Around the end of August, Susquehanna Avenue and Courtland Street will be converted to bi-directional roadways. When this change occurs, the intersection of Courtland and Susquehanna will become a four-way stop. However, vehicles will still only be able to make a right turn from Susquehanna onto West Main Street. As noted in prior musings, this change is being made in the hopes of improving traffic flow around Main Street while also improving traffic flow in and around Main Street.
According to a study done by the Greater Ohio Policy Center, “one-way streets became a popular strategy to increase trip capacity within communities after World War II. During that period of history, cities were drastically redesigned to accommodate for the movement of goods and people in cars.” However, in the nearly 80 years since WWII ended communities, including Lansdale, have been more focused on creating a more walkable and accessible community.
In multiple studies, one-way streets have been found to have higher speeds, more accidents, and move traffic less efficiently than bi-directional roadways.
A central advantage of bi-directional streets is their ability to naturally moderate traffic speed. The presence of opposing traffic inherently encourages drivers to reduce their speed, enhancing safety for pedestrians and motorists alike. This organic slowdown fosters a safer environment for children, cyclists, and pedestrians, promoting a sense of security and allowing the community to fully enjoy public spaces. Moreover, reduced traffic speed contributes to a more relaxed, inviting atmosphere that aligns with the character of our community, making it a more appealing place to live, work, and visit.
Additionally, one-way streets, despite their intentions, often lead to unpredictable congestion, especially during peak hours. The shift to bi-directional streets introduces a change in traffic dynamics. Predictability is a cornerstone of a revitalized community as traffic congestion is dispersed more evenly across both lanes, reducing the risk of bottlenecks and gridlocks. This predictability not only makes commuting smoother for residents but also encourages more people to explore local attractions and establishments. Small businesses can thrive when customers can rely on consistent traffic patterns, allowing them to plan and adapt their operations more effectively.
Finally, and this is especially important for a community that has as many events as we do, one-way streets often force drivers into convoluted detours when navigating around unexpected roadblocks or events. Bi-directional streets offer greater flexibility in rerouting, providing alternate routes that can accommodate changing traffic conditions with ease. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for emergency services, ensuring rapid response times and improving overall safety within the community. The adaptive nature of bi-directional streets transforms potential inconveniences into opportunities for smooth, agile traffic management.
While this is just a small change to our downtown area, it is my hope that the simple act of altering the traffic patterns of two roads can becomes a catalyst for positive change where our community is an easier and safer place to navigate, to live, and to play.
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own and are not representative of North Penn Now or Lansdale Borough.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: National Night Out is Tonight!
Mayoral Musings: What The Borough Can (And Can't) Do To Preserve History
Mayoral Musings: Revisiting Revenue Per Acre and Vacancy Ordinances
Mayoral Musings: The Power of Local Solar
Mayoral Musings: A Reminder on Fireworks Laws Heading into Holiday Weekend
