Changes on Church Street
We have had several months now to digest the temporary traffic changes on Church Street. I believe it is working quite well. While I realize that some cars may be delayed at times, it appears to be providing exactly what we wanted, which is slowing of the traffic and parking for the pool and tennis courts while the park is closed. The decision to make this fall will be whether to continue these changes permanently or discontinue and return to four traffic lanes.
I would like to see us make the changes permanent with some modifications. Extend the reduction to two lanes all the way from Commerce Drive to North Decatur Road. Add bicycle lanes and parking on both sides of the road. I would also like to see the traffic lights at Fortner and Lucerne removed and “round-a-bouts” installed. Any thoughts?
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4 Comments »
August 12th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
I’m definitely in favor of traffic signal removal and traffic island additions wherever possible and practical. I’d particularly love to see this on Ponce at intersections like PDL Pl, Northern, and N Candler, where consistent traffic volume exiting the side streets rarely seems significant enough to justify signals (particularly ones on old-fashioned timers). The current lights use a significant amount of electricity, whereas traffic islands are inherently more sustainable. With as many power outages as we now have in the City, the fewer the signals, the better. Additionally, pedestrians are heavily penalized by the currently dysfunctional signalization; so this would be a big win for encouraging active living.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I like the idea except the roundabouts. I think there would be a problem crossing the street without lights to stop the traffic in front of the pool especially for children. I think the roundabouts would provide good traffic calming and I would like that effect. The ideal would be roundabouts with lights to stop traffic for people crossing the street.
I favor a more asymmetric layout
with a PATH type trail on one side of the street.
Check out this link for a nice example of a bike lane on a street with trees.
http://www.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/07_23/Paris_bikelanes.jpg
August 13th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
No, no, no no & no !!!
Absolutely against it. Trying to make a left turn out of any of the side streets in the park temporary parking area has become a “take a deep breath and pray before pulling out” experience during the rush hour and lunch time periods. And I can’t count how many times I’ve been almost side-swiped by cars passing me in the right lane who suddenly realize their lane is closed and they need to get over to the left.
I don’t know where you get the idea that this is “working quite well” (you obviously don’t drive this area on a regular basis day & night like me) but only yesterday – before I heard about this blog post – was I thinking to myself “oh thank God all this should soon be gone!!” The sooner we get Church Street back to 4 lanes the safer I’ll feel.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I love this idea.