Readers ask about the construction of a new Ingles grocery store in Waynesville, and why some traffic lights aren't synched with the "walk/don't walk" signs. Wochit



Question: When will the new Ingles on Brown Avenue in Hazelwood be complete? How big will it be, and why did Ingles build a new one after recently remodeling the one on Russ Avenue to epic proportions?

My answer: "Epic Proportions" would be a great name for a grocery store.

Real answer: Ingles Markets, which operates more than 200 stores in five states and is headquartered in Black Mountain, has been aggressive in remodeling stores and building new ones.

As far as the older store in Waynesville, Ingles Chief Financial Officer Ron Freeman said it was due for an upgrade.

"We are looking forward to bringing new amenities to our loyal customers in Hazelwood," Freeman said. "Our original store in Hazelwood opened in 1984, and we are excited about bringing all the updated amenities that come with a new store."

The new store will comprise about 68,000 square feet, and it's scheduled to open sometime after fall.

Question: On behalf of all the city of Asheville walkers and runners, why is it that when a traffic light turns green the walk signal does not change automatically to OK to walk as well?  Instead, we must stare at the "no walk" symbol while the green light taunts us, or break the law crossing on green with the walk signal offering no encouragement no matter how many times you push the button if your timing is off. We have all come up to a traffic light on foot just as it turns green and hit the walk button, only to wait through the green and yellow and red until the next green cycle to get the OK to walk. Not fair!  Why must pedestrians always come last?  Other cities such as Washington, D.C. (leaving you an opening for your smart aleck response) have the walk sign change automatically when the traffic light changes to green. There has got to be a better way.

My answer: Sure, I could say something about D.C. also leading the nation in overpaid, blowhard politicians interested primarily in preserving their own political skins, but I'm going to rise above that urge. Let's concentrate on how pedestrian-friendly our nation's capital is.

Real answer: "At intersections with numerous pedestrians like Patton Avenue at Broadway, pedestrians are not required to push a button to cross, and the traffic signals are programmed to automatically provide the maximum amount of green walk time," said Anna G. Henderson, division traffic engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Asheville office. "In areas with less pedestrians, like Patton Avenue at Parkwood Road, the traffic signals are programmed to change only when the push buttons are activated."

The idea is to help keep vehicles moving.

"Otherwise, there would be an increased amount of delay for motorists on the main road, even if there were no pedestrians at the intersection," Henderson said. "When pedestrians activate the push button after the traffic signal is already transitioning to the next phase, they will have to wait just like motorists.  If your readers would like us to review the pedestrian timing at a specific intersection, they may call our Traffic Services office at 828-298-0094."


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