I am not aware of the status of the busway in the W 7th neighborhood � but I will look into it. However, it seems clear from other posts here that the restriping is not related to it.
I can add some info on the benefits of a 3 lane roadway (2 driving lanes plus a turn lane) versus a 4 lane roadway: - A reduction in weaving, lane changing, and speed variability - A reduction in vehicle speeding and �mini drag races� where cars jockey to get ahead of each other - A reduction in crashes (due largely to less of the above behaviors) - Improvement in pedestrian crossing (fewer lanes of moving traffic to cross and center turn lane sometimes used as a pedestrian refuge) - Wider traffic lanes to better accommodate parked cars opening their doors and giving greater room for bicyclists - Future congestion remains satisfactory at even the busiest intersections - Helps creates a sense of �place� that draws new visitors and customers Overall it is good for businesses and for residents because you create a friendlier environment for people to get out of their cars and walk the street and visit multiple local stores and restaurants. Grand Avenue and Rice Street are examples of corridors in St. Paul where 3 lanes works well. There are many examples from other cities where this layout works well in business corridors too. In fact there have been serious discussions in Minneapolis to turn Lake Street (particularly the section east of Hiawatha) into 3 lanes when the street is reconstructed in the next few years. Traffic studies have shown that the current & projected traffic on this part of Lake Street could easily handle the switch to 3 lanes � and W 7th seems comparable to East Lake. For more information on the benefits of 3 lanes on Lake Street visit http://www.stride-mn.org/LakeStreet/three-lane-alternatives.htm Kevin Somdahl Sands - Administrator - Transit for Livable Communities Phone: 651-767-0298 - [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
