Speed limit reduced on U.S. 29

By Brandon Shulleeta | 978-7245
Published: July 4, 2008

A dead teenager. A dangerous intersection. And residents demanding an immediate speed-limit reduction.

That was the situation the Virginia Department of Transportation faced Tuesday. Citing bureaucracy, VDOT officials said at a public hearing that the 55 mph speed limit — for a 2-mile stretch on U.S. 29 from Polo Grounds Road to Airport/Proffit Road — wouldn’t be reduced to 45 mph until late this summer.

But the speed limit was reduced Thursday. New 45 mph signs have been posted.

“At the meeting, somebody stood up and said, ‘Why can’t this be done in the next two days?’” Board of Supervisors Chairman Kenneth C. Boyd said Thursday. “[Officials] were reacting to the concern of citizens.”

The speed-limit reduction was one of VDOT’s eight safety recommendations included in an assessment of the intersection of U.S. 29 and Ashwood Boulevard prompted by the death of Sydney Aichs, 16. Aichs’ car was hit by a tractor-trailer that ran a red light, according to police.

The truck driver was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving.

About 160 residents attended Tuesday’s hearing, hosted by the Forest Lakes Community Association. Several said it shouldn’t take VDOT until late summer to post new speed-limit signs.

Boyd said officials huddled after the meeting and said, “Let’s make this thing happen.”

Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle County, said local VDOT officials “heard everyone’s concerns loud and clear.” But the VDOT Central Office in Richmond had to approve it.

“After the meeting, I said, ‘I’ll call Richmond first thing in the morning.’ And [local VDOT officials] said, ‘Don’t worry. We’re going to call them tonight,’” Bell said.

If VDOT were to enact its other recommendations, there would be a new “Signal ahead” sign, pavement markings and rumble strips approaching the intersection. Obtrusive tree canopies and brush would be removed, and an entrance sign and “Stop” bar moved to improve visibility.

Stoplight timings would be reconfigured, for optimum safety. And police officers would have more space for stopping traffic violators.

To reach the intersection, drivers travel uphill and cannot see the stoplight at the bottom until they crest the hill. A flashing sign would warn drivers when the stoplight is turning red.

The tree canopy removal is expected to be complete in 2009, and the other safety measures likely will be made this year.