The traffic light at Elmore’s Corner (I call it “El No-mores”) has got to go. Drive east on “the 160” and all the lights seem to be timed. Through Bodo – green. WallyWorld – zip-a-dee-doo. Home Despot – a breeze. “The 550” at Farmington Hill – no prob. Three Springs – a warm flow of traffic. Then you climb the hill and there’s an impenetrable light that always seems to be no-go rojo. That Elmore’s impediment needs to be retimed or taken away. I have spent way too much of my life at idle. CDOT listen, the light is a bulwark to travel. – Stephen
Action Line must slam the brakes to any misguided notion for an open Elmore’s intersection.
That light has a deep personal connection. Many folks might not know the backstory. Be advised that it’s not funny.
A dear friend’s little brother, Harl, was nearly killed at Elmore’s Corner some 35 years ago.
Harl Kendrick was just 13. He was riding his bike with a friend. They were crossing the highway. An ice truck swerved and smashed into Harl, violently throwing him against a steel pole.
Harl was in a coma for months and in the hospital for a year. He had traumatic brain injuries.
The accident crushed his body but not his spirit.
You can read about Harl finally riding a horse unassisted, thanks to some really great people in our community. It’s at: https://durangoherald.com/articles/29616. Please read it.
Now you understand why slowing down and waiting 30 seconds is not an inconvenience.
That said, Action Line will stop scolding and call CDOT for more about Elmore’s.
Our good friend Lisa Schwantes, regional communication manager, provided some interesting facts.
For one, Elmore’s light is indeed timed. Currently, from 5:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., it cycles between red and green based on historical data from timed vehicle counts and commuter studies, she said.
At night, the light functions on a detection system.
But wait, there’s more. (There’s always a wait at Elmore’s Corner.)
CDOT is looking at adding a new technology that will cycle the lights based on real-time traffic, maximizing the signal based on gaps between oncoming vehicles.
More to come on that.
But for now, if you’re idling at the intersection, take deep breath.
What if it were called Harl’s rather than Elmore’s? That should give us pause for thought.
The Mea Culpa Mailbag has a permanent easement for open dialogue.
Thus, last week’s column about trespassing went off trail, our good friend Cliff Hathaway points out.
“As a loyal and attentive reader, I call misdirection in which you suggest that a member of the hoi polloi (that would be us) cannot waltz into the Governor’s Mansion, fix a sandwich and enjoy the Super Bowl with Gov. Polis,” writes Cliff.
“Well of course it’s not possible, but it’s not entirely due to trespass laws!”
Cliff cites a Nov. 22 news item about Jared Polis living in his Boulder home and not the stately state digs in Denver.
“But if a ne’er-do-well were to be apprehended attempting to waltz into said publicly owned executive domicile, would he have to serve 3/4 time?” Cliff adds wryly.
“Don’t get up, I’ll show myself out ...”
Action Line, meanwhile, admits to being a goober on gubernatorial territorial editorials.
Email questions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 80301. You can request anonymity if you can explain why governors are gubernatorial but government is not guberment (except in some rural areas, where it’s pronounced “gubba-mint” but not “GOO-ber-mint.”)
