Something must change at the intersection of Foote and Cole avenues in Jamestown.

The intersection has always been a dicy one for pedestrians trying to cross a four-lane state road, but the addition of a busy Tim Hortons location has made an already busy intersection a real headache. It’s a good headache, because it means the restaurant is doing well at the location.

But, changes in traffic flows mean something needs to change. It is not uncommon at busy times of the day to see traffic backed up on Cole Avenue on either side of Foote Avenue, nor is it uncommon to wait two or three cycles of the traffic light at the intersection to be able to make it through the intersection.

The issue is drivers trying to turn left at the intersection and gumming up the works. Cole Avenue was never meant to have a turn lane and isn’t wide enough to install one to allow drivers turning left to wait while drivers proceeding straight or turning right to go through the intersection. The inability to install turning lanes eliminates an easy fix to the problem.

Perhaps the city could vary the timing of the lights to allow drivers on each side of Foote Avenue an opportunity to move through the intersection. Perhaps there are other solutions — that don’t involve a roundabout — the state and city could pursue.

The intersection is at least worthy of discussion publicly.