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Another vehicle hits oft-hit wall
A wall outside the Woodlands subdivision is knocked down yet again, so officials will accelerate speed control measures.
By TRACY SMALL
Published September 25, 2005
COUNTRYWAY - It's a case of deja vu for Countryway homeowners and drivers who pass the intersection of Countryway Boulevard and Snapdragon Road. A brick wall outside the Woodlands subdivision has once again been knocked down.
A driver was speeding down Countryway Boulevard last Tuesday afternoon when he lost control of his vehicle and hit the wall, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. There were no injuries.
"All I could say is, "Oh no, not again,' " said Michael Washington, president of the Woodlands subdivision. "It's very unfortunate that we have to continuously endure damage to our community wall."
Runaway cars have hit that particular wall so many times in recent years that it has become an issue, with homeowners demanding that the county install some type of traffic-calming device at that location.
A traffic-calming survey prompted by County Commissioner Kathy Castor last spring indicated that there should be "speed cushions" placed northbound and southbound on Countryway as well as other road improvements.
The 3-inch-high, trapezoid-shaped "speed cushions" are intended to slowcars, but they're smoother than a speed bump and not as disruptive. They'll cost an estimated $265,000, with funding coming from the county's capital improvement program.
Other improvements have already begun on Countryway, including signs warning drivers of the speed cushions and some trimming of trees and shrubs. The installation of the speed cushions was scheduled for sometime next month, but the recent crash has led the county to speed up the process.
"Work orders have gone out to begin the installation of the speed humps as soon as next week," said Peter Brett of the county's traffic division.
Castor was "shocked to hear there was another accident and is committed to rectifying the situation as quickly as possible," said Pat Kemp, an aide to the commissioner.
[Last modified September 24, 2005, 09:20:05]
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