PITTSBURGH - KDKA Traffic Reporter Jim Lokay can’t stop talking about traffic. “I don’t get invited to a lot of parties,” he said. “But when I do, I find myself looking at the progress of the buffet line. That’s when I spring into action, telling people about the slowdowns around the salad-dressing interchange, with heavy delays as you approach the entrées and some minor congestion as you approach the dessert and beverage off-ramps.” Lokay concedes that his obsession with the orderly flow of traffic might be off-putting to some people. “Oh, I think the majority of folks appreciate my help. Hey, when you’re hungry, you want accurate, dependable, up-to-the minute information about when you can expect to reach your destination. It’s what I do.”Not everybody is thrilled with Lokay’s work. Father Michael Loftus, Pastor at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, said he has asked Lokay repeatedly to stop interfering with the ushers leading the congregation to communion. “This gentleman stands in the vestibule and says things like ‘If you’re looking to receive the sacramental wine along with the body of Christ this morning, give yourself a little extra time as all aisles leading to the main altar are bumper to bumper.’ This behavior is inappropriate and distracting, to say the least.” Lokay admits he may have crossed the line a time or two, but says he can’t help himself. “It’s what I do.”
Lokay will be working the viewing of Sean Cannon at Devlin’s Funeral Home this evening from seven to nine p.m. He recommends that mourners enter the side door, as there are several large flower arrangements to the north of the casket causing heavy delays for mourners.
