FDOT ready to improve Atlantic/University intersection

[Metro Jacksonville]

FDOT ready to improve Atlantic/University intersection



The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has scheduled a public hearing to seek comments on their proposed Atlantic Boulevard/University Boulevard intersection.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-jan-fdot-ready-to-improve-atlanticuniversity-intersection

[spuwho]

First thing I would change is ban left turns into and out of Atlantic University Circle in the SW quadrant. Its a hazard on Atlantic because they cant see oncoming traffic to the left and on University oncoming traffic coming over the hill from the south.

[southsider1015]

First thing I would change is ban left turns into and out of Atlantic University Circle in the SW quadrant. Its a hazard on Atlantic because they cant see oncoming traffic to the left and on University oncoming traffic coming over the hill from the south.

I recommend you send an email to Jeff regarding this concern.  Specifically, you should request that the stopping sight distance be reviewed for all left turn ingress and egress movements on both Atlantic Blvd and University Blvd.  Also, you should ask if any raised traffic separators have been reviewed to prevent these movements, especially if stopping sight distance criteria cannot be met.  And finally, you should ask if any crash reports in the last 5 years have been reviewed and if so, do they confirm that there may be an issue.

Stopping sight distance issues, especially at urban intersections, are typically overlooked, and just thinking about my trips through this corridor, I think you might be on to something.

[DavidFletcher]

I will put this hearing on my schedule.  I am interested to hear how they expect this to affect bicycle traffic through this intersection.  The specific issue I'm concerned about is northbound University travelling straight through the intersection.  Currently bicycles have to merge with the traffic lane after the parking lane disappears and the traffic turning right keeps the travel speed through the intersection at a reasonable pace for safe travel.  If a right turn lane is created without a bicycle lane of some sort then the motorists in the lane going straight will expect to travel at or above the 35mph speed limit. 

This is a regular part of my bicycle commute.  I know there have been some victories for cyclists elsewhere in the city (the upcoming side-path for the Fuller-Warren comes to mind).  Whether you regularly travel this route or not, if you are interested in cyclist safety please speak up.

[Ocklawaha]

As unofficial instigator and mouthpiece of the new 'Jacksonville Crosswalk Coalition' think 'NO TURN ON RED' protected crosswalk lights and SAFETY ISLANDS for bicyclists and pedestrians.

[Charles Hunter]

As ss said earlier - write to the engineer, Jeff, with your concerns or (and) go to the public hearing and get on the record.

[Jumpinjack]

More pedestrians and bicyclists have been hit at right turn slip lanes than anywhere else. Oh yes, it's more important to keep cars moving.

[DavidFletcher]

I wrote to Jeff Daugharty about bicycle safety concerns and here was his reply:

Thanks for your interest in the University/Atlantic Blvd intersection improvement project.  Considering the available funding for this project, unfortunately, the cost of additional right-of-way needed for bicycle accommodations is too expensive.  Also, there are no existing bicycle accommodations on University Blvd or Atlantic Blvd in the area in question, therefore, it is difficult to justify costly bike improvements within an isolated intersection that would not connect to anything outside of the intersection.

The focus of the project is to reduce vehicle crashes and improve safety to the thousands of motorist that travel through this very busy intersection each day.  I appreciate your position as a bicycle rider and regret that this project does not offer the improvements you would like to see.

Jeff Daugharty

This makes me very frustrated, as the "Safety" improvements presented in this plan actually decrease safety for bicycle and pedestrian travelers.