HEADING SOUTH
Two of the three southbound traffic lanes will be closed on the bridge from 9:30 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is shifting traffic lanes
Please remind yourself to get into the high occupancy vehicle lanes on these nights; they will be southbound and open to all traffic.
Dear Kelly: Why was the traffic pattern at the intersection of Spotsylvania Avenue and Mine Road changed so that the right lane is "right turn only"?
Prior to this change I never had to sit through more than one traffic light cycle. Now, 99 percent of the time the right lane is empty and the left lane is backed up. People trying to exit the shopping center who want to go straight across Mine Road or turn left now can't exit because they can't get into the left lane because traffic is backed up. The same is true for people exiting on the other side of Spotsylvania Avenue from the bank and other businesses on that side. Every evening since the change I sit through at least two traffic light cycles, while the right-hand lane is completely empty. It does not appear to me that there was/is enough "right turn only" traffic to justify this change. This is the only lane of the four corners of that intersection that is restricted. What is the reason?
--James Amsbaugh, King George
VDOT begs to differ.
"The lane use on Spotsylvania Avenue was changed to improve the operational characteristics of the intersection. The heavy right turn movement from Spotsylvania Avenue will be enhanced by providing an unimpeded right turn on red movement," wrote VDOT spokeswoman Tina Bundy in an e-mail. "Lane markings, signs and signal head configuration have been installed that provide clear indication of proper lane use. Any time there is a new traffic pattern introduced at an existing intersection motorists may experience a brief period of adjustment that may result in unusual delays."
If the delays in the left lane persist, think about contacting Bundy at 540/899-4560 to discuss the specific times of day and days of the week you are noticing the delays. VDOT might be able to make small changes to the signal's timing if it has specific information.
Also, when funding is available, VDOT hopes to eventually install a dedicated left-turn lane at this intersection. Unfortunately, the state has cut $2 billion in road projects this year, and based on the budget projections announced by Gov. Tim Kaine last week, the immediate future does not look rosy, either.
Dear Kelly: Is the 45-mph posted speed on the new Spotsylvania Courthouse Bypass temporary? This four-lane divided roadway should be 55 mph like the remainder of State Route 208.
--Michael Haynes, Spotsylvania
"The posted 45-mph speed limit on the Spotsylvania Courthouse Bypass is not temporary. According to Traffic Engineering the posted speed limit was determined after a review of the design features of the road," VDOT's Bundy wrote in an e-mail.
The Spotsylvania Courthouse Bypass was designed with a non-mountable curb. This is a 6-inch vertical curb. When an errant vehicle hits this curb, it keeps the vehicle on the roadway. A mountable curb is a paved or gravel road shoulder, and errant vehicles can slide onto and over this curb.
The non-mountable curb required the lower, 45-mph speed limit.
Kelly Hannon is The Free Lance-Star's transportation