Car accident at Ridgeway and Claiborne Pkwy

thanks erica, for making it happen!!!

 

+1!

 

This is somewhat off topic, but what is the methodology for determining speed limits? I just find it strange that Claiborne, with all its various feeder residential streets, has the same speed limit as Loudoun County Parkway (except for that annoying speed trap by Redskins Park).

 

Wow, your question reminds me of the thread from years ago...

http://www.broadlandshoa.org/hoaforum/showthread.php?t=1102&highlight=claiborne+speed+limit+vdot

I still don't understand the logic of a 45mph speed limit between two stop lights less that 4/10th a mile apart, abutted by numerous feeder streets, including an elementary school.

 

FINAL UPDATE with SOLUTION:

I just wrapped up a meeting with reps from VDOT, BHOA GM & Staff from Supervisor Williams office. This was an extremely productive and relatively short meeting.

Below are the remedies that will happen in the next 30-120 days.

1) VDOT requested the BHOA remove two large trees that are currently obstructing the visibility of the intersection.

2) VDOT will be replacing ALL the stop signs with LARGER and REFLECTIVE (diamond paint finish) signs.

3) 60-120 Days VDOT will perform a complete speed study for the length of Claiborne-Turro to Croson.

4) VDOT & Supervisor Williams office will contact the Sheriff's department to conduct a radar/speed study.

Thank you to all of those who provided input and special thanks to VDOT & Supervisor Williams office who worked with our Community to address and resolve the issues that have plagued this intersection.

 

amazing what one citizen who cares & ACTS can get accomplished. we are so lucky up have you erica, THANK YOU.

 

I am curious. Does anyone know why the BMW ran the stop sign? My guess would be phone/texting.

 

Thanks for taking the initiative lilpea and getting it done!

 

Thank you for taking the time to address this issue. I for one, however, would like to see stop lights, not just larger signs, installed at this intersection, as well as the intersections at Claiborne/Croson and Croson/Belmont. These are all incredibly busy points in the neighborhood now that traffic from Belmont can cut through.

 

At the present time the traffic volume and incomplete (& disjointed speed study) VDOT said this intersection is not slated for a traffic light. However once Claiborne is punched through to Route 50 a traffic light is likely. But based on today's meeting VDOT estimates 2020 or 2026.

 

Good, I'll hopefully be retired and out of the area before that happens. Definitely don't want to see traffic lights installed.

 

That doesn't make much sense to me. Not enough volume at this time? Hopefully the new traffic studies will determine otherwise.

Also, I'm not sure why anyone would be opposed to something that would make our roads safer, especially in an area that is prone to so many accidents and near misses.

::shrug:: just my opinion

 

Stricter drivers license tests would be better than government "making things safe" for "us". People run the stop sign at Laurier onto Ridgeway all the time and it drives me crazy. Don't want a light, but want better drivers...how can this be achieved?

 

I rarely see more than a couple of cars at the 4-way stop signs along Claiborne. I think the traffic studies are correct.

And, fyi, people run red lights too.

 

I've seen the intersection get backed up many times, especially in the mornings and late afternoon, but again, I'm just stating MY opinion. And I think a light would make things safer. I've also seen lights at intersections with much less traffic, so I think VDOT is pretty arbitrary about the when and where.

I'd just like to see this intersection, in particular, taken care of, though because this kind of thing happens far too frequently. I also think, despite the fact that yes, people do run red lights, lighted intersections are slightly safer than those with 4 way stop signs. Because even with bigger stop signs, there's still the people who are too anxious, inconsiderate, stupid, etc. to wait their turn.

Again, my opinion.

 

Which is why photo enforcement has become a necessary evil. Too bad.

 

Sometimes an accident is just accident, a momentary lapse. It can happen anywhere to anybody.

 

Just curious. Did they say what the current speed limit actually is? I was always under the impression that it was 45 mph all the way down from the Greenway.

After reading the other posts, it seems that the 55 mph zone is accurate on the technicality (4 lane, divided, no speed limit signs).

Justin

 

Yes VDOT did confirm past Turro to Croson the speed limit is in fact 55mph.

I did bring up the varying posted speed limits along Claiborne and VDOT acknowledged that this is confusing to drivers.

Here is a excerpt of an email I received from the VDOT rep earlier today, I added the emphasis and deleted names etc:

4) "After discussing the issue of speeding vehicles and speed limit signs along Claiborne Pkwy. We will work with our Street Acceptance section and the developers to get the roadway posted with a uniform speed limit that can be enforced by the sheriff’s office.... While some of the developers have fulfilled that responsibility, some have not.... Posting speed limits along with the enforcement of those limits is a detailed process..."