The Great Downtown Sioux Falls Turn Arrow Mystery

Hey Sioux Falls, Can We Get Our Left Turn Arrows Back Already? Please and Thank You.

I’ve got a bone to pick with the City of Sioux Falls, and it’s been dangling in plain sight for way too long.

Drivers Left Guessing At 14th and Phillips

If you've ever tried turning left at 14th Street and Phillips Avenue, you already know where this is headed (or not headed, thanks to the missing turn arrows). That intersection is basically a real-life game of “Guess Who Goes First?” and spoiler alert: nobody ever wins.

Missing Left Turn Arrows Causing Chaos in Downtown Sioux Falls, Sounds Dramatic

Now, I’m not saying this is a full-on life-or-death situation, but during rush hour or a busy weekend downtown, it definitely flirts with chaos. At the very least, it's a surefire way to make you late for work, your hair appointment, or happy hour. And if you’ve driven through that intersection thinking, "Wait, weren’t there left turn arrows here before?" you’re not imagining things. There were. But now? Just sad little wires swinging in the breeze like they’re waiting for a second chance at love.

The brackets and wiring are still up there, like a ghost of sensible traffic management past. So, what’s the holdup? Budget issues? Supply chain delays? Someone forget to hit "reorder" on Amazon?

It’s not like we’re asking for a roundabout made of gold. Just a couple of glowing arrows to tell us when it’s safe to turn without turning into downtown’s newest lawn ornament.

Now, yes, I realize this might fall into the category of “first world problems.” I’m not saying this is necessarily more important than fixing potholes, helping the less fortunate, or working on the City's the latest pet project. But if something as simple as restoring a turn signal can make life downtown just a little smoother, and safer, then why not do it?

So, Sioux Falls Street Department, can we get those arrows back, please? Pretty please? With flashing LEDs on top?

Because right now, this intersection is less "urban planning" and more "urban roulette."