I've been wondering why there are new intersection signals in Burien, when the traffic levels clearly don't indicate an emerging need.

As an example, consider the intersection at 4th Avenue Southwest and Southwest 153rd St, the intersection with Vince's Pizzeria on the northwest corner.

That intersection has always been a 4-way stop, always functioning with no problems. Yet now there is a full set of signals, complete with left turn lanes squeezed in, ready to be powered up.

I have to ask why, when it can be predicted that there will never be enough traffic passing through that intersection to warrant such a change, even if the "city" development just up the street finally succeeds some day in the far future.

I think that it is clear that the "city" of Burien has vastly overreached in its egotistical desire to grow, and has spent money it doesn't have on big "city" frills such as these newly redesigned intersections.

Burien would be much better off selling the signal equipment to a larger and much more trafficked community.

Actually, I'm now waiting for parking meters or "robots" like those in Seattle, lots of luck. That would surely kill Burien.

Delmont Gould
Des Moines