Jul

Traffic Signal Snarls Morning Commute

It’s incredible how something as simple as the timing of a single traffic signal can cause so many problems. For years now I’ve noticed how one improperly tuned signal has far reaching effects into North Raleigh. Without fail traffic exiting I-440’s “outer” side onto Lake Boone Trail overwhelms the intersection at the bottom of the exit ramp. Daily delays see the intersection’s ~~cue~~ queue dangerously running one quarter to a half mile down the shoulder of I-440. Cautious (read: half-awake) drivers tap breaks in response to the anomaly, setting off a morning rush chain reaction.

The resulting 4-mile stop-and-go backups on I-440 present exponential risks for having an accident and cause workers to be late. Meanwhile Lake Boone Trail itself sits with exceptionally light traffic. All it would take is a simple adjustment of a traffic light to ease everyone’s morning burden and risks.

map it

Chris

Additionally - the city needs to complete the right-side white line on that exit ramp. It inexplicably ends in the middle of the curve coming off 440, and at night can be hard to read for those not familiar with the exit. I don’t understand why that has never been done.

That whole area was not well designed for the 440 traffic flows. An equally large problem is that there needs to be a light at the 440 Inner offramp/onramp intersection just East of that Outer offramp. Especially during rush hour(s) it’s a dangerous area for anyone trying to enter, exit, or even pass through. I’ve seen plenty of accidents, and even more close calls…
Evan

Agreed! Readjusting the timing on MANY lights throughout the Triangle would ease congestion, reduce emissions, and save gas.

For example, each morning I sit through the light at Page Road and Alexander Drive.

Google Map here: http://tinyurl.com/5db4f2

The northbound traffic on Page Rd. waiting to turn left onto Alexander Dr. is always backed up well beyond the turn lane. However, the left turn light will allow only about 10 cars through before turning red to allow the southbound Page Rd. traffic through the intersection. The frustration comes from the fact that there aren’t many southbound cars passing through the intersection. The traffic passes within ~20 seconds, but the light remains green for them for what seems to be an eternity, all while us left turners are held back by a red light. This light could (and should) be adjusted to allow more northbound left turn time and less southbound straight through time, without changing the overall time of the light cycle for the Page Rd. traffic.

OK, I’m done venting. Thanks for a very on point post! 😉
Bill Mather

Is there an address to the DOT to which we could direct these complaints / suggestions? The more they hear from the public, the more pressure on them to actually do something constructive.
Jason Hibbets

Steve Johnson is the District Engineer for NCDOT, otherwise, you can always start with the City of Raleigh Transportation office: Telephone Number (919) 890-3030
MikeB

Heh, I was just on the phone with Steve Johnson about an hour ago. I developed the new software for managing traffic signals and just finished setting up Division 5 today.

Wouldn’t surprise me if City of Raleigh is responsible for the timing/plans for the Lake Boone Trail signal.
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Posted by Dana on July 14, 2008 | Tags: Transportation. | ( 6 ) Comments

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Traffic Signal Snarls Morning Commute

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