Fallen Traffic Light in Little Italy Attributed to Dog Urine Corrosion

Alyssa Ash was driving in Little Italy shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday, October 2, when she heard a significant crash. Upon investigation, she and her passengers discovered that a traffic light at the intersection of India Street and Hawthorne Avenue had collapsed. Fortunately, there were no injuries, although the falling pole did damage a car’s front bumper.

Witnesses reported that the light fell without being struck by any vehicle. Transportation workers on the scene indicated that the base of the pole had corroded due to years of dog urine, contributing to its failure. Nate Brown, an engineer who witnessed the incident, described the sound of the fall as resembling a gunshot. He noted that the pole was still connected to live power, making it a potential safety risk. After managing the immediate situation, city employees closed the street and worked to install a temporary pedestrian crossing. The complete repair timeline for the traffic light has yet to be announced, though it is expected to take place sometime this month, given the area’s heavy traffic.