Crack Down On Improper Turns In Glenwood Avenue Area

The Dalton Police Department and also the city’s Public Works Department have been receiving numerous complaints of drivers making improper turns near the Taco Bell and Bi-Lo shopping center on Glenwood Avenue. Crash statistics compiled by the DPD Traffic Unit show that there have been 15 crashes in the area since January with minor injuries reported.

A recent redesign of the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and the Highway 41 bypass changed some of the neighboring roads and lanes and many drivers don’t realize that routes they may have been taking for years are now improper.  

Drivers traveling southbound on Glenwood cannot turn left into the Taco Bell parking lot. The lane in front of the restaurant is not a turn lane and is hashed off in yellow which means traffic may not turn there. The Traffic Unit recommends that drivers proceed further south to an intersection and turn back north to access the Taco Bell.  Additionally, drivers exiting the Taco Bell onto Glenwood must turn right.  Left turns out of the parking lot are illegal and there is currently a sign notifying drivers to only turn right.

Northbound drivers on Glenwood attempting to turn left into the Bi-Lo shopping center often use the southern exit from the parking lot to turn in and avoid waiting for the traffic light at the intersection at Smith Industrial Boulevard.  However, both lanes coming out of the parking lot are exit only and turning left there crosses a yellow hashed area.  Northbound drivers must proceed to the turn lane at Smith Industrial Boulevard to access the shopping center.

The DPD Traffic Unit observed traffic in the area on Aug. 20 and observed 75 violations in an hour.  The Public Works Department will be posting signage in the area to clarify these rules and the DPD’s Traffic Unit plans to increase patrols in the area to educate motorists and enforce these rules.