Town Hall Meeting
Traffic & Transportation Issues in 75287
October 22, 2013 – 7:00 pm
CITY OF DALLAS ATTENDEES Sandy Greyson, Councilwoman District 12 Keith Manoy, Assistant Director – Public Works Auro Majumdar, Assistant Director – City Traffic Engineer – Department of Street Services Bahman Bahramnejad, Engineer Assistant – Department of Street Services
Councilwoman Greyson welcomed approximately 30 – 40 attendees, including Ehren Stewart, Jim and Sheila Collins from Regency Park Homeowners Association, saying there was no agenda per se. The purpose of the meeting was for the residents to express their concerns with the traffic congestion issues in the area to the representatives from the City of Dallas to determine what corrective action if any can be taken.
The following will summarize the items raised:
Speed Bumps A resident asked what steps could be taken to have speed bumps installed on Windhaven. Street must be residential Cannot be considered an “emergency response route” by the Fire Department Study conducted to measure average vehicle speed using sensor strips placed on street If the speed study indicates that the street qualifies for speed bumps, a petition is circulated among the residents living within 200 feet of the proposed location, including adjacent streets if applicable. At least 2/3 of the residents must sign the petition approving the speed bumps. City of Dallas no longer has a budget item for speed bumps; therefore the residents may be responsible for the cost of $3,000 to install a pair of speed bumps.
Stop Signs An alternate to speed bumps could be the installation of four way stop signs at strategic locations. A similar study would be conducted, but would be less expensive to install.
Bump Outs Some areas have elected to have bump outs installed at street corners to decrease traffic in the neighborhood as another alternate to speed bumps.
City of Dallas – Traffic Chart The City of Dallas has prepared a chart outlining ways to address traffic issues in residential areas. A copy of which will be sent to those attendees requesting one. We have asked for a pdf file that can be included in the next RPHOA newsletter.
1 Dallas North Tollway & Frankford Road Intersection Numerous complaints were received regarding congestion at the Frankford – Dallas North Tollway intersection: Consideration should be given to adding optional left turn/straight ahead lanes in both the northbound and southbound tollway exit service roads. Signage for these lane changes would have to be large enough to be visible to vehicles exiting the tollway. The “yield” signage on the north and south bound service roads should be increased in size, wording, and location to improve visibility and compliance. Currently it’s extremely difficult for those vehicles exiting the tollway to make it across the three lanes of service road traffic in order to make a right turn on to Frankford Road. The traffic light at Frankford and Gibbons is not synchronized with the lights at the tollway. Frequently only one car is able to proceed eastbound with the green light on Frankford due to vehicles unable to clear the tollway intersection headed eastbound.
NOTE: The representatives from the Department of Street Services stated that an updated traffic study for this intersection will be conducted to determine the best ways to improve traffic flow.
Voss Road and Frankford Intersection There is frequently a lengthy back up of vehicles north and southbound at the Voss Road – Frankford Road stop lights.
Midway Road Complaints were also received regarding the northbound traffic on Midway Road during peak hours. Consideration should be given to better synchronization of the traffic lights – especially at Trinity Mills, Briargrove, and Frankford. The Midway – Trinity Mills intersection is in the City of Carrollton jurisdiction, but contact will be made with the counterparts in Carrollton to determine what action can be taken.
NOTE: Ms. Greyson advised that the City of Dallas has approved a budget item to improve the software for synchronization of street lights throughout the city. Unfortunately, new hardware for street lights has not been included at this time.
Improved Lane Striping – Crosswalk Painting The budget for striping and crosswalk painting was reduced considerably in previous years, but has now been restored. Requests for painting of lane stripes and crosswalks should be directed to 311 and to Lorri Ellis in Ms. Greyson’s office if no action is taken.
No Texting While Driving Ordinance A suggestion was made that the Dallas City Council consider a “no texting while driving” ordinance to improve traffic flow and enhance safety efforts. Ms. Greyson will discuss this item with the chairperson of the transportation committee.
2 Stop Signs Blocked by Overhanging Trees Any stop signs that are not visible due to overhanging trees should be reported to 311 so that the trees can be trimmed by the city.
Street Light Cameras – Accidents Reported It was reported that during the past 42 months the following intersections had reported accidents:
Intersection # Accidents Frankford & Dallas North Tollway 86 Frankford & Midway 40 Trinity Mills & Dallas North Tollway 38 Frankford & Kelly 26 Frankford & Marsh 25 Midway & Rosemeade 22
Timberglen Speed Limit Several incidents have occurred outside the Timberglen Recreation Center and Timberglen Library in which speeding cars have either hit or come dangerously close to children crossing the street. Consideration should be given to a four way stop sign and/or improved enforcement of the speed limit.
Ms Greyson concluded the general meeting at 8:30 pm, but offered to speak with any attendee who had additional concerns or comments.
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