Summer construction projects can clog alternate routes, but that doesn’t always mean those routes need expansion.
Q. With the construction on Dupont, northbound traffic on Clinton Street has increased turning left to Diebold Road. Are there any plans for a “go around” lane on Clinton to relieve backups and possible accidents? – Don Hayden
A. Your observation is correct, Don, but it hopefully will only be that way short term.
Shan Gunawardena, city traffic engineer, said there is an increased use of this intersection from traffic trying to avoid Dupont, and that’s understandable.
After the construction on Dupont is completed this year, those traffic patterns are likely to change, reducing the number of turning vehicles, he said. There are no current plans for immediate improvements for the intersection of Clinton and Diebold, but the city plans to monitor it for problems with turning traffic after conditions return to normal.
In the long term, Clinton between Auburn Road and Dupont is to be widened to four lanes. Unfortunately, Gunawardena warns this is unlikely to happen soon.
Q. Recently, the city completed new road striping on roads such as Evard, Hazelet, Rothman, St Joe Center and others. The lines are such that it’s OK to pass for 200 feet then it’s not, then it is and so on. How are these designations created, and is passing legal there? – Dan Kaufman
A. Good question Dan, as I’ve personally wondered whether I really should be passing on a seemingly residential street. Trust me, there are times I want to.
The city’s Gunawardena said determination for passing zones is based on numerous factors, including the ability to see oncoming traffic, density of drivers and total traffic on the road.
He noted that a passing, or skipped line, is sometimes provided in high-density areas to allow drivers to pass around a parked vehicle or one that is turning. Passing, however, would be considered legal.
It is also legal to pass a vehicle when there is no centerline striping. This can be found on many county rural roads when passing seems appropriate, but also on numerous residential streets.
Gunawardena warned that sight distances are typically limited on subdivision streets, so the ability to pass should typically be reserved for going around a garbage or mail truck, not necessarily a moving vehicle. I personally find it dangerous to pass on a residential street when children could be playing nearby – and have made sure to let drivers who do so know my displeasure.
Drivers trying to make a pass, whether on a highway or a city street, should make sure there is adequate time to get around the leading vehicle by looking for oncoming traffic.
Radio holiday
There will be no bonus audio question this week as I tend to the Sage-lings. Look for it to return next week.
