Traffic Changes Cause Concerns at College Station Intersection
Hey, College Station! There’s been a lot of chatter lately about changes happening at a busy intersection that’s had our heads spinning just a bit. In fact, the intersection of Deacon Drive and General Parkway has been buzzing with activity as new traffic rules have been introduced that have left drivers feeling a little uneasy.
A Sudden Shift in Traffic Flow
This past Wednesday, what used to be a four-way stop transformed into a two-way stop. The city made this change following complaints from residents who were frustrated with traffic delays at the busy junction. While the city has deployed large, light-up signs to alert drivers of these new traffic patterns, it seems that many people are still catching up to the shift.
Unfortunately, the change did not come without a few hiccups. In just two days, there were dozens of near-collisions reported, with one actual crash occurring. Clearly, drivers are having a tough time adjusting to the new rules. College Station Public Works Traffic Engineer Michael Holmes explained the situation, stating, “Both approaches of General Parkway on either side are still observing a stop-controlled situation. Whereas Deacon Drive, in both directions, no longer have a stop sign.”
Residents Share Their Concerns
Long-time resident Robert Marcavage, who has lived in College Station for over 12 years, shared that he actively avoids that intersection due to the number of close calls he has witnessed. “I was thinking there was going to be an accident really soon, and it turns out the next morning there was an accident there,” he expressed, shedding light on the serious issues drivers are facing.
Marcavage mentioned that the confusing change in traffic rules left him feeling uneasy. “If they were stopping, let them stop all the way. Or if they were going, then just let them go. I just didn’t want to get into an accident myself,” he said. It’s clear that he and many others are navigating the area with caution.
The City Takes Action
The feedback from residents and concerns raised by Union Pacific Railroad regarding traffic congestion led the city to evaluate the situation. They conducted thorough traffic counts and performed an all-way stop warrant analysis. Based on their findings, officials decided that adopting a two-way stop would be beneficial for traffic flow and would help prevent queues that could back up into the major roadway and onto the railroad tracks.
Holmes added, “The all-way stop warrant was a little bit superfluous in this case because there is already a safety concern with the traffic backing up onto the railroad.” The City Council gave the green light for this change, seeking to make the intersection safer and more efficient for everyone who travels through it.
Staying Safe on the Roads
As we all get used to these new traffic dynamics, it’s essential to stay alert and cautious. College Station city officials urge drivers to carefully read all road signs and pay extra attention when crossing intersections. This vigilance is vital to keep everyone safe on the roads as we adjust to this new traffic pattern.
With these changes happening, let’s all do our part to keep College Station’s streets navigable and safe. Here’s hoping that with a little time, the bumps in the road will smooth out, and we can happily cruise through our neighborhoods without fear of the unexpected.
