|
Letter
to the Editor |
| I support the Broadway Road Diet scheduled for
this summer. Having looked at the results of similar lane reconfigurations
from around the country, it seems that traffic flow is enhanced, crashes
go down and transportation equity goes up. By transportation equity,
I mean that the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and
motorists are taken care of.
While it may seem a little counter intuitive, a 4-lane to 3-lane conversion almost always improves flow (in commercial or high turning movement areas). This is because a 4-lane system clogs anytime a motorist takes a left turn- which often results in dangerous passing. Also, taking a left out of a street or driveway is problematic because you have to find a gap while crossing 2 or 3 lanes of traffic at once. Converting two through lanes to one center turn lane helps to alleviate these problems. Pedestrians should have a safer crossing after the conversion because the center turn lane will contain pedestrian islands. Cycling is likely to be safer because bike lanes will be added into the saved space. Transit can improve because it will be easier to cross the street to get to and from the transit pull-outs. Emergency responders should flow well as cars can pull over into the bike lane. Business is likely to improve as the downtown becomes more vibrant and accessible. Some of Missoula’s highest crash locations are along Broadway. A new approach seems necessary. With careful monitoring of the results, we can figure out if this road diet is good for Missoula. One disappointment I have is that the project- due to opposition from the Downtown Association- was scaled back. Instead of the original California St. to Madison St. proposal, the project is now planned for California St. to Orange St. Considering all the benefits, let’s find a way to restore the project to its original scope. |