Reversible Lane Update‏

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the discussion about the reversible lanes on 7th Avenue and 7th Street. In particular, I would like to thank our friends at SAMA and the various neighborhood associations who worked so diligently on this issue. There was a packed house yesterday at the City Council meeting with residents representing many different views. This was a great example of how the democratic process works.

After public input and debate among my colleagues, it became clear that we did not have the Council votes to eliminate the reversible lanes at this time. On the bright side, Council members reached a compromise to continue to review our options. The reversible lanes will remain as is for now, but we will continue to study possible alternatives to make them safer, taking into consideration how light rail and other traffic conditions may change in the near future. I also convinced my colleagues that we should analyze the feasibility of permanent photo radar speed enforcement along the Sevens. Permanent radar enforcement could provide a safer street environment, as well as provide a source of potential revenue to fund improvements on both of these streets. My colleagues also agreed to install a pedestrian crosswalk light at Glenrosa and 7th Avenue and to further explore additional pedestrian crosswalk lights along the Sevens. Safety is a priority, so I am pleased that pedestrian crosswalks were included.

The City Council will reconsider the issue before our Council recess next summer. Hopefully, the Council will agree to make changes that will improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians, if not eliminating the reversible lanes completely.

Tom

Source: Tom Simplot, Councilman, District 4 E-News