New Signs On Wheeler Road Cause Confusion

Augustam, GA—Cpl. Mark Chestang, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: “See, he’s at a dead stop, at a stop light because he doesn’t know where to go, he’s completely and utterly confused.“

Confusion is the word many drivers would use when it comes to getting on Bobby Jones Expressway, eastbound, from Wheeler Road. You can no longer turn left…something drivers aren’t quite getting.

Cpl. Chestang: “Through the barrels, right in between the barrels, he made a left turn.“

Corporal Mark Chestang spent the day writing ticket after ticket.

Cpl. Chestang: “They’ll actually come down past the barrels, make like a small u-turn to make the left to get onto Bobby Jones. So, it’s not only the 3 signs and the detour sign, on the light, you actually have the barrels. But still, you would be amazed at how many people will tell me that they didn’t know that they couldn’t turn left.“

Cpl. Chestang: “You realize there are 3 left turn signs there?“

Driver: “I didn’t, it’s the first time I’ve been through there in weeks.“

Cpl. Chestang: “3 no left turn signs there.“

Driver: “I didn’t even see them.“

Cpl. Chestang: “3 of them!“

Cpl. Chestang: “You’re talking about certain parts of the day, when traffic is bad, and the volume’s high, you’re talking about people coming over that overpass, and not being able to see you stop until they’re right up on you. So, we’re looking at rear end accidents, but more importantly, we’re looking at getting broadsided right here.“

A chance these drivers claim they aren’t going to take anymore.

Driver: “I know now.“

Cpl. Chestang: “Be more careful for me.“

Driver: “Alright, thank you sir.“

Construction officials say that the left turn will remain closed, definitely, for a month…but it could be longer. The detour takes drivers down Augusta West Parkway, less than 2 miles, adding about 3 to 5 minutes.