The Three Lane Solution
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A community asset that serves all
Island Crest Way must serve drivers who travel north and south. The three-lane configuration does this well by providing a safe zone in the center lane for drivers entering and leaving the north-south corridor. The center lane streamlines traffic flow by providing separate accommodation for vehicles transitioning in and out of thru-traffic.
The road must also serve drivers entering and leaving from side streets. Dangerous left turns across two traffic lanes are eliminated by the three-lane configuration.
Safety along the corridor is enhanced by the addition of "buffer zones": both the center lane and the ample right shoulder provide a refuge for drivers making evasive maneuvers. Accidents resulting from conditions that arise on four-lane roads (side-swipes, rear-end, and some broadside collisions) can be reduced.
Bