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CHANGES TO REDUCE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON CHRISTIAN STREET, October 2009

With the growth of residential properties in the area over the last several years, traffic in the Christian St corridor has become a constant problem for pedestrians and home owners fearful for their safety and property. At the request of concerned neighbors and after many months of meetings attended by members of QVNA, its Transportation Committee and area residents, the Streets Department and law enforcement officials have announced the following changes to commence within the next two weeks:

1) Changing the sign on Columbus Blvd. and Christian that seems to direct you to turn right on Christian St to get to Washington Ave. This will help reduce the volume on Christian Street.

2) Posting signs along Christian Street from Broad Street to Columbus Blvd : " Speed Limit 25 MPH, Children at Play" with stepped up enforcement by 3rd district Police. This is intended to help reduce the speed of traffic on Christian St.

3) An eight month trial to evaluate a change from traffic lights to all-way stop signs at the intersection of Christian St, 2nd Street and Moyamensing Avenue. Both Law and Traffic Department officials assert that a transition from traffic lights to stop signs will more safely move both traffic and pedestrians through the intersection without changing any broader traffic patterns. Traffic lights will only be removed if, as expected, replacing them with stop signs safely reduces the inclination of drivers to speed up "to get through the light."

This trial would be done in three steps. 1) First the lights would be switched to flashing red on all four corners, 2) then stop signs would be installed on all four corners and the lights turned off, and 3) if the positive results expected actually accrue, the traffic lights would then be removed. This "trial" can be terminated at any time if it is not felt to be improving safety in the corridor by the Police, the Streets Department, or Queen Village residents.

During the 8 months of this trial please forward any questions, concerns or comments to the QVNA office.

Richard Wolk Chairman, QVNA Transportation Committee