THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996 TAG: 9608070103
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THE ROAD WARRIOR
LENGTH: 110 lines
The Virginia Department of Transportation is holding a citizen information/participation meeting in reference to the proposed widening of Lynnhaven Parkway from Holland Road to Lishelle Place.
The meeting will give citizens an opportunity to review and discuss preliminary plans for the project, dubbed Lynnhaven Parkway Phase IX, from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Brookwood Elementary School on South Lynnhaven Parkway.
Road's not sure what impact this would have on folks out that way, but it doesn't look like there'll be much opposition to the project, which calls for widening Lynnhaven from four to six lanes, three on each side.
Of course, there could be one or two souls out there who won't agree with the project, which is why VDOT holds these informal meetings in the preliminary stages.
Folks are invited to look over the plans and submit written comments or other exhibits relating to the proposal on-the-spot or submit written comments by mail up to 10 days after the meeting.
According to the city's 95-96 Capital Improvement Program, construction should start in November 1997 and be finished within a year.
For information, call 494-2451. And, don't forget, you have to bring your own popcorn to these things.
SNARLS OF THE WEEK
The following people called Road's INFOLINE number with their complaints.
Kevin, no address given. I appreciate your column about MILITARY HIGHWAY, but you promised you'd find out who is responsible and maybe get the contractor fired. This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.
Also, I sure would like to know what kind of trucks are spilling guts all over NORTHAMPTON BOULEVARD? Some truck going to the Eastern Shore is spilling some foul, stenchy animal parts all over every week or so.
RW: Kevin, believe it or not, Road does not have the authority to hire or fire a contractor working for the city. However, Road is more than happy to suggest that you ride down Military Highway and see for yourself the name printed on the trucks and cones and other equipment placed strategically along the construction area. The city likes to protect its contractors and doesn't go bad-mouthing them when things go wrong. Maybe they should, who knows?
In reference to your second question, the guts are probably just what you say - guts that some driver has accidentally dropped on his way over to the Eastern Shore. Of course, if the practice does continue, Road believes the trucker could be paying the bill for the cleanup. That's if he's caught.
Bob Getz, Lynn Shores. There used to be an ordinance on LYNN SHORES DRIVE for no parking on the streets but now they're parking on both sides, denying traffic coming and going. Is this the rescinding of the no parking or have they altered it? The least they could do is park on one side of the street. Thank you.
RW: Hmm, Bob, which area of Lynn Shores are we talking about? The residential area or the area between Bonney Road and Virginia Beach Boulevard? If we can establish where it's happening, it'll be easier to get an answer for why it's happening. Thanks.
Marian Marconyak, no address given. Hey, Road, I have wanted to talk to you for a long long time. You are right! MILITARY HIGHWAY is just abominable. For this, we pay taxes?
RW: Yes, unfortunately, Marian, we do.
Margaret, no address given. In answer to Ann James about the 45 mph speed limit on the newly opened South Plaza Trail, there is none. I just left there. There has never been one going south and ifthere was one coming north, it's now missing.
We do have the signs saying lower speed limit to 35 mph at the intersection but nothing that tells you that you can go 45 mph. Check it out.
RW: Thanks, Margaret. Road will pass that on to engineers. Maybe someone just forget to erect the second sign. It also sounds like someone may have mowed over the one sign that was out there. Never you fear, Road will pass this on and hopefully we'll get some new signs out there pronto.
Jim Hurston, Hilltop. I have a problem on LASKIN ROAD at the intersection with Regency Shopping Center. The traffic light there changes red for east and westbound lanes on Laskin even when there are no cars coming out of the shopping center. Sometimes it backs the traffic up all the way past Regency Drive.
They should have sensors or something to activate the traffic light and they don't. It'll allow the eastbound traffic to proceed and still hold the westbound traffic even though there are no cars waiting to turn into the shopping center.
Wondered if you could check on that for me because it certainly is an aggravation to be sitting there for no reason.
RW: Well, Jim, you're the second caller this week to bring up this same problem, which usually signals to Road that there is a bona fide problem out there. Sounds like a bad loop detector. Road will first ask engineers if they're aware of it (they have a bad loop detector list) and if not, they'll send someone out to check on it. Thanks.
John, Kempsville. I'm calling about some bushes on the corner, of DEPOSITOR LANE and INDIAN RIVER ROAD.
If you pull up on Depositor Lane and look eastbound, towards I-64, the bushes are blocking your view of traffic on Indian River Road.
Keep up the good work. Been reading you over a year and love what you're doing.
RW: Be happy to pass that PVO (Possible View Obstruction) on, John.
Gary Joyner, Ocean Park. There's a problem with the LESNER BRIDGE. People are doing U-turns and creating a hazard in front of the Duck In so somebody needs to look at that new pavement and the markings and maybe put in some no U-turn signs or a barrier up there. Thanks a lot.
RW: Wonder if the city folk have caught wind of this yet? Wonder if they've now deemed the practice safe? Road'll find out and let you know. MEMO: Tell the Road Warrior about your motoring problems. Get 'em off
your chest. Call on Infoline, at 640-5555. After a brief message, dial
ROAD (7623). When directed, press 1 to deliver your message, and 1 again
to sign off.
Or, write: The Road Warrior, Virginia Beach Beacon, 4565 Virginia
Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va., 23462.
Don't forget to include your name, address and neighborhood. by CNB