Originally posted by: RegularJoe Yes, there were several public hearings about the project before it began, but I don't know if there's evidence public input changed anything. As mentioned above, I told the engineer the mid-block crossings were unlikely to get used, but that input was apparently dismissed without further consideration. Give the cities credit for trying though. But it's evident now, in hindsight, that you can't really judge the layout in a static manner. The plans looked pretty reasonable on paper. You need something dynamic, like a driving simulation, to see how unworkable the resulting product is in the real world. Paddleout's shortcut thru Lowes is not the only one. Students (and some parents dropping them off) on their way to SHS close to the morning bell are taking the shortcuts thru Publix and Nippon Thai to avoid the long left-turn red light. I've seen some of the lights go to blinking yellow (for straight thru) and blinking red arrow (for left turns) so you can at least go when it's clear. But those median strips may be unfixable with only light timing; I suspect a sledgehammer will be required. The cities/DOT would have to admit to the shortcomings, and then pony up funds for a re-do. Sadly, I don't see that happening.
Key word is “CONSIDER”. They aren’t required to design/engineer based on public comments.
Public outcry to representatives gets more consideration.
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