Dave,
Please see the note below from Phil Rash. It looks like the second email and copying Metta finally resulted in some action. Hopefully more will be coming.
Gary Dyrkacz
Computing, Environment & Life Sciences ALD ESH Representative
Bldg 240 Rm: 4125
Ph: 2-7478 FAX: 2-6333
From: Rash, Philip C.
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 3:30 PM
To: Dyrkacz, Gary R.
Cc: Metta, David K.; Stine, Gail Y.; Dely, Gregory; Russell, Edward F.; Gradle, Thomas A.; Rada, Sylvia M.; Rash, Philip C.; Schumann, Craig; Sullivan, Casey J.
Subject: RE: Issues on Traffic safety on Outer Circle Rd East of North Gate
Hi Gary,
I did see that Security has placed the speed limit radar detector announcer on the south/east bound lane after the curve.
I recently traversed the curve from both directions to get the feel of the curve at below and at the speed limit. This road/curve was modified many years ago when the entrance to Lab was changed. This change increased the rate of turn on the curve.
Also, recently the Laboratory paved the shoulder of this road to provide safer area for pedestrians and bicyclist to traverse the road.
While traversing the curve in both directions in my car, I did not feel the g-forces were excessive for drivers using the road. There is also a clear view of the curve for traffic moving north and south on the road around the curve. The issues associated with the safety concerns are likely as you have alluded to: Talking on the phone while driving and speeding.
However, I will be conducting a traffic Safety Committee in late October. We will review the concerns you have brought up. The speed limit was reduced on Northgate Road as it approaches the Northgate entrance because it is a gate entrance and for excessive speeds on the curve. That curves seems to be sharper.
Phil Rash
From: Dyrkacz, Gary R.
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 1:46 PM
To: Rash, Philip C.
Cc: Metta, David K.; Stine, Gail Y.
Subject: FW: Issues on Traffic safety on Outer Circle Rd East of North Gate
Hi Phil,
Is anything being done about the condition below? I had another report today on this same issue noted below. In addition to this speeding problem, three incidents of people either texting or on cell phones while driving around this same curve were noted, coming from either direction. In one case, the claim was the car was drifting toward the individual walking on the side of the road.
There were no license numbers noted, only descriptions of the two of the vehicles as a black SUV and a small white Lexus.
Gary Dyrkacz
Computing, Environment & Life Sciences ALD ESH Representative
Bldg 240 Rm: 4125
Ph: 2-7478 FAX: 2-6333
From: Dyrkacz, Gary R.
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 3:35 PM
To: Rash, Philip C.
Subject: Issues on Traffic safety on Outer Circle Rd East of North Gate
HI Phil,
An associate Division Director brought to my attention that he believes staff are taking the relatively sharp curve east of the North Gate entrance on the Outer Circle at fairly high speed. They may not see someone quickly enough who may be walking along the side of the road. As someone who regularly walks along the road for exercise, the Director felt that this could be an issue waiting to become an incident. I know what he means, because I often drive this road to get to the East area at lunch time to fly my model airplane. A couple of times, I realized I was taking this curve a bit fast, and have learned to slow down when I come to the curve. However, I have seen other people take that curve fairly fast as well.
The Director suggested maybe putting out a speed monitor to help staff realize they need to throttle back. Of course, a speed trap might stop the problem real fast, but he was okay with the more gentle approach first.
Gary Dyrkacz
Computing, Environment & Life Sciences ALD ESH Representative
Bldg 240 Rm: 4125
Ph: 2-7478 FAX: 2-6333
