This pole used to track traffic. Photo by Terry Luke, Star-Bulletin

The pole, which is a nasty-looking green (and rust) color, extends out over the street just before the intersection and dangles what appears to be a giant coffee mug over traffic. There's a mate on the other side of the intersection. The pole uses spars and guy wires to support the object, so it's either really heavy, or it's over-engineered, or it's really old.

All of the above, as it turns out. According to Don Hamada of the city Department of Transportation Services, the poles are the last remnants of the city's first traffic-detection apparatus.

"They used microwave radar to detect cars - yeah, kinda like the motion detectors on porch lights - so the traffic light would change," he said. All the poles are used for now is to hold up the "No Parking" signs next to McDonald's.

"I don't think they've been used in 30 years," he said. "We're gradually getting rid of them, and now they're pretty rare. Probably no more than five left in the state. A collector's item for those interested in traffic-light history."

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