Comments submitted to Greg Bailey, WVDOH January 24, 2012
I'm writing on the WV 705 Connector project as a Morgantown bicyclist and pedestrian. After having attended the January 24, 2012 public meeting at Easton Elementary School as well as previous meetings on this project, I offer the following recommendations.
1. Install roundabout at Mileground/Airport Blvd. intersection. This roundabout will enable continuous flow on Mileground between and around the roundabouts.
2.Install mountable median instead of currently preferred center turn lane. Center turn lane (suicide lane) crash statistics prove that center turn lanes are extremely dangerous and unjustifiable in any modern design.
3. Post speed limit at 35 mph or less.
4. Install R4-11 Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs throughout the corridor.
5. Install sidewalk on the north side of Easton Hill to enable pedestrians from the West Run Valley to walk to Mileground.
6. Install sidewalk on east side of 705 between Mileground and Chestnut Ridge Rd. to enable pedestrians to walk between Mileground and Suncrest Town Center. (Rudimentary bicyclist and pedestrian connections between Suncrest Town Center and WVU Research Park, Monongalia General Hospital and businesses in Suncrest currently exist and justify pedestrian connection of Mileground to the Chestnut Ridge Rd. area.)
I appreciate your fair consideration of these recommendations.