Misdirection in the west end of Oak Ridge
I’ve noticed this out of the corner of my eye on several recent occasions, but I finally focused long enough to be sure that I was seeing this correctly:
Westbound travelers on Hwy 95, approaching the interchange with Hwy 58 (where a right turn on 95 takes you to Lenoir City, while straight traffic takes 58 toward K-25 and Kingston) are greeted by a big silver sign (erected by CROET; similar to other signs around the ETTP) that indicates that the Horizon Center, Museum of Science and Energy, and Business District are all straight ahead.
Motorists who trust this sign will find themselves seriously misdirected, since a U-turn is the only reasonable way to get to any of those sites from that location. (The sign also directs people to turn right to get to ORNL; at least that part is correct.)
My guess is that this sign was intended for eastbound traffic approaching the same interchange, and that the sign intended for westbound travelers at this interchange is now greeting eastbound traffic with similar misinformation. 
(I certainly hope this was not a deliberate effort by the sign installers to discourage people from shopping in Oak Ridge, sending them to the Kingston business district instead. 
)
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I would tend to believe the money we spend for oversight and supervision is not being given to responsible people. For example, the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau website, has links throughout their site that spells our county with an M, Andersom. The responsibility of government has been lessening to the point of the person in charge of the sign will be paid a second time for the installation of the signs, similar to the person responsible for the website of our visitors center. I believe waste is the heart of the issue, yet controversy has never died in Oak Ridge leaving the forces of Roane County commissioners meddling with Oak Ridge retail.
Comment by Ray Kircher — May 25, 2007 @ 11:23 am
Ouch!!! I see what you mean about the ORCVB website. The CVB is creating a new website — let’s hope those links will not be part of it!
Earlier today I contacted the CROET about the wrong-way directional sign on the highway. I hope someone fixes it — a person visiting this city could find it bewildering.
Comment by Ellen Smith — May 25, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
I reported the error on the ORCVB website and I am pleased to report that it has been fixed. (Hurray for the hard-working local web design team!) Now I’m hoping for similar responsiveness from CROET…
Comment by Ellen Smith — May 25, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
You are a hard working civil minded person. You are perfect for a seat in our council. The diligence for creating a new image of responsibility within our city is what I see as your shining star. Good work on making City of Oak Ridge to look more attractive, I wish you the best of luck on June 5th.
Comment by Ray Kircher — May 26, 2007 @ 11:29 am