Lane Ranger: Potential hazard lurks behind ‘blind’ curve
Send your commuter questions to the Lane Ranger via e-mail at Laneranger@insi denova.com, on inside-nova.com on Facebook and via Twitter at Twitter.com/insidenova. You can also send your questions di-rectly to the Lane Ranger, 14010 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192.
Published: August 16, 2009
Dear Lane Ranger:
Why has VDOT put three-way stop signs at two intersections on Mine Road, but did not put one where it is desperately needed—at Van Buren and Mine roads? If you are making a left turn onto Mine Road from Van Buren Road you almost have to pull out nearly half of the way onto Mine Road to see if anyone is coming from under the bridge. Not to mention coming from the opposite direction. That "blind" curve on Mine Road approaching Van Buren Road is dangerous!
Edna Scott
Dumfrie
Edna,
The multi-way stops along Mine Road have long been on VDOT's radar, but because of funding and other factors, little has been done to alleviate the problem. The signs were installed by the Town of Dumfries as part of a "traffic calming" measure in the residential neighborhood.
Traffic engineers examined the intersection multiple times and are aware of the difficulties in making a left turn there, said VDOT spokeswoman Jennifer McCord.
"When we reviewed the intersection, the curve itself was a determining factor for not installing a multi-way stop. Right now with the free-flow, vehicles don't have to line up at the intersection, but if a stop sign were installed there would be a queue of vehicles to the intersection, especially during peak hours. Depending on the number of vehicles in line, there may not be enough distance for an approaching vehicle to see the last vehicle and stop," stated McCord.
Traffic engineers have been working with the town and Prince William County to potentially modify the area, taking into account things like the Interstate 95 overpass and an adjacent stream in the area, stated McCord.
"Although we don't have details yet, please know we are working on a solution to improve this intersection," added McCord.
Send your commuter questions to the Lane Ranger via e-mail at Laneranger@
insidenova.com, o
insidenova.com on Facebook and via Twitter at Twitter.com/insidenova. You can also send your questions directly to the Lane Ranger, 14010 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192.
Reader Reactions
I do not agree with VDOT on this one. I am often at this particular intersection and no matter what because of the lurking danger, coming from Van Buren to Mine Road, we have to stop completely anyway and I haven’t seen or heard of a problem with cars lining up.
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