320 Nelson Street, P.O. Box 778, Tiffin, OH 44883
Phone (419) 448-3200 Fax (419) 447-3274
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Added lane is needed at west end of Wentz

When Tiffin's new traffic signal system was installed, it allowed for both lanes of westbound traffic at the west end of Wentz Street to turn onto West Market Street.

Before, the drivers in the left lane of Wentz -- a short part of which connects the two westbound lanes of West Perry Street to West Market -- was allowed only to go straight (Tiffin Hardware and Molyet's) or left onto eastbound Market.

Now the left lane carries traffic that goes left, straight and right, depending on the traffic signal. Often vehicles waiting to go straight or left prevent a second lane of traffic turning right onto Market, even when the signal changes to allow it.

What is needed is for Wentz to be widened farther into the right of way, allowing a separate lane for left turns and straight-ahead traffic. That would leave two lanes dedicated to the right turn onto Market.

This is not a project that could be done in a couple of days. It would require a lot of changes to poles and wires.

It is something the city should plan for the future, looking for a time when there are other improvements being made to the intersection.

For now, because of the possibility of being held up in the left lane, almost all traffic headed west on Wentz toward westbound Market will continue to merge into the right lane.

That continues the problem that existed when the signals were improved.