The City of Marion Traffic Commission met Tuesday, May 21, 2013 to discuss a request by residents to improve the safety at the intersection of Woodrow and Uncapher Avenues. While residents asked for the creation of a four-way stop, commission members said they needed more information before making a decision.
The intersection has been the site of 12 accidents since 2009. Currently, traffic traveling on Uncapher must stop while those traveling on Woodrow can drive straight through.
A recent study with a traffic monitor found that speed is not really a concern in the area, but most everyone agreed that the issue is visibility. Bushes and parked cars make it difficult for those on Uncapher to see if vehicles are coming down Woodrow. One resident said it is so bad that even when walking their dog, they have to step out into the street before they can see if vehicles are coming.
The situation at the intersection worsened with a traffic light, which was there for Oakland School, was removed. Officials said the traffic will only be getting worse as homes are built on the former school property in the coming years.
City of Marion Engineer Terry Lively said they need to look at traffic counts, pedestrian counts, and speed to find out what exactly is causing the accidents. After discovering all the issues, the Commission can explore possible solutions. He said simply changing the intersection to a four-way stop could cause more issues than it solves as people, not remembering the change, blow through the stop signs.
Police Chief Tom Bell agreed with Lively saying that half of the accidents would have happened even with a four-way stop. He said he is also concerned that people will simply run the stop signs.
City Safety Director Tom Robbins said he has looked at the intersection a number of times over the past few years and believes there is a sightline issue. He said the City has taken some steps to remedy that, but more could be done. He said eliminating some on-street parking is a real possibility.
The Traffic Commission agreed to place the City’s traffic counter in the area to gather information on the two streets. Once the data is compiled, the commission will meet to discuss the next step.
The Traffic Commission also approved changes to a City of Marion ordinance describing the City’s bike route. A new route was recently marked and the changes needed to be reflected in the ordinance.
Mike Thomas said the 10-mile route circles the city and several sponsors have helped its revival. Nucor Steel donated the sign posts while Pioneering Healthy Communities paid for the signs.
Thomas said that eventually there will be part of the route the goes through the downtown area as well as sections that connect with Ohio State Marion/Marion Technical College campus and the Tallgrass Trail. They also want to create some bike trails to and through Sawyer Ludwig Park.
Thomas said one hope is that as those driving vehicles see the signs, they will become more aware of bikes using the routes.
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