11/26/1991 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Nov 2 6 N BOOK 84 PAGE 6 - logical that the R/W be acquired only on one side and that the north side would be more appropriate. Director Davis agreed the north side of CR 512 appears to be less encumbered until you get east of the railroad tracks, and then you have the used -car lot. He noted that he has been informed that owner probably would sell. Mayor Conyers advised that he heard just yesterday that property already has been bought and the buyer is intending to leave the business there. He believed if you do the widening of CR 512, the roadway would be torn up for some time. Director Davis explained that we usually push traffic over to one side and maintain the other side. There always will be some inconvenience when you build a project through an existing area. Councilman Reid felt the proximity of U.S.I. to the railroad is what makes that spot critical, and when you put the twin pairs in, you will just duplicate that problem. In addition, you will create another crossing at Louisiana Avenue which now does not exist, and in so doing, you will create another unsafe situation. If you widen 512, you still will have only one railroad crossing. Mr. Reid felt a big part of the solution would be to unload the traffic off 512, and he believed the Fleming extension could accomplish that. He further noted there has been a lot of discussion about extending Powerline Road to unload it to Jackson, and a crossing at Jackson would be much safer because it Is further away. Mr. Reid also believed that there has been a great increase in railroad traffic; in fact, to the point where F.E.C. has said they may put in another set of tracks. He continued to discuss the alternatives for relieving traffic on 512, noting that the 512 railroad crossing was closed completely for some days a few months ago; the traffic was rerouted; and the City did not come to a screeching halt. Councilman Holyk concurred that as people become aware of increased traffic the tend to look for an way around it Y Y and that may turn out to be an advantage. Chairman Bird inquired what kind of reaction we got from the railroad in regard to the possibility of creating another two-way crossing. Director Davis advised that the railroad has no preference - the DOT has more of an interest because of the traffic issues on the U.S.I. R/W and their problem with the left turn movements created by two 2 -way streets. F.E.C.'s main interest is the number of cars that cross the track; they don't care what location we pick. 8