|
|
|
ANC-3F, concerned about speeding on Reno Road, sent a letter to Ms. Karen Benefield requesting implementation of a 4-step action plan to address speeding problems on Reno Road in the Forest Hills/North Cleveland Park area. Copy of letter below. A copy of the letter was sent to Commander Cockett of the 2nd District, MPD.
ANC-3F has received a reply from Commander Cockett stating that the
police would step up enforcement against speeding along Reno Road and 34th
Street, N.W. In addition Commander Cockett will have a Smart Speed
installed on Reno Road. This is an automatic sign that shows drivers
the speed of their car as they pass the device. Note:
The Smart Speed sign was installed in the 4300 block of Reno Road in early
April.
* * * * *
Karen Benefield
Acting Chief, Bureau of Traffic Services
2000 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Dear Ms. Benefield:
Speeding on Reno Road, a major north-south street that runs through our ANC, is a problem that poses a threat to life and property and needs to be corrected. On Sunday, January 10, 1999, two traffic accidents occurred on Reno Road near the intersection of Warren Street. One of the accidents resulted in very serious and perhaps permanent injury to the driver of the vehicle, Lynne Landsberg. Ice may have been a contributing factor due to an ice storm and water main break on Warren Street near the intersection with Reno Road. These accidents once again raised the level of concern among our neighbors that traffic on Reno Road moves too fast, often exceeding the posted limit of 25 miles per hour. This is a very real threat to safety in our neighborhood.
At our ANC's February 17, 1999, meeting several neighbors spoke out vehemently about this problem and expressed the need for help in finding a solution. Our Commission passed a resolution asking that your agency work with the MPD, ANC 3F and other ANC's to develop a comprehensive approach to solving the problem of speeding on Reno Road. We want you to immediately implement a four step action plan to do this:
1. Conduct an in-depth study of traffic flow on the entire length
of Reno Road from Massachusetts Avenue to Western Avenue. This will
provide an understanding of the relationship between this flow and the
movement of traffic within the larger regional transportation system.
2. Make available the latest technology for controlling traffic
speed on Reno Road. Your Bureau recently purchased two Smart Speeds,
large mobile signs that notify passing motorists of their speed and the
extent to which they are exceeding the posted limit. We want Reno
Road to be given the highest priority for receiving the new Smart Speeds.
3. Ensure that the timing of traffic signals on Reno Road encourages
the flow of traffic at the 25 mile per hour limit.
4. Work with the MPD to mount an aggressive and effective traffic
safety and enforcement campaign to educate the public about the dangers
of speeding on Reno Road and the importance of driver courtesy. Since
speeding at its core is a behavioral problem, a campaign of public education
must be part of the solution.
Commissioner Phil Kogan heads our Committee on a Safer Reno Road. You may contact him on 690-5689.
Sincerely,
Douglas Mitchell
Chairman
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3F
cc: Shannon Cockett, Commander 2nd District, MPD
Kathy Patterson, Council Member Ward 3
Enclosures
ANC 3F Resolution
February 24, 1999, Northwest Current Article and Editorial on
Reno Road