A plea
From a reader:
I live on Pineway, one of the last streets before the Powhite & Forest Hill intersection. Every morning and evening, I have to dodge illegal u-turns, drivers flying down my street, and even people using my driveway to turn around, all because of the Powhite on-ramp closure. I’ve seen several walkers almost get hit by speeders and I’m tired of it. I called the police and they said they’d monitor the situation, but I’m not convinced they will. So I ask everyone reading to PLEASE take care when driving through here. Please consider leaving 5 minutes earlier and using Chippenham or the Nickel Bridge rather than running over my neighbors! Thanks for your time.
For the record, I second the u-turn plea. I’ve yet to pass through during morning rush when I wasn’t nearly hit by someone in an SUV with the turning radius of an aircraft carrier trying an illegal U.
What about the people who realize all of a sudden they want to make a U-turn while headed east on Forest Hill, and practically stop short in the travel lane (as opposed to the turn lane?)
Something tells me that people who don’t care about traffic laws and pedestrians in their neighborhoods aren’t going to be the same people that care enough about their communities to read a neighborhood blog…But I agree – I live in Stratford Hills, off Longview. People headed down to Pony Pasture don’t seem to care that it’s a neighborhood and the speed limit is only 25 mph.
I wrote to the RMA this week about the problem. I got the following response back the next day:
“Thank you for contacting the RMA regarding the closure of the Forest Hill Avenue toll booth. I understand your concern about the illegal traffic maneuvers currently taking place along that stretch of roadway. We too have had concerns about this. Prior to the closure, the “No U-turn” signs were removed, but since then two have been repositioned in the median. I personally contacted the Richmond Police Department to suggest that a patrol car be stationed in the area to discourage this type of behavior. In addition, we have suggested alternate routes for drivers who are inconvenienced by the closure. I have forwarded your e-mail to my contacts at the police department. If you see no change in the near future, I would suggest contacting RPD as well, as the RMA has no jurisdiction over Forest Hill Avenue. I appreciate your feedback.”
I go through the area only once every weekday, at about 7 a.m.; I see at least two or three cars doing something wrong there during that rather quiet time of the day. I sympathize with those of you who live around there, and encourage you to contact RMA/RPD if it’s out of hand.
It’s bad enough that RMA is jacking up our tolls; if they care anything about their relationship with the public, they could at least ensure that someone doesn’t get killed during this construction work!
RPD caught at least one illigal u-turner this morning!
I’ve seen it a couple of times, I don’t think anyone pays attention to no u-turn signs anywhere, especially near the Bank of America on Forest Hill.
Another thing that irritates me is those people going to Chesterfield and Midlo on the Powhite that get in the Forest Hill exit lane then stop so that they can jump back onto the Powhite at the last possible seconds sometimes causing other cars to veer into my lane trying to avoid rear ending them.
i am making those illegal uturns each morning on my way to work. i’m careful not to interfere w/ oncoming traffic and i don’t think it’s a big deal. (i guess until i get a ticket for it!). Here’s my POV: when i use the powhite + downtown expressway to get to work it takes me about 7 minutes from door 2 door. if i take the forest hill – semmes route, it’s at least a half hour. i don’t feel like should waste the time and gas it takes to take the longer route. can i get any empathy?
No. Do what the rest of us do…go to Chippenham South, back onto Powhite North…adds about 2 minutes to my trip.
But to follow your logic, you know it’s against the law, but it’s convenient for you so…
Karen, I don’t think you’ll find much empathy or sympathy. Just this morning, someone whipped a U at the last minute, nearly hitting me and another person in the process. I do feel bad to that house right on the corner of Forest Hill and that last street- the ones who’ve had to put cones up in their driveway to keep people from using it for a turnaround. If that was my house, I’d probably have been committed for running into the front yard in my boxers & bathrobe to scream at jackass drivers.
fair. i didn’t know about the chippenham option — will try it on monday, promise.