For all of the past summer there has been ongoing road and utility work all around my immediate neighborhood. Needless to say, traffic has been a nightmare for months. One stretch of road was complete between the interstate exit and the left hand turn to access a large shopping center was completed and drivers were raving about the improvement in the traffic flow.
Previously, the two northbound lanes were set up so right hand turns had a designated lane while the other lane was for cars going straight as well as cars turning left. Cars turning left have to wait for oncoming southbound traffic which means straight through traffic had to wait behind any left tuning vehicles and, as one would imagine, this often resulted in back ups. The contractors painted the road markings to indicate that the left lane was dedicated for left turns and the right lane was for right turns and straight through. Makes sense, right?
No. Vermont Agency of Transportation said this lane change was a mistake on the part of the contractors. The old configuration was the way the road was designed (for whatever reason) and so that is how it is going to stay. After three weeks of smooth traffic flow, the lane designations were switched back just in time to frustrate the h#!! out of Christmas shoppers and work day commuters.
I'm from the State Agency of Transportation and I'm here to help!
Previously, the two northbound lanes were set up so right hand turns had a designated lane while the other lane was for cars going straight as well as cars turning left. Cars turning left have to wait for oncoming southbound traffic which means straight through traffic had to wait behind any left tuning vehicles and, as one would imagine, this often resulted in back ups. The contractors painted the road markings to indicate that the left lane was dedicated for left turns and the right lane was for right turns and straight through. Makes sense, right?
No. Vermont Agency of Transportation said this lane change was a mistake on the part of the contractors. The old configuration was the way the road was designed (for whatever reason) and so that is how it is going to stay. After three weeks of smooth traffic flow, the lane designations were switched back just in time to frustrate the h#!! out of Christmas shoppers and work day commuters.
I'm from the State Agency of Transportation and I'm here to help!
It boggles the mind...and they get paid to be that stupid and bullheaded!
ReplyDeleteThat is just bizarre. The right turn/straight through lane is normal procedure around. It makes sense because those making a right turn generally have the right of way.
ReplyDeleteOh boy, some bureaucrat needs to do a re-think!
Welcome home.
Eileen
That is crazy. My new neighborhood is closer to major shopping. I'm going to have to learn all the ways to avoid getting in the traffic.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be this bad at my job and still get paid with benefits. :-)
ReplyDeleteHuh??? They have to be kidding. Who could possibly think that was smart?
ReplyDeleteWeird things happening in Vermont.
ReplyDeleteHow stupid can some officials be!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how bureaucratic stupidity, dare I say trumps, commonsense. They should probably bring in consultants to study the situation for a year or so.
ReplyDeleteI hate traffic. It is very difficult to stay in the traffic...
ReplyDelete