I don't understand this cryptic post. Are you suggesting that this trail crossing will be unsafe, someone will be killed/injured, and then sue the responsible agency?
Well, let's see. A 12' wide multi-purpose trail that Ts into a 3' wide sidewalk at a 6-lane divided thoroughfare with an average of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, and a posted speed limit of 40 mph (IIRC). In addition, there are severely limited sight lines, both for trail users and street traffic.
The design appears to expected cyclists to make a 90 turn to proceed 100 yards to a signalized crossing (at least in the early stages as published, and continued to be as of this photo).
To force that movement, there is no curb-cut. This is both a good and bad thing.
There appears to be no physical barrier to entering the street (nor is there room for one). If there is no barrier, cyclists and runners might fixate their vision on the continuance of the trail on the other side of the thoroughfare, thinking it continues straight across.
If the trail couldn't be routed to a signalized crossing, then an underpass, much like the one DART built for the Arapaho Station(?) in Richardson, 20' x 14' x 100'. Or even a 'Cut and Cover' underpass with what is essentially metal bridge decking on top (to minimize expense).
Same thing needs to done on the Katy Trail at Henderson, as opposed to spending $15,000,000+ for a bridge at Mockingbird, when the signalized crossing at McMillan would have A) worked, B) been opened 10 years ago.
I suspect this is a screening device. Any cyclist too bereft of common sense to figure out how to safely negotiate a crossing should not be allowed on the road anyway.
Of course, I've tended to be overly optimistic about the capabilities and intentions of planners and transportation engineers in the past. On second thought, ignore my first sentence of the previous paragraph...
8 comments:
I don't understand this cryptic post. Are you suggesting that this trail crossing will be unsafe, someone will be killed/injured, and then sue the responsible agency?
What would you recommend they do differently?
@ Rueben
Well, let's see. A 12' wide multi-purpose trail that Ts into a 3' wide sidewalk at a 6-lane divided thoroughfare with an average of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, and a posted speed limit of 40 mph (IIRC). In addition, there are severely limited sight lines, both for trail users and street traffic.
The design appears to expected cyclists to make a 90 turn to proceed 100 yards to a signalized crossing (at least in the early stages as published, and continued to be as of this photo).
To force that movement, there is no curb-cut. This is both a good and bad thing.
There appears to be no physical barrier to entering the street (nor is there room for one). If there is no barrier, cyclists and runners might fixate their vision on the continuance of the trail on the other side of the thoroughfare, thinking it continues straight across.
Other than those quibbles, it looks great.
So, what would you do instead? I'm guessing that a bridge is not an option due to the power lines?
@ -S-
If the trail couldn't be routed to a signalized crossing, then an underpass, much like the one DART built for the Arapaho Station(?) in Richardson, 20' x 14' x 100'. Or even a 'Cut and Cover' underpass with what is essentially metal bridge decking on top (to minimize expense).
Same thing needs to done on the Katy Trail at Henderson, as opposed to spending $15,000,000+ for a bridge at Mockingbird, when the signalized crossing at McMillan would have A) worked, B) been opened 10 years ago.
I laugh a little every time I pass through the McMillan intersection and see that "Coming Soon" sign.
-S- said...
I laugh a little every time I pass through the McMillan intersection and see that "Coming Soon" sign.
Me too. Ha, ha. Call that number and ask why.
I suspect this is a screening device. Any cyclist too bereft of common sense to figure out how to safely negotiate a crossing should not be allowed on the road anyway.
Of course, I've tended to be overly optimistic about the capabilities and intentions of planners and transportation engineers in the past. On second thought, ignore my first sentence of the previous paragraph...
Steve A said...
"I suspect this is a screening device."
In a Darwinian sense, perhaps.
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