There's a 4-way stop in Glastonbury smack-dab in the middle of the busiest area in town. I go through this intersection once in a while during my lunch break. Each time I'm amazed by how incredibly efficient this 4-way stop works. You'd think that the knee-jerk decision to control an extremely congested and fast-moving intersection would be to install the usual traffic signals. But the town opted for four stop signs instead.

Despite the lunchtime traffic, I usually make it through the intersection quickly. Much faster than if I had to sit and wait at a red light. What makes this work so well? Of all the times I've passed through, other cars have always been cordial by waiting their turn, yet everyone makes it through in a matter of seconds. What's the magic behind this traffic phenomenon? And why don't more busy town centers turn to 4-way stops?

1:20 PM

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Thursday, November 18, 2004

I'm in awe of... an intersection?!