Earlier this week, TLS posted a picture of newly-installed mailboxes at the USPS facility in Lakewood, with the snorkel opening facing away from the driveway.

The boxes facing the wrong direction would require drivers to exit their vehicles to deposit mail, something difficult for the elderly or disabled.

TLS reached out to USPS for an explanation, and today they responded.

“The collection boxes that were snorkel, (drive up boxes), are being temporarily replaced in order to upgrade some safety features,” USPS Postmaster John Meheski stated. “The original snorkel style boxes should be back within a week or so as per our maintenance department.”

Meheski added, “My apologies for the inconvenience to the town however the safety of their mail is our top priority.”