How Would You Improve Traffic in North Druid Hills?
Were it up to Patch, we'd curb unnecessary government spending and reallocate toward the invention of the flying car. But we don't have that kind of pull. So, we hand the issue over to you.
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Despite a foreboding electric sign on North Druid Hills Road promising roadway improvements that will temporarily clog our main transportational artery, work, it seems, has yet to begin.
Last week, we told you a little bit about the work planned for that road. The works seems like it'll have a good affect on travel, which is abysmal on that road often (which goes without saying). But some of the commentors on that story have said everything from it's too little too late to it's nothing but a welcome blessing.
But, at North Druid Hills-Briarcliff Patch, we're wondering what you would do to improve traffic in our community. How much do you think this project will achieve? What else needs to be done? Tell us in the comments section below.
Therra C. Gwyn
6:27 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I'd make everyone drive a scooter. I'd take the 4 car lanes and make 8 scooter lanes. Then I would hand out valium.
Pam Williams
8:19 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I would have the three lanes identified as: use this lane going to I85 South I85; use this lane going to I85 North; use this lane as across I85. I might also direct more lanes going in one direction during morning rush hour and then going in the other direction during afternoon rush hour (such as on Roswell Road heading into Roswell.)
David S
10:54 am on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I would install a low, center barrier along N Druid Hills Rd from Holly Lane to Tullie Road/Executive Park Drive, and eliminate ALL left turns except at traffic lights. For businesses that have an alternate entry point, such as McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Lens Crafter’s, Taco Bell, etc., I would eliminate their entry points along N Druid. I know this would be a huge legal hurdle, and I generally detest imminent domain issues, but there are simply too many curb cuts along this stretch of N Druid. Perhaps a property tax break would ease the loss of these access points.
Tom Doolittle
1:42 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
David S is absolutely correct. Even if the number of lanes was perfect for car volume (traffic)--debatable, the road won't work (congestion) due to curb cuts. You may have legal hurdles and social mores to get over, but eliminating curb cuts and installing traffic timing are least expensive options to get the most out of your existing pavement--and could be done in short order while larger transpo plans are worked out.
Nancy
1:55 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
David and Tom are right on with the left turning nightmares and accidents (and near-accidents) they cause. Eliminating those, combined with lengthening the left turn lanes (and SIGNAGE so people can plan their moves) would go a long way to controlling flow. I also wonder if the lights are programmed as efficiently as possible to save gas?
Sally
7:50 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Of course we all know what happened to Memorial Drive when center barriers were put in. Bad idea.