Crossing signal appears to be giving Spokane the finger Tue., Nov. 30, 2010 This malfunctioning crossing signal at Second and Walnut in Spokane appears to be giving pedestrians and motorists alike the one-finger salute. (Meghann Cuniff / The Spokesman-Review)

Spokane city street crews today fixed a malfunctioning crossing signal that appeared to be giving the one-finger salute. The crossing light at 2nd Street and Walnut Avenue appeared to be flashing the bird when the “Don’t Walk” hand is displayed. Employees at nearby A to Z Rental said they noticed the change last week. “People sure got a kick out of it,” said Carrie Wisenor. “They’d come in here in a crummy mood then I’d say ‘look at that’ and they’d crack up.” City spokeswoman Marlene Feist said vandalism is not suspected. “I think it would be pretty difficult for somebody to be that specific,” Feist said. Andy Schenk, operations engineer for the Streets Department , said he suspects snow blocked the remaining fingers. A honeycomb grid covers the lights. Schenk said they don’t produce much heat. “Snow tends to sit there and not melt out,” said Schenk. “I think it’s just bad luck.”

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