Almost six months after Donna Gordon, 74, was attacked and killed while crossing the street on State Route 89 and Yarnell’s Post Road, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced: Safety findings Along with recommendations for highway improvements.
Agency hosts informal meetings open house tuesday Here, Yarnell residents can learn more about research and ask questions directly to government officials.
The two miles (2 miles) between mileposts 276 and 278 on US 89 runs through the center of Yarnell and is frequently crossed by motorists and pedestrians.
As a result of a road safety evaluation, ADOT recommends changing this section of the highway from four to three lanes. By changing the road from two lanes to one with a center left turn lane, authorities hope that lane changes such as overtaking will be eliminated and speed differences between drivers will be reduced.
Authorities are also recommending the installation of pedestrian curb extensions and pedestrian evacuation islands at two locations within the two-mile section of the highway.
According to the agency’s report, “curb widening reduces crosswalk distances, improves the ability of pedestrians and drivers to see each other, and reduces the amount of time pedestrians are in the roadway, thereby reducing crosswalk distances.” It will improve significantly.”
“Refuge islands allow pedestrians to focus on crossing traffic in one direction at a time and provide a place to wait a sufficient distance from oncoming traffic before completing a second stage of crossing the road. increase.”
ADOT also proposed removing the limited number of parking spaces on street corners along highways to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians waiting to cross the road.
Other projects:Road construction planned for the entire Phoenix area in 2023
The agency clarified that the recommended curb extension and pedestrian island are not being funded at this time.
Authorities assessed the SR 89’s five-year crash history on this segment and found three injured, two possible injuries and zero fatalities between 2017 and 2021. 23 conflicts were found. Sixteen of these crashes involved a single vehicle, less than half of the crashes. Investigations showed that movement violations, such as speeding and improper lane changes, were the cause.
The study also found that pedestrians frequently cross the road to shops and parked cars along the street. Also, while visibility is generally good in this area, vehicles parked near street corners can affect visibility for pedestrians waiting to cross the street.
This report shows that drivers regularly stop in front of the Yarnell Post Office, and cars driving in the outside lane are relatively close to parked cars.
Many of these findings are reflected in ADOT’s community survey, in which local residents, as pedestrians, cyclists, or wheelchair users, identify two main concerns of drivers crossing roads at high speed. I reported the matter.
Additional residents’ concerns included issues such as drivers entering and exiting the highway, drivers passing other drivers, and street parking limiting visibility for pedestrians.
Respondents also identified post offices as the main location in need of improved road safety.
When asked for their own recommendations, increased speed enforcement, crosswalks and new signs were the top responses from Yarnell residents.
These reactions are the same as those voiced at a September community meeting hosted by Yavapai County Sheriff David Rose. More than 50 people gathered to remember Gordon and renew their calls for improved safety along the busy highway.
Those interested in learning more can stop by the Yarnell Regional Community Center on Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Contact reporter Lacey Latch in Northern Arizona. llatch@gannett.com or on social media @laceylatchNorthern Arizona coverage on azcentral.com and the Republic of Arizona is funded by a grant from the nonprofit Report for America and the Vitalyst Health Foundation Associated with the Republic of Arizona..
