Dayton Residents, Officials Meet to Discuss Traffic and Safety Concerns
As Dayton transitions from a rural to a more urban community, traffic concerns need to be resolved, but must be done prudently and in the right time.
This was the underlying message at a meeting at Sutro Elementary School Thursday night where more than 70 citizens, county officials, law enforcement and first responders heard from Nevada Department of Transportation officials.
But for a community that has seen countless accidents in past years this was not quite what most had hoped to hear.
The audience viewed the “US 50 Corridor Presentation to Lyon County,” which explored many areas of concern, offered proposed fixes which would be broken down into four phases – eventually including Deer Run Road through to Silver Springs. The phases are in place so costs are met over time as NDOT, is dealing with tight budgets.
Lyon County Commissioner Bob Hastings, District 1, asked NDOT officials why, since funds are already in place to cover traffic light installation at Fortune and Highway 50, they did not feel it was necessary.
“We have done the studies and the warrants (criteria) are not currently being met,” said Ismel Garza, NDOT’s assistant chief traffic operations engineer.
Warrants are decided based on such things as traffic volume, intersection geometry, approach speeds and crash experiences at any given location. Based on the data NDOT has collected, Fortune and Highway 50 intersection does not meet the criteria or warrant that would require a light, he said.
One sticking point was that the study was done in June 2012 after school had let out for summer break and prior to the school district adding sixth-grade students (and the increased bus and parent traffic) to the school, which had once taught only kindergarten through fifth grade. The contention was that based on these two things, NDOT’s numbers may not be accurate.
Regardless though, while citizens may feel the answer is a signal light, Garza explained why that may not be the case.
“The consequences of putting a light in too early are often worse than before and the number of crashes remain the same, but we do see a different kind crash,” Garza said. “A signal light is not a safety device, it is a control device, and our objectives are zero fatalities and to enhance safety.
“There are many other things we can do that will be more effective.”
Dayton resident Russ Harig said the people need to do their part.
“We have NDOT here and they are willing to talk with us, but people, it comes down to you and me and everyone of us (driving responsibly).”
But for Dayton residents or anyone who has ever attempted a left turn from anywhere onto Highway 50, data and studies are little comfort.
“Every time I pull onto the highway from Fortune I feel I am literally putting my life in God’s hands,” said Laura Brunzlick. “Something needs to be done and I’m glad we’re finally here talking about it.”
“We’re here to find a solution and I feel like we’re hearing what can’t be done, rather than what can be done,” said Ray Fierro, Lyon County Commissioner, District 3.
Both Fierro’s and Brunzlick’s concerns were echoed time and again.
And the process will continue, Hastings said.
“This is a start,” he said. “The commissioners are all on the same page with this and we are working to find a solution.”
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