AGENDA #5b
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to Petition Regarding Improvements at the Fordham Boulevard/Willow Drive Intersection
DATE: May 22, 2000
This following information responds to a petition requesting improvements at the intersection of Fordham Boulevard and Willow Drive.
At its April 24, 2000 regular meeting the Council received and referred the attached petition from Ms. Eva Metzger. The petition requests the following items:
1.) There should be a raised barrier on the south side of the sidewalk to keep right turning cars from cutting across the sidewalk and the curb from Willow Drive should be extended to the end of the sidewalk.
2.) A pedestrian island should be built on the median.
3.) The crosswalk across Fordham Boulevard should be painted with wide stripes.
4.) The pedestrian light should stop traffic from all directions so that turning vehicles do not threaten pedestrians.
5.) Willow Drive on the west side of the intersection should also be striped as a crosswalk.
Town forces are presently constructing roadway and sidewalk improvements from Fordham Boulevard to Spruce Street, following the recent completion of a new bridge on Willow Drive over Little Creek. We are working with the petitioner, to the extent possible, to include landscaping and other enhancements on this project as noted in the petition. This involves the segment of Willow Drive east of Fordham Boulevard, which is a Town street.
However, any improvements other than standard curb, gutter, and sidewalk proposed at or near the intersection of Fordham Boulevard and Willow Drive would require State approval.
DISCUSSION
We think that the petition requests are feasible (subject to State approval) with the exception of the “all stop” condition.
Based on our knowledge of the volumes and characteristics of traffic on Fordham Boulevard and Willow Drive at this location, we think that implementation of an “all stop” condition could result in unacceptable levels of traffic congestion and problems with traffic signal coordination on Fordham Boulevard. However, we suggest asking the State to perform an analysis of the “all stop” request and advise us of the results.
We think that the State should have the opportunity to evaluate all of the petition requests, and to respond to the Town with comments and recommendations.
CONCLUSION
We will submit the petitioner’s requests for improving the Fordham Boulevard/Willow Drive intersection to the State for consideration. We will report back to the Council once we receive the State’s response regarding improvements at and in the vicinity of this intersection.
We would expect the receive a response from the State within the next 30-45 days.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Map
2. Petition dated April 17, 2000