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Entering SS from Colesville southbound in evening rush is a nightmare. 4 lanes of traffic move northbound, 2 move southbound. I would say that's about proportionate to traffic, but in this case the southbound traffic has tons of opportunities to turn left - which is nearly impossible with the 5 second green left-turn lights. So the traffic in the right lane creeps along between bus stops, while the left lane rots.

In these conditions, three lanes would probably be gridlock for northbound traffic, and two lanes is gridlock for southbound traffic. Either another lane, some type of bypass, or (preferably) a Metro line up 29 (so the suburbanites can enter the city through civilized park'n'rides) is required.

IMO reversible lanes are fine, but the shift from morning rush to evening rush shouldn't equal more than a quarter of the total lanes. Here it's 1/3, and it's complicated by the impossible left turn situation.

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Lindemann: A SPUI is one of the preferred alternatives to a cloverleaf. Only left turns & straight traffic on the smaller road are signalized.

It's what they implemented in two or three places further up 29. In truth, it's not very fun to try and walk... but it's a lot easier than a cloverleaf.

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I think there's some merit in S's suggestion of making Colesville & Spring one-way. Combined with eliminating on-street parking, it might offer enough throughput to make pedestrian scramble crossings practical - which would alleviate many of the safety concerns expressed here. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of complications that applied to Bethesda... what are they?

by Squalish on Dec 12, 2008 12:37 am • link • report