Route 301 makeover?

[Claff]

Got a flier in the mail about a new study to figure out how they're going to "fix" 301 from where it merges with 5 in P.G. to La Plata.

From what I can tell, it's beyond fixing. Already got as many lanes as is practical, no run-off area, too many traffic lights and driveways (and this is before the new town center goes where the Stardust(?) was) and U-turns so there's always slowing down and stopping and speeding up and let's not forget the frequent games of chicken.

Ever try to cross it on foot? You're taking your life into your own hands.

There's two ways to fix it and they're both way too drastic to actually happen: either build bridges over major intersections with on- and off-ramps like 5 does as it approaches the Beltway, or bypass the whole farkin thing like they're doing in Hughesville.

One's too drastic to attempt, and the other's stopped before it's started because of the amazing amount of real estate required to map a route that won't go too far out of the way.

But I'm curious, how would you fix it?

[Nupe2]

I'd fix it by taking complainers to either Rte. 7 or Rte. 50 in Virginia or Rockville Pike. After taking rides on either, I think they'd stop #####n! I think Rte. 5 would be improved by putting an overpass at Brandywine Road and another at Surratts Road.

I think you're right though about the alternatives. One alternative would be to construct a Metro station in Waldorf. I know that would be disruptive for a while but would ultimately reduce at least some of the traffic that heads to and from the District during the week.

[dls811]

You fix it by making a interstate from I97 down to the harry nice bridge.

I know that statement will stir some people....

[Mikeinsmd]

The section you mentioned really isn't the problem. The problem is in PG where rte. 5 narrows to 2 lanes. What genious decided to overlook widening that to 3 lanes??

There's room for more lanes on 301. Plenty of median strip in the middle. Not only that, they added too many lights at little feeder roads.

Another idea is to duplicate what they did up on Wisconsin & Connecticut Ave's. Use 3 lanes inbound during rush hours (install the X lights).

And if you laugh at my ideas, do what Nupe suggested & come up where we work, learn what real traffic is.

[StarCat]

I didnt notice 301 being too terribly bad until they added the two lights right before Cedarville Rd. They hold up traffic and there is rarely anyone even coming from the two side streets. From my house to Cedarville Rd is usually a PITA. It should take 5 minutes, sometimes it takes 20 or more. I only live 4 miles from there. Once you pass Cedarville Rd, no more traffic lol.

[Railroad (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Claff

Got a flier in the mail about a new study to figure out how they're going to "fix" 301 from where it merges with 5 in P.G. to La Plata.

From what I can tell, it's beyond fixing. Already got as many lanes as is practical, no run-off area, too many traffic lights and driveways (and this is before the new town center goes where the Stardust(?) was) and U-turns so there's always slowing down and stopping and speeding up and let's not forget the frequent games of chicken.

Ever try to cross it on foot? You're taking your life into your own hands.

There's two ways to fix it and they're both way too drastic to actually happen: either build bridges over major intersections with on- and off-ramps like 5 does as it approaches the Beltway, or bypass the whole farkin thing like they're doing in Hughesville.

One's too drastic to attempt, and the other's stopped before it's started because of the amazing amount of real estate required to map a route that won't go too far out of the way.

But I'm curious, how would you fix it?

Regardless of the plan involved, route 301 can't be fixed fast enough to make a difference before it's overtaken again by growth in traffic. A 301 remodeling would employ some folks for their entire careers - 20 years plus - and probably some of their children. It would be a huge cash cow for union workers and a huge drain on state funds. Those of us who watched the Interstate 270 development go on for decades (in a less tolerant working atmosphere) know what I'm talking about.

My vote? I wouldn't "fix" it. I'd levy stiffer penalties on people who drive like idiots, but I wouldn't "fix" the road.

I DO like the Metro idea, very much. I think it would operate at capacity and maybe increase demand for more trains. (What a shocker, Railroad backs more trains! ) The Branch Avenue station doesn't have enough real estate to handle all the commuters' cars, and the neighborhood there puts anyone's car in danger of theft or vandalism. And the obvious - personal safety very late and very early.

[Mikeinsmd]

Originally Posted by Railroad

Regardless of the plan involved, route 301 can't be fixed fast enough to make a difference before it's overtaken again by growth in traffic. A 301 remodeling would employ some folks for their entire careers - 20 years plus - and probably some of their children. It would be a huge cash cow for union workers and a huge drain on state funds. Those of us who watched the Interstate 270 development go on for decades (in a less tolerant working atmosphere) know what I'm talking about.

My vote? I wouldn't "fix" it. I'd levy stiffer penalties on people who drive like idiots, but I wouldn't "fix" the road.

There's not enough cops to ticket the all of the "idiots"

In all seriousness, from someone who's driven this cooridor for 20+ years, the problem is the lights at roads with little to no traffic (like SC mentioned) and the 2 lanes from Brandywine to Clinton. The rest is a breeze.

I also wanna meet the Einstein who had the light installed at 301 liquors. That backs crap up for miles. Liquor store on one side, fields on the other...

[Railroad (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Mikeinsmd

There's not enough cops to ticket the all of the "idiots"

In all seriousness, from someone who's driven this cooridor for 20+ years, the problem is the lights at roads with little to no traffic (like SC mentioned) and the 2 lanes from Brandywine to Clinton. The rest is a breeze.

I also wanna meet the Einstein who had the light installed at 301 liquors. That backs crap up for miles. Liquor store on one side, fields on the other...

I only occasionally go up that way - ALWAYS under duress - I'm just the occasional (horrified) user. I understand what you mean about not enough cops for all the idiots - even if you put all 3 shifts on the side of the road at once, there wouldn't be enough, I'm sure.

As for lights at stupid locations, I'd guess that idiot drivers pulling out in front of oncoming traffic led to those.

[StarCat]

Originally Posted by Mikeinsmd

There's not enough cops to ticket the all of the "idiots"

In all seriousness, from someone who's driven this cooridor for 20+ years, the problem is the lights at roads with little to no traffic (like SC mentioned) and the 2 lanes from Brandywine to Clinton. The rest is a breeze.

I also wanna meet the Einstein who had the light installed at 301 liquors. That backs crap up for miles. Liquor store on one side, fields on the other...

Thats one of the lights I was talking about, its the worst one. IF they needed a light there, it surely could have waited until they actually built something in the field, besides a road that goes God knows where.

[CMC122]

Originally Posted by Railroad

As for lights at stupid locations, I'd guess that idiot drivers pulling out in front of oncoming traffic led to those.

Yep! I ran many, many accidents on those roads when I used to volunteer with the fd.