Agenda - 06-12-2007-sl - Laserfiche WebLink

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Using these guidelines as the basis for reviewing the collected data, the task force developed two overarching principles for improving safety and multi -model transportation along Smith Level Road while protecting the integrity of the watershed. Slow Down the Traffic Traffic calming measures will improve safety for motorists as well as those bicyclists who currently use the road. We expect that.the recommended tactics will have the secondary advantage of reducing the volume of traffic by encouraging some commuters to the university and/or hospital to stay on 15 -501. 1. Reduce the speed limit on the southern section of the road to 35 MPH. DOT's preference would be to conduct a speed zone study to determine if the speed should be reduced. However, it is important to remember that DOT's goals are to facilitate the smooth-and-even-flow-of traffic_ while_the_hope_of_the residents living along this road is to improve safety and non - vehicular mobility along the road. In this instance the goals of citizens and the DOT are at odds. 2. Examine the possibility of eliminating one of the two turn lanes and one of the merge lanes at the entrance of Smith Level Road coming off 15 -501. The stacking lane on 15 -501 may need to be extended if a turn lane is eliminated in order to assure smooth movement in the through lanes along 15 -501. These additional lanes were added to accommodate long -term traffic projections and a non- permanent design to remove those additional lanes for the short-term may be amenable to DOT. 3. Impose truck restrictions on the section of Smith Level Road between Damascus Church Road and S Greensboro Street. Truck restrictions apply to through traffic and would not restrict access for Merritt's mining operations or school deliveries. Restrictions are imposed by request of local government to the Department of Transportation where they are reviewed to assure that such restrictions will not have the unintended consequence of pushing truck traffic onto smaller neighborhood roads. 4. Examine the possibility of narrowing the traffic lanes by 6" on the section of the road between Rock Haven and 15 -501. According to 'DOT guidelines, Smith Level Road should have 12 -foot lanes based on projected traffic volumes. This is another instance where the DOT goal of moving traffic smoothly and evenly is at odds with the citizen -goal of slowing and/or reducing traffic. Narrowing the lanes, in conjunction with extending the shoulders, could help slow down traffic and also improve bicycle accessibility (see #2, page 6). 5. Request that NCDOT conduct a traffic and feasibility study at Damascus Church Road and Smith Level. A roundabout would provide speed reduction and Page 5 of 8