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Traffic Lights?

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by tvl, Sep 7, 2004.

  1. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Another 'highly enforced' road. Usually by the Sherriff on that road. Easy pickings I guess :)

    -Steve
     
  2. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    farscape-
    If you are refering to me, I did not "fight" or "vehemently defend" anything. I simply expressed MY opinion about the speed limit change and gave my explanation why. Since the HOA doesn't set the speed limits, I obviously have no influence on them.
    Secondly, my house backs up to Truro Parish Drive, another of the roads I think the speed limit should be higher on.

    homer-
    I don't know what the process is with VDOT to try and get them to change a speed limit. For those that are upset about the change, maybe someone could do a little research on this and report back.

    Was there any discussion on this issue at the Developer Update last week?

    Lastly, spouses of Board members have the same right as anyone else to speak their opinions on these forums. For those that question them, I simply have one question for you: Do you ALWAYS agree with your spouse's opinion???? Didn't think so.
    Cliff
     
  3. Mearen

    Mearen New Member

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    http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/points_assess.asp

    I suggest you read the differences between 3 and 6 points. Most drivers know the severity of their crimes and scale their speed with the posted limits accordingly.
     
  4. Zansu

    Zansu New Member

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    If I read you correctly, Mearen, you're saying 56 was </u>reckless driving (a 6 pt violation), now it's 3 pts with a lot less money and on your record less time. So, for those managing their risk within bounds; where they would not have exceeded 55 in a 35, can now comfortably accept the risk of getting caught at 64 in a 45.

    I agree that is how many people live. That's why I'd like to see the traffic speed study done again in a few months.

    If folks truly do 45 it's one thing. But we all know they won't. So can we get those speed sensitive traffic lights like herndon has (when we get traffic lights;)) that turn red when you're speeding?
     
  5. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Mearen-
    I guess I don't fit your profile. I don't look at the posted speed limit then exceed it at a rate that keeps me at 3 pts rather than 6 pts. I've never looked at the point system to determine how I drive and won't start now.
     
  6. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    I know it has only been a short time but I have not really noticed anyone driving over 45mph since the change. And trust me peeps, I pay attention!
     
  7. Sunny

    Sunny Chief Advisor

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    I think the speed limit is reasonable, but there are an unusual amount of unreasonable drivers in this neighborhood. Everyone wants to make a phone call when they get to the 4-way stops and they lose track of their turn!
    What I would like to see is a path on the west side of waxpool between claiborne and hillside. I live near the nature center and we have to cross waxpool to use the path and then go back through the tunnel by the community center to get to the playground. I would rather not have to cross that intersection! We can walk on the grass, but the stroller is tough to push through there...
     
  8. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    I'm told now that there will be a path on the south side of waxpool where you are describing this fall weather permitting. They (the hoa) just got the right of ways I'm told.

    The irony of the speed limits is they INCREASE as you get into the neighborhood.. its 40 up near the greenway. Driving it tonight, 40 seems more natural. But I'm not really complaining.

    -Steve
     
  9. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    Hre's why 45 mph is a bad thing:

    Under current Virginia law:

    1) a driver only has to yield to pedestrians, rather than come to a complete stop;

    2) a driver does not have to yield to pedestrians at locations without a signal if the speed limit is over 35 mph;

    3) traffic signals and any pedestrian control signals govern the movement of vehicles and pedestrians;

    4) a pedestrian crossing at an intersection has the right-of-way over a vehicle attempting to turn right onto the road that the pedestrian is crossing.
     
  10. Carol Al-Ajroush

    Carol Al-Ajroush New Member

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    Homer,

    You prepare a petition or whatever is necessary and I'll sign it as well as try to garner further support! :)


     
  11. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    And just where do you think cars were going to yield to pedestrians besides the stop signs before the speed limit change? (a stop sign is a signal btw). So it really doesn't change things.

    The only intersection I'd be concerned with there would be Vestals Gap.

    -Steve
     
  12. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    Your lack of concern for anything but your ability to speed in a family oriented neighborhood is disturbing. Just yesterday I saw high school kids jogging across Claiborne (and not at the intersections). It is a safety issue. I sincerely hope that your wife has a better concern for the community then you do or I really have to wonder if she has the best interest of the community at heart.
     
