No Left Turn signs followed by the Left Lane Must Turn Left. In other words, do not enter SW Oak here by turning left. However, if you're in the left-most lane on SW 10th, you have to turn left onto West Burnside.

Still confused? You can see this pretty good on Google Maps, but I couldn't get the link to work very well. Put in this and click Search Maps: 1005 W. Burnside Portland Oregon.

8 comments:

George Townboy said...

I'm so confused! How is it that Powell's can sell used new books?

Nice post, Lynette! You notice everything!!

Dragonstar said...

I've seen less confusing signs here in Ireland! (And believe me, that's saying quite a lot!)

Jane Hards Photography said...

New used book? It's an really good b&w shot and very well done on spotting the crazy sign.

Thanks for visiting and your comments. You too have some interesting photos and posts.

Lynette said...

I know y'all know this and are just having fun with me. There's an ampersand behind that traffic signal pole--you can barely see bits of it. I'm so happy that y'all got a kick out of the accidental Used New Books!

smilnsigh said...

I am not going to try to follow what you said!!! -gigggles- My mind might explode. And that's an awful thing to have happen, at the beginning of my week. >,-)

M-N
Photos-City-Mine

Neva said...

Wow, even looking at on google was confusing! It must be one of those intersections that you just have to be there.....daily....to understand!

Warren said...

Great picture! no wonder I got confused downtown when I was visiting! But I did make it to Powell's to buy some new and used new books (might have been used new or used used, not sure) *smile*

Chuck Pefley said...

I trust you've sent this on to city hall for their amusement? Perhaps the transportation department would want to alter these just a bit?