Yesterday, the mayor circulated an email informing citizens of an increase of toll charges. On July 1, 2015, Toll Tag users will have their fees increase from $0.16.16 per mile to $0.17.06 per mile. That is a 5.5% increase. That's about what your salary increased last year, wasn't it?
Well, I have an observation and a question. I will make my observation first, to set the stage for the question.
I have noticed an increase in "jamming up" or "bottlenecking" at the intersection of PGWB and Lakeview Parkway. The "jamming up" is only for east/west traffic. North/south traffic seems to be fine. During rush hour, it is not unusual for me to wait 3-4 light changes to clear that intersection. Last Friday, I set a record five changes in line. Therefore, there is always a line of traffic stopped to watch the new spring grass grow. They watch a long time. However, while the east/west traffic is always lined up for three or four traffic changes, the north/south lines always clear. When the north/south traffic lights turn red, there is no longer anyone waiting. The line is gone. People, this isn't Chinese arithmetic. It isn't hard.
A relatively simple observation reveals that there is at least 3-4, and sometimes 5 times more traffic moving east/west than north south, yet the light timing seems to be much the same for both directions of travel. Therefore, the obvious. There seems to be four times more traffic on Lakeview Parkway than the service roads of PGWB tollway.
To add another element to the equation, A right turn lane for north bound traffic off Lakeshore Parkway would seem to be a good idea......until one realizes Oncor is involved. One of their power cable towers is in the way. That complicates the equation considerably. You see, Oncor thinks they own everything.......and its a horrible inconvenience to them to discuss their equipment with mere mortals. That was probably enough to keep them out of as much of the original planning as possible.
Now we have a situation that calls for a very expensive "fix"......meaning millions of dollars. Who pays? I don't even want to be near that fight. Or, we can help the situation by changing the timing of the traffic signals.
Now, we're facing a 5.5% increase of toll costs. Some of that money should be dedicated toward solving the traffic problem above. The traffic lighting at the intersection comes under the jurisdiction of NTTA or TxDot.......I'm not sure which. NTTA and TxDot spend a lot of money (I've been told) hiring people that study these situations. However, I feel the Rowlett leadership, although the above is not part of their jurisdiction, should throw a wall-eyed fit with NTTA and/or TxDot about the deplorable and stupid situation we have. And, while they're bitching, they should get us some signs on the tollway that tells people they are entering Rowlett, a rising new star.
My question? Does NTTA and/or TxDot hire anybody that ever got out of the 8th grade?
Well, I have an observation and a question. I will make my observation first, to set the stage for the question.
I have noticed an increase in "jamming up" or "bottlenecking" at the intersection of PGWB and Lakeview Parkway. The "jamming up" is only for east/west traffic. North/south traffic seems to be fine. During rush hour, it is not unusual for me to wait 3-4 light changes to clear that intersection. Last Friday, I set a record five changes in line. Therefore, there is always a line of traffic stopped to watch the new spring grass grow. They watch a long time. However, while the east/west traffic is always lined up for three or four traffic changes, the north/south lines always clear. When the north/south traffic lights turn red, there is no longer anyone waiting. The line is gone. People, this isn't Chinese arithmetic. It isn't hard.
A relatively simple observation reveals that there is at least 3-4, and sometimes 5 times more traffic moving east/west than north south, yet the light timing seems to be much the same for both directions of travel. Therefore, the obvious. There seems to be four times more traffic on Lakeview Parkway than the service roads of PGWB tollway.
To add another element to the equation, A right turn lane for north bound traffic off Lakeshore Parkway would seem to be a good idea......until one realizes Oncor is involved. One of their power cable towers is in the way. That complicates the equation considerably. You see, Oncor thinks they own everything.......and its a horrible inconvenience to them to discuss their equipment with mere mortals. That was probably enough to keep them out of as much of the original planning as possible.
Now we have a situation that calls for a very expensive "fix"......meaning millions of dollars. Who pays? I don't even want to be near that fight. Or, we can help the situation by changing the timing of the traffic signals.
Now, we're facing a 5.5% increase of toll costs. Some of that money should be dedicated toward solving the traffic problem above. The traffic lighting at the intersection comes under the jurisdiction of NTTA or TxDot.......I'm not sure which. NTTA and TxDot spend a lot of money (I've been told) hiring people that study these situations. However, I feel the Rowlett leadership, although the above is not part of their jurisdiction, should throw a wall-eyed fit with NTTA and/or TxDot about the deplorable and stupid situation we have. And, while they're bitching, they should get us some signs on the tollway that tells people they are entering Rowlett, a rising new star.
My question? Does NTTA and/or TxDot hire anybody that ever got out of the 8th grade?
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