AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: DriverDave on August 22, 2023, 08:04:31 PM

Title: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: DriverDave on August 22, 2023, 08:04:31 PM
If you live in a metro area, what are some intersections that should really have a stop sign, but instead, they put a random traffic light where it's not needed. Examples would be T-intersections where the cross-road is heading away from the main road, or lack of a cross street at all. Conversely, what are some examples of dangerous or complicated intersections, traffic circles, or merges, where there really should traffic lights, but there is only a stop sign. Is there a pair of an improperly placed traffic light and improperly placed stop sign near each other that makes you think "why didn't they switch it around"?

I didn't realize there was a traffic control board at first, I would have posted this there, sorry.
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: KCRoadFan on August 23, 2023, 07:56:41 PM
KC example:

In my opinion, the intersection of Meyer Boulevard and Swope Parkway (at the entrance to Swope Park) needs a traffic light.
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: webny99 on August 23, 2023, 10:24:50 PM
In my area, mostly just four-way stops that I'd like to see replaced with roundabouts. Most are not busy enough to be signalized, but roundabouts are still a better alternative. Four-way stops manage to be equally frustrating when traffic is heavy (causing stop-go traffic and an unhealthy level of attention paid to other drivers) and when traffic is light (causing you to stop for no reason whatsoever).

I could foresee Plank Rd/Jackson Rd and maybe State Rd/Jackson Rd being signalized in the near future (due to the traffic impact of the new PCSD Transportation Center, Rocco Pines development, and Arbors at Penfield), but changes anywhere else seem unlikely.
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: Road Hog on August 23, 2023, 10:27:30 PM
The twin intersections of US 287 EB access road and Mount Zion Road on 14th Street in Midlothian, TX. They might be 50 feet apart if that. The city and TxDOT are finally going to address this.
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: RobbieL2415 on August 24, 2023, 01:39:17 PM
This intersection is always busy and could really use a stoplight.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8357861,-72.5442794,112m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8357861,-72.5442794,112m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu)
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: frankenroad on August 24, 2023, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on August 24, 2023, 01:39:17 PM
This intersection is always busy and could really use a stoplight.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8357861,-72.5442794,112m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8357861,-72.5442794,112m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu)

Given the odd angles, it seems to me that a roundabout might be a better solution than a light.
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: PColumbus73 on August 24, 2023, 04:57:01 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on August 24, 2023, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on August 24, 2023, 01:39:17 PM
This intersection is always busy and could really use a stoplight.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8357861,-72.5442794,112m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8357861,-72.5442794,112m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu)

Given the odd angles, it seems to me that a roundabout might be a better solution than a light.

Or, with some ROW acquisition, realign Sand Hill Road along the tree line and stagger into two T intersections
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: chrisg69911 on August 24, 2023, 05:03:53 PM
This 6 way intersection in Newark
https://goo.gl/maps/KcjkwRgW9KPBrYkbA

There were plans to make it a roundabout back in 2019, but nothing has happened yet
https://www.newarknj.gov/news/information-on-ferry-st-and-ironbound-roundabout-projects
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: DriverDave on August 24, 2023, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: chrisg69911 on August 24, 2023, 05:03:53 PM
This 6 way intersection in Newark
https://goo.gl/maps/KcjkwRgW9KPBrYkbA

There were plans to make it a roundabout back in 2019, but nothing has happened yet
https://www.newarknj.gov/news/information-on-ferry-st-and-ironbound-roundabout-projects

Yes that one should definitely have a traffic circle, there aren't even any lines to guide the approximate path of the cars.
Title: Re: Improper Traffic Light And Stop Sign Placement
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 24, 2023, 07:33:59 PM
Quote from: chrisg69911 on August 24, 2023, 05:03:53 PM
This 6 way intersection in Newark
https://goo.gl/maps/KcjkwRgW9KPBrYkbA

There were plans to make it a roundabout back in 2019, but nothing has happened yet
https://www.newarknj.gov/news/information-on-ferry-st-and-ironbound-roundabout-projects

The best I found is this RFP that went out this spring, and a Project Status line that states the project should start in September, 2023.  I can't find anything regarding the bids, and the links within the website are for paid access only.  https://www.constructionjournal.com/projects/details/5abddb6f57d643f5bd13ef234a9d782e.html