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“Do those buttons at crosswalks for pedestrians to push on the stoplights really work, and if so, how much time is taken off the length of a red stoplight?”

– Sue, Rhinelander

The Star Journal asked Randy Knuth, the City of Rhinelander’s Public Works Director. Knuth responded:

“Yes, the buttons need to be pushed to call a walk signal, except the one at Stevens and Davenport intersection. We had to hardwire the push buttons to force a light change at that intersection because of problems with vehicles traveling on Davenport Street. The walk light crossing Stevens St. will go on every time the traffic signal is green on Davenport Street-thus no need to push the button. Anyone wanting to cross Davenport Street will need to push the button to activate the walk signal. All other intersections with push buttons are working properly.

“The timing of the traffic signals including the walk light and flashing don’t walk clearance lights are done by certified traffic engineers, and is different depending on each particular intersection.”

Editor’s note: Send in your questions to Starjournal@jcpgroup.com, or mail them to the Star Journal, 24 W. Rives St., P.O.?Box 558 Rhinelander, WI?54501.