LANCASTER DRIVE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TAKE EFFECT THURSDAY, AUGUST 4TH
Posted: August 1st, 2011 2:29 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1294/46531/Lancaster_35mph.jpg (New Speed Limit on Lancaster)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1294/46531/Winema_Bus_Stop.jpg (Winema Bus Stop)
The primary goal of the Traffic Safety Team is to reduce the number of crashes through enforcement, education and engineering efforts.
Following the September 2010, double-fatal crash on Lancaster Drive, members of the Traffic Safety Team joined forces with representatives from ODOT, Salem-Keizer Transit, Chemeketa College and the Marion County Public Works Department to conduct a survey to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow on Lancaster Drive, in Salem. This collaborative effort is part of an on-going traffic safety strategy which includes an assessment of the need for engineering changes or traffic enforcement.
As result of their work, traffic changes have been made that will take effect on Thursday August 4th.
The speed limit on Lancaster Drive NE from Stortz Avenue NE to Pacific Highway 99E (Portland Road) will be lowered from 45mph to 35mph. This area is populated by apartment complexes with many children who gather in groups along Lancaster Drive to wait for their school buses to pick them up.
Public Works Sr. Engineering Technician Bill Brownlee wants the public to know that "We will be monitoring the impact of these changes on traffic safety, making adjustments where necessary. Our strategy focuses on evaluating the changes we've instituted to make sure they accomplish their intended purpose".
The Cherriots bus stop has now been moved from Lancaster Drive to Winema Place NE. (photo attached). This location reduces the risk to transit passengers when they access the bus system. The new location is also closer to the classrooms at Chemeketa College and the offices of the Department of Human Services; a bonus during inclement weather. The former location was the actual scene of the double-fatal crash last year when pedestrians waiting for the bus were struck by an intoxicated driver. Director of Transportation Development, Steve Dickey commented, "We welcome the opportunity to work with the Sheriff's Office and Chemeketa College. Our primary purpose is to provide a safe environment for our passengers".
The Marion County Public Works Department will post signs warning drivers of the changes, and deputies from the traffic safety team will be present to educate drivers (photo attached). TST Sergeant Craig Cunningham added: "Our deputies will issue warnings for the first week, allowing drivers time to acclimate to the changes. Ultimately, our education focus will shift to enforcement to ensure compliance with the new speed limit". ODOT has granted additional traffic safety funding to the Sheriff's Office to support the enforcement effort.
Drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes and to slow down to improve safety.
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