[EyesOnIvy] News on the Tillman Rd.-Route 250 intersection

[Brian Wheeler]

An informative update from Sally Thomas, Albemarle County Board of
Supervisors (Samuel Miller), regarding the intersection at Tillman Rd. and
Route 250.  VDOT is recommending a flashing light as opposed to a stop
signal.

Brian Wheeler

-----Original Message-----
From: Sally Thomas [mailto:STHOMAS at albemarle.org] 
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 9:16 PM
To: Brian Wheeler @ Albemarle Matters
Subject: Faulconer to appeal to Board of Supervisors AND Tillman
intersection decision

Two Items
1. Faulconer appeal is going to be heard Oct 27 instead of Oct 20.
Auditorium is in use the night of Oct 20.

2. VDOT's Culpeper office has reached a decision about Tillman/250W
intersection.  Although the memo was sent Sept 9, I got it only today, so
for all I know some of you may have seen some work at that intersection.
VDOT has studied the situation, with speed measurements of every car through
the intersection for two days in June, and with a 12-hour turning movement
count on another day, analysis of the "warrants" (i.e. requirements for a
signal), accident-by-accident analysis, sight distance review, and sign
review.  They point out that "a recent fatal accident has intensified
concerns for safety at this location. " 

Quoting from the memo: 

Conclusions:  the warrant analysis shows that current traffic volumes do not
support signalization of this intersection.  However, recurring accidents -
particularly rear end collisions - indicate that some form of mitigative
measure be initiated. 

The posted speed limit of 55 mph on Route 250 on each approach to the
intersection is receiving reasonable compliance -- most traffic recorded at
a combined 85%tile speed of 58 mph.  The advisory speed of 45mph is
receiving significantly less compliance.  The introduction of additional
measure to encourage lower speeds on approach to and through  the
intersection would be benficial....

Consideration for construction of left turn lanes at the intersection should
be given - especially if side road volumes increase due to development
within the area.  Sight distance for drivers entering Route 250 from the
south leg of Tilman Rd. is minimal at best and cannot be corrected without
substantial reconstruction.  However, based upon our accident data this
characteristic does not appear to have a significant negative impact upon
intersection operations at present. 

Recommendations: therefore, based upon the forgoing conclusions the
following measures are recommended: 

*install an intersection warning flasher -- flashing amber on the Route 250
approaches and red on Tilman Rd. approaches.  An overhead flasher will
identify the intersection location and delineate the point of potential
conflict. 

*upgrade intersection warning and advisory speed signing on Route 250 on
each approach to 36x36 and 24x24 inches respectively.  The flasher addition
and signing upgrade is aimed at impressing upon motorists the need to
exercise caution and reduce speed as they approach and traverse the
intersection, and to heighten awareness of potential conflict. 

*recommend that county and residency personnel meet to consider any future
development in the area that may generate additional side road volumes and
evaluate the need to incorporate intersection improvements into the six year
or other planning processes to include the addition of protected left turn
lanes and enhancing sight distance for traffic stopped northbound on Tilman
Road.

Our district sign crews will complete the recommended signing upgrades in
the coming weeks as scheduling permits.

......................

The memo ends with an additional sentence I don't understand and will get
clarified tomorrow.  It says, "We anticipate that construction of the
intersection will take place in the late spring or summer of 2005." 

I'll let you know what that means.  

Sally Thomas