Reader: Traffic light configuration wastes fuel

By THE LANE RANGER
Published: July 27, 2008

Dear Lane Ranger: As a nearby resident impacted by the two-year widening of Minnieville Road near Tackett's Mill, I'm glad to see the construction is complete. However, I fail to comprehend the strategy employed with the lights at Telegraph Road and at Summit School Road.

Is there some reason why drivers heading eastbound on Telegraph wanting to turn right onto Minnieville cannot make a right on red? Until completion of the widening of Minnieville, drivers on Telegraph only had a stop sign, allowing them to make a right when sufficiently clear to do so. Now that there is a light, those turning left are able to do so safely. But why can't drivers turn right on red? Why must a driver sit idling, burning expensive fuel, when Minnieville is completely clear for a safe right turn on red? This makes no sense.

At the same intersection, why must a driver wait to turn left off Minnieville onto Telegraph because VDOT decided not to allow unprotected left turns? Other than peak commuting hours, most of the time a driver sits idling, burning expensive fuel, when there is no oncoming traffic and making an unprotected left turn would be completely safe.

The light at Summit School Road is frustrating in a different way. I'm relatively certain sensors were installed during construction, which should cause the lights to change within a reasonable timeframe. Why then do drivers sit idling, burning expensive fuel, for more than three minutes (I have timed almost four minutes, at times) waiting to turn left off of Summit School Road onto Minnieville when there is no traffic on Minnieville? It was better when this was only a stop sign. At least then a driver only waited a couple of minutes at most and only during very heavy traffic periods.

I appreciate the widening of Minnieville Road in the Tackett's Mill area and the benefit it should afford, but VDOT needs to seriously reconsider the light timing and sensor strategy. Entirely too much time is spent sitting at these lights with no real reason most of the time. Most often there is no cross traffic and there is certainly no visibility issue since the effort improved visibility.

Broke Due to Idling

Woodbridge

Dear Idling: The Lane Ranger contacted the Virginia Department of Transportation and Prince William County's department of transportation about the situation. Here are their answers to your (fuel-) burning questions:

The traffic signage and restrictions are part of the County Bond Project Design. They are going back to determine if they can safely alter the design traffic signage with the new geometrics of the roadway they have put into place. We are awaiting their information.

Mike Salmon

VDOT Public Affairs

We have received numerous inquiries on this. Pedestrian crossings require that the stop bar be located behind the crosswalks so that a stopped vehicle does not obstruct the walkway. Unfortunately, the Telegraph Road pedestrian crossing is located so that when a vehicle is at the stop bar (behind the crosswalk) the sight distance looking left is obstructed. In order for the stop bar to be relocated closer to Minnieville Road (which would open up the sight distance) it appears that the pedestrian equipment and crossings will need to be modified as well as additional signal equipment so you could see the signal heads when you are stopped closer to Minnieville Road. Currently, we are coordinating with our consultant and VDOT on exactly what would be required to eliminate the turn restriction and be in conformance with standards.

Steve Stevens

Engineer III

Prince William County Department of Transportation

TRavel safely with pets

For those of you taking a road trip this summer and are planning on traveling with your pets, here are some tips from the Westhampton Beach, N.Y.-based HomeoPet to make the car ride less maddening for you and more comfortable and safe for your pet.

1. Seat your pet securely in the car, either with a harness, crate or barrier. Allowing your pet to roam freely in the car can be dangerous for the pet and distracting for the driver. For pets with visual cue motion sickness, putting them down on the floor of the car where they cannot see out can often be very helpful.

2.  If your pet is not accustomed to traveling in the car, take some short trips, gradually increasing his time to get him used to longer rides. Bring a favorite toy and blanket for comfort.

3.  Your pet should have a very light meal in the three hours before travel. An empty stomach is usually more prone to nausea. Some pets will respond better on a reasonably full stomach, but if it comes up, it could mean a lot of cleaning. Keep your pet hydrated with small amounts of water.

4.  Make frequent stops, allowing your pet time to exercise and relieve him/herself. Be sure your pet is wearing identification tags or has a microchip in case he or she does run away or gets lost.

5.  Never leave your pet in the car unattended. They can easily overheat, even when windows are left open. Always be careful with an open window—pets may jump out at the wrong time, or get stuck in them.

6.  Be sure your pet's mandated vaccinations are up to date, and ask your vet for a health certificate to bring along. Pack any medications your pet might be taking, or might need in an emergency. Researching local veterinarians and emergency clinics in the area you intend to visit can save you valuable time in an emergency.

Of course HomeoPet, which manufactures a line of homeopathic remedies for animals, has a vested interested in this matter, but that's typically the nature of unsolicited advice. But a good tip is a good tip. So with that, the Lane Ranger wishes everyone safe travels as summer again nears its end.

Please send questions or comments on roads, rail and transit to: Lane Ranger, c/o Potomac News, P.O. Box 2470, Woodbridge, VA 22195; e-mail:  .