@George: I think that chunk of road is going to wind up being widened in the near future, because traffic and development will only go up as long as there are still open fields / woods nearby. As long as they straighten out the lights, I don’t mind.

@Brian: I too thought this might be some sort of clever timing-based speed enforcement. But I’ve deliberately driven 35 (well below the speed limit) from the previous light with the same results.

I emailed George Wolfe (see above). Maybe he’ll be able to shed some light (ha!) on the issue.

But I still think my Sheetz theory is best.

And though my imagination has not carried me quite as far as a “Sheetzian” government infiltration…I have theorized the speed trap idea based on these observations:

Observation 1 – If you are traveling the speed limit on that stretch of Linglestown Road (45mph) you cannot make that light, even in its yellow state (which, if you weren’t aware, when approaching a yellow light, as long as your two front tires cross the while line before the light turns red, you are legally passing through the intersection).

Observation 2 – At no point have I ever observed another vehicle either completing or having just completed a right turn from Colonial Road, or sitting at the red-light on Colonial Road waiting for the light to change.

Observation 3 – I have observed on several occasions, a friendly officer of the law sitting slightly past Kokomo’s. Now, whether this gentleman is there to enforce a government placed speed trap, or to catch those who might attempt to drive from Kokomo’s intoxicated, I cannot sure.

I am sure, however, that this phenomenon…though slightly puzzling and interesting at first…has become a source of annoyance and frustration when attempting to get home from a long day/late night/need eggs and milk for breakfast trip to the grocery store. Though, knowing there is someone else in the village that has witnessed the plight of the Sheetz Light fills me with hope and encouragement to continue to endure.

And next time I return from a late grocery run, I shall set my cruise control at 45 with pride, knowing that, though I may have to stop at the bottom of the “Sheetzian Abyss,” when I have climbed the long hill on the other side, I will be that much closer to home.

I’ve been driving Linglestown Road for more than twenty years. In that time the number of traffic lights has gone from only three or four to the twelve or so that exist now. (There will be more soon.) Back in the earlier days some of the lights were set to ‘flash’ during the nighttime hours.

I’ve heard that the townships traffic control systems don’t work (aren’t coordinated) together. Going from township to township normally results in an unexpected ‘RED’ at the first light.

Not sure about the daytime. I’d imagine that is timed. It’s amazing how often you don’t get the green. Is it during high traffic times? If it is, that’s just a terrible intersection anyway.

Side note, I think, unofficially, the Linglestown border really should extend to Colonial Road. I associate that area with Linglestown more than anything else.

Also, that KoKoMos is still KoKoMos.

@Ed Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever hit a green on Chestnut either. It’s always red. What is going on around here?

Oh, and when I was in college, Ebensburg had a speed sensitive light on Rt 22. Go over 45 and it immediately changed. Bunk!

Your best bet for getting the traffic light’s timing reviewed is to contact Lower Paxton Twp. manager George Wolfe (gwolfe@lowerpaxton-pa.gov; 657-5600).