  13. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Oh lord.. stop being so melodramatic.

    I happen to live within sight of the road, and drive it at least twice a day, and I do have a family.. including 3 children that do play near the roads. I can say in over the 4 years I've lived here, I have NEVER see anyone trying to cross Claibourne at anywhere but the intersections. That's my point.

    Its a divided 4 lane THROUGHWAY. This isn't your street in front of your house.

    -Steve
     
  14. Mearen

    Mearen New Member

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    I see people crossing in the middle of that street quite often, joggers, dog walkers, teenagers, etc. Just because the road has 4 lanes doesn't mean it stops being a neighborhood street. And let's not forget the majority of drivers in this area can't properly operate a 4-way stop intersection so why should we be adding to the danger on our roads. We shouldn't be shortsighted and selfish just so we can get to the mini mart 5 minutes quicker.
     
  15. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Homer-
    As I mentioned before, I would suggest you, or someone else that has a real concern over the new speed limit, do a little investigating with VDOT to determine who the speeds are set and would a community can do to change it. Gather this information and present it to the community.
    Continuing to discuss it on this forum will not change anything.
     
  16. jim

    jim New Member

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    I wrote an email to VDOT a couple of days ago expressing concern over the increased speed limit on Claiborne Parkway. One of their traffic engineers called me back today. He said that he went out yesterday to look things over. He informed me that the section of Claiborne within the Broadlands is still under the developer's control. It was the developer that has raised the speed limit; probably within some lattitude granted by the plan they have with the county. The state will have no jurisdiction until after the road is turned over to VDOT.

    So, this seems like an item that could be progressed by the HOA with the developer. I also cc'd Steven Snow on my initial email to VDOT. He wrote me today to ask if I had heard anything. I relayed the same information above to him and asked that he follow up with the county and the developer.

    If you have like mind, please contact your HOA rep and Steven Snow to express your interest.

    -Jim
     
  17. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    I haven't seen people crossing the street besides the intersections.. because.. guess what.. THERE IS NOTHING THERE. There is nothing to cross to.

    Besides.. this isn't about how fast the road is.. its about the exaggerations and drama people here often rant about.

    Personally, I think the speed is a bit high, only because I don't feel myself going that fast without effort on that road.. but I don't think its unsafe.. especially for alot of the reasons people have posted here that are baseless (homes on the street.. 100yrds between intersections.. residential street.. etc).

    -Steve
     
  18. neilz

    neilz New Member

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    Jim,

    if you check the preceding posts, both myself and Cliff (HOA Board Homeowner Members) have stated that in preparation for the turnover to VDOT, the developer has started to prepare that section of Claiborne according to the requirements VDOT and the county set out for the road back in the early 90's. We never said that this was a VDOT controlled stretch of road.

    From what we have learned from the developer, this road has always been slated for 45 MPH. I will check again with them on Monday to find out what transportation office, VDOT or County, made this a requirement.





    Neil Z.
    Resident since 1999
     
  19. jim

    jim New Member

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    Here is the response from Stephen Snow's office:

    Jim,

    Mr. Snow asked me to follow up on this issue on his behalf. I
    contacted the developer about your questions and apparently the posted
    35 mph signs were only temporarily installed by the developer,
    Terrabrook. Van Meter, the current developer is trying to get off bond
    and therefore needed to raise the speed limit to VDOT standards in order
    to be in compliance. I will continue to look into this matter but
    wanted to update you as soon as possible. If you have any further
    questions or concerns, I would be happy to discuss them with you.

    Regards,

    Mike Hengemuhle


    ---------------------------------------------------
    Michael Hengemuhle

    Legislative Aide to
    The Honorable Stephen J. Snow
    Dulles District Supervisor
    1 Harrison Street, S.E. 5th Floor
    Leesburg, VA 20177
    (703) 777-0204
    F: (703) 777-0421
     
  20. Zansu

    Zansu New Member

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    When did Steve Snow become honorable &lt;g&gt;?
     

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