The Town of Blacksburg Traffic Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in the Blacksburg Motor Company, Conference Room #1, located at 400 S. Main Street in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Citizens are always provided the opportunity to voice their views/concerns regarding any item before the Committee. It is the policy of the Traffic Committee to move the agenda item to the beginning of the meeting when citizens are in attendance to avoid detaining guests for the entire meeting. However, citizens are always welcome to stay for the full meeting.
Financial Update:
Capital Project: C10412 (820-3101-852.70-99)
- Previous Available Funding:$23,634.01
- July 1, 2019 Credit (FY2019-2020 budget)$15,000.00
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Current Total Available Funding: $38,634.01
(balance available to spend in this project to date)
Old Business:
- A concern has been received from James Bilowus regarding safety at the crosswalk on S. Main at Eheart due to drivers not observing the 35 mph to 25 mph speed transition at S. Main and Hemlock.His correspondence follows:
“In the 4.5 years that I’ve lived in Blacksburg, I’ve not felt safe crossing in the crosswalk at S. Main and Eheart (even with the new flashing lights, people are going too fast to slow down in time). And even merging on to S. Main street in my own vehicle due to traffic exceeding the posted speed limit after the northbound 35-25mph transition at Hemlock Dr. and S. Main. I don’t think the speed limit signs are very noticeable as I sometimes even see marked police cars continue at speed, without their blue or brake lights on, until they reach the Blacksburg motor company. I also constantly see cars accelerating above the posted speed limit when they are headed southbound on main street and pass the Blacksburg Motor Company. It makes crossing the street very intimidating and I’ve had several near misses from people almost hitting me in the crosswalk because they’re simply going too fast. I would like to propose that the Northbound S. Main and Hemlock speed limit sign be changed to a flashing sign with built in radar to visually alert people that there’s a speed change and they should slow down. I would also like to propose that a similar sign be posted ~100’ south of Miller & Southbound S. Main. I think at least changing the one at S. Main and Hemlock will really make my neighborhood safer.”
Committee Recommendation from July 2019 Meeting: Tabled
Due to a series of complaints, the Town recently spent $8500 to install flashing signage for the crosswalk in this location. To install a flashing radar sign would be a challenge due to the need for electricity, and while there are solar options, the area is shaded making it hard to pull enough sunlight to power a solar unit. Additionally, with the upcoming development at the old Blacksburg Middle School site, the whole intersection will come out and be re-configured. Before the first certificate of occupancy is granted for the OBMS project, a signal must be installed at the S. Main/Eheart intersection, and at this time fencing will soon begin for the start of grade work. The Committee agrees it would not be an efficient use of funds, and could increase pedestrian/vehicle conflict by providing a false sense of security. The Committee further agrees that a better approach will be increased enforcement action. Lt. Goad will speak with the Operations Division Captain of the Police Department regarding potential alternative enforcement solutions, such as standing LIDAR and motor units, since there’s not an ideal place for a police vehicle to sit for RADAR. Tabled for August 2019 Meeting
New Business:
- A concern has been received from Briana Apgar, who resides at the corner of Harrell and Warren Streets, regarding parking in this area.She will provide images to support her request for no parking signage.A portion of her correspondence follows:
“There is no signage for official “no parking” on Warren Street from the intersection of Harrell and Warren until after the home at 400 Warren. However, the street is far too narrow to allow both two-way traffic and parking. It is a busy intersection during the school year with many individuals rolling through the stop sign and taking the turn at dangerous angles.”
- NEXT MEETING DATE:The next Traffic Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 9:00 am in the Blacksburg Motor Company, Conference Room #1, located at 400 S. Main Street in Blacksburg, Virginia.
