VDOTs Concept for Telephone Road Says:
“A restricted crossing U-Turn (RCUT) design at the intersection of Route 29 and 838 would ease the flow of through traffic on Route 29 as well as improve access into the adjacent Mill Run Business Park. By eliminating left turns from Route 838 and Old Alexandria Turnpike, drivers instead turn right and U-turn at one-way median openings just north and south of the intersection.”
Why this doesn’t work:
It is the belief of the stakeholders that the proposed “Michigan Lefts” would deter traffic to the businesses along the corridor. Local homeowners are concerned about the safety of making U-turns on a very busy highway, with no way to break the flow of traffic. Commuter traffic attempting to return home to the local communities would back up the U-turn lanes and further congest the corridor. Large vehicles such as semi-trailers, horse trailers, RV’s, and vehicles towing trailers or boats would have an almost impossible turn to make. Emergency Respondents would face a difficult maneuver with large fire trucks and decreased response times.
VDOT’s primary concern is moving through traffic through this section of the corridor quickly, however their concept leaves no consideration for the local community that needs reliable, safe access to Route 29.
To view videos of local stakeholders speaking at the Public Hearing meetings in opposition of the VDOT Proposed Plan view the Gallery HERE.