Add right-turn lanes

After much experience in the “road diet” wars in other cities, one very important point in the North Monroe debate being overlooked is right-turn lanes.

Traffic planners should consider that while the center two-way left turn lane mitigates congestion from left-turning motorists blocking traffic, the lack of right-turn lanes negates much of the advantage.

Especially considering the promised increase in pedestrian activity, you create an ever worsening situation where right-turning motorists must stop, unnecessarily blocking the only traffic lane, whenever a side street crossing pedestrian blocks his route. This situation is apparent on the newly reconfigured Sprague Avenue.

The solution of adding right-turn lanes retains the road diet, associated funding and traffic calming while ensuring that at least one lane of traffic can have continuous flow.

Tom Topping

Millwood