When Sam Shoge ran for Third Ward Councilman, public safety issues along Flatland Road were among some of his top concerns.
Shoge noticed that vehicles turning off High Street onto Flatland Road were cutting into the shoulder of the road. That, tall grass blocking drivers’ views, and an unlighted area, were a prescription for tragedy, Shoge said.
With plans for Mabel Mumford Gateway Park shaping up—just across from the Flatland Rd. turnoff — and further development of the Rails to Trails path offering connective sidewalks – the Flatland issue is also on the way to becoming a safer pedestrian area.
Here, Councilman Shoge describes the problem and the proactive effort underway to make pedestrian traffic safer.
Carol Brown says
Well done, Sam Shoge!!!!!
Ed Plaisance says
As a neighbor of Mr Shoge in Conventry Farms, I witness these issues every day. The addition of a street light sounds like a good idea. I am not sure where the sidewalk will be placed, but it should be beneficial.
The asphalt on the inside curve where you turn right onto Flatland has always been rough and constantly chewed up by turning traffic…even the latest patch work after months of avoiding that steel plate is rather shoddy and will probably not last through the coming winter weather. It would be great if that sharp turn onto Flatland could be shaped into an easy gradual turn.
Kudos to Mr Shoge for his hand in making this happen.
Joe Diamond says
Ed,
There is the other issue….which could be addressed at the same time. In the picture above there is a car shown coming down the grade toward the intersection. That driver does not yet know he is approaching a sharp turn, a stop sign and a tee intersection. Driving at the posted speed allows this to work OK most of the time.
What complicates the matter is the presence of pedestrians or stopped cars lined up waiting to make the turn. I have seen cars swerve into the uphill lane to miss pedestrians and stopped cars. Cars going up the hill have had to swerve to miss the downhill traffic using the wrong lane while avoiding the pedestrians or stopped cars.
There have been a few fender benders and fatalities over the years at that intersection. Over those same years the volume of vehicle traffic has increased as has the pedestrian traffic.
Joe