Springdale and MLK crossing (along with Heflin lane)

Hello Everybody,

Thank you all for the excellent presentations - based on the facts mentioned by CTRMA it seems Loyola Lane will be closed for a long time and MLK crossing is the intended crossing for everybody to use as an alternative. This will increase the traffic in MLK dramatically. The most hard-hit crossing will be MLK-Springdale. (Cars will come on Springdale from Loyola and 51st considering 51st street will be closed at 183 to go northbound). Here are few suggestions

1. Relocate the bus-stops which are currently at crossing of Springdale and MLK - on Springdale between 12th street and MLK #300 has 4 bus-stops on each side which is very strange. The corner bus-stop creates more problem because not only it occupies the lane on a green signal (also the right lane where you can only turn right on a green light) but also stops cycles from passing. 

2. We may think of having 2 stops in between 12th and MLK (walking 100 meter extra does not melt a us)

3. The unique challenge created by adding Heflin lane to a high-way intersection probably reduces the throughput efficiency by 50% for that crossing. We are asking local residents to comment on an optimization problem which is rather difficult. (do we ask local citizens for advice if we have a brain surgery?).  When Loyola lane is closed we should think about rerouting Heflin lane traffic through neighborhood.  there is no harm in trying this for a month a see the results. (but transportation engineers can comment on this)

4. The county building already has a entrance from Springdale so that should not be an issue. (again if people have walk extra 50 ft that should not be show stopper for broader optimization)

5. If we do not mitigate this issue - the entire springdale will be clogged when Loyola is closed and streets like Pecan Springs (which are local peaceful neighborhoods will become major feeders). We also have to remember that Springdale is a cycling corridor and with increased traffic we also put the cyclists at risk because the lanes are not protected. 

thanks

Pinaki

(chairman EMLK Contact team)