More insight needed

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Town, state and county speed limits need to be reviewed more often; once established they remain pretty much forever, even though conditions change to reflect many factors – not just road design. Here are some examples:

1. 50 miles per hour on U.S. 301 between Route 6 and Route 225. The crossovers at Mcdonald's and Talbot Street are hazardous.

2. 30 miles per hour through most of Pomfret. A rural area with schools well away from the road.

3. Billingsley Road from Bensville to Bryans Road. The most dangerous road in Charles County is unsafe almost at any speed.

Traffic signs (stop lights) sometimes operate as starter flags for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers on U.S. 301 and Route 210 (I have witnessed this).

Traffic flow studies should be made for all jurisdictions to know why the road is used and the time of activity. Such traffic patterns need to be made available to the public.

Small business and homeowners share the common need and desire for the degree of accessibility that they want and should have for their tax dollar. The town of La Plata has no easy east-west connector, yet Waldorf has two. There are intersections and speed limits that need periodic evaluation.

When there are government changes there should be justification by public notice to all affected and especially to direct property owners affected. Road transportation is the bloodstream in the community. Walkways and bikeways are great for condensed community areas and for those who can walk. Time, too, is a factor: 30 mph versus 40 mph versus 50 mph. There are many considerations that should be reasonable not necessarily "by the book."

Gene Davis, La Plata