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Intersection problem mostly man-made

By LORRIE LYKINSASK
Published June 25, 2006

The problem that many readers were reporting in Lealman at 46th Street and 40th Avenue turns out to be a people problem, not an engineering issue.

In response to readers' complaints about view obstruction at the intersection, Pinellas County engineering service tech Robert Plant took a trip out for a look-see.

Plant conducted a sight-distance evaluation and, according to standards set by state statute, there's technically not a problem. Plant did trim back some oak tree branches that were in the way and acknowledged that the planter on the northeastern corner may cause some folks to have trouble seeing if they don't pay attention and slow down.

While Plant was on site, he noticed that oak tree branches aside, the problem readers may be noticing about this dicey intersection is man-made.

"People traveling eastbound rarely come to a full stop and when they do, it's well ahead of the stop sign. But mostly, drivers are ignoring the stop signs," Plant said. So proceed with caution, folks.

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Heads up, new warning beacons are being installed in Pinellas Park on 40th Street and Gateway Boulevard. The intersection is near the Mainlands, north of the Wal-Mart Supercenter. Pinellas Park is conducting a traffic signal analysis and Rick Eggers, Pinellas Park's traffic manager, said that although they have not had an accident problem there, some motorists trying to get to Wal-Mart are slowing to the point of creating potential traffic hazards. Flashing red and yellow lights have been installed on stop signs in the area to give motorists extra warning.

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Reader David McIntrye wrote in recently that he is a new arrival to St. Petersburg, and he has noticed a lot of powered mobility chairs on the street traveling at fairly high speeds.

"I have come close to sideswiping more than one when I make a legal turn onto a street, and one of these chairs is barreling toward me where they should not be," he wrote. "I don't understand how this is allowed to happen with such frequency without any apparent fear of getting a ticket. Is this practice legal in St. Petersburg?"

I posed the question to St. Petersburg police Lt. Phil Beahn, who said that powered mobility chairs are not legally considered vehicles according to state statutes.

"It would be my opinion that the best place for them would be on sidewalks, as long as there is ample access. However, they could utilize the designated bicycle lanes along the far right shoulders of the roads, as long as they adhere to traffic laws, just as bicyclists do," Beahn said.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority recently expanded services to entice commuters to park their cars and hop on the bus.

One of PSTA's changes is an increase in weekday service along popular Route 79. Riders will be able to catch the bus every 30 minutes instead of every hour.

PSTA said that 450,000 riders used Route 79 last year, which serves St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, the Pinellas County Justice Center and Palms of Pasadena Hospital.

Other changes include minor adjustments to a half-dozen routes and the Suncoast Beach Trolley. Construction will prevent the Trolley from entering John's Pass Village, but it will continue to run on Gulf Boulevard.

Passengers can visit PSTA online at www.PSTA.net or call the information line at 540-1900 to learn more.

***

My favorite rant of the week came from a reader named Bob who speaks for many when he writes: "What's with the city changing one-way streets all the time? Can't anyone make up their minds and then just leave it alone?" First Street S was recently converted to a two-way street in downtown St. Petersburg.

Um, apparently not, Bob. Thanks for writing in.

Until next week, happy and safe motoring!

Please share your traffic concerns, comments and questions with Dr. Delay via e-mail at docdelay@yahoo.com.

[Last modified June 25, 2006, 03:01:21]