New traffic patterns will take “a little getting used to”
An OPINION By Chuck Wiser,
I am motivated to write another article today by an enjoyable off schedule trip east to Hornell versus my usual jaunts to Olean for my shopping pleasure. Having grown up in Friendship, Olean was our most convenient shopping destination.
As the years go by my excursions have branched out and a visit to Lowe’s in Hornell happens almost as often as my Home Depot excursions. Today’s visit was to Lowes as they had a particular part that I needed. Having traveled west to east via Vandermark Road (Rte. 10) and McHenry Valley Road (Rte. 11) I entered Hornell on the North side and proceeded along the detours and bypasses as a major road re-build program progresses. As I approached the Rte. 36 intersection nearest the Simmons – Rockwell car dealership where I purchased my Nisson pickup truck, I was initially confused as to the road construction project that was in process. The road didn’t (yet) travel on it but it eventually appeared as the “Roundabout” that it’s going to be.
I was very pleased to see that particular construction plan as I have become very accustomed to that of those constructed in Olean a few years back. I am not educated as to their traffic usage of that particular intersection but since it is a five way joint roads intersection venture it was a very good strategy in my opinion. Living with that change in road/traffic control I am very sure that when residents get used to it, they will accept it and enjoy it.
It takes a little “getting used to.” But as local drivers acclimate themselves to it and learn how to successfully navigate the entry and exit strategies it will turn out to be a blessing in the long run.
All drivers (and pedestrians) need to use some common sense and avoid getting impatient enough to “worm their way” into the traffic flow. If everyone “takes their turn” in the traffic flow, it doesn’t take long for things to settle in to normalcy.
Olean does so well with theirs that they have added a couple more on the South end of the city. When Hornell drivers get used to it and exercise common driving courtesy and consideration, I sincerely believe that it will be well accepted.
The secret to learning acceptance is patience, and that common courtesy mentioned above. You do not have to stop at the intersection of an adjoining street to allow side traffic to enter the roundabout. One other warning though, refers to the misplaced courtesy, of stopping in the middle of the roundabout to allow a single pedestrian straggler to cross the street. But if necessary to do so for safety’s sake, by all means do that. Pedestrians also, need to learn how to successfully incorporate these well-intentioned and efficient traffic control methods. Red light traffic back up is minimized with the proper use of the roundabout. Some intersections do have pedestrian access to activate pedestrian crossing notifications. Please observe them.
Drive safely and considerately, be considerate as a pedestrian, and within a very short period of time you will come to accept this more modern traffic control innovation.
Chuck Wiser pens the weekly “Wiser’s Wramblings” on the Wellsville Sun, addressing wrandom topics and overusing the W when possible. Rumor has it, his writings will be expanding to the beloved Woodhull Journal published in Steuben County. You can contact Chuck anytime with compliments or critique, chuckwiser@roadrunner.com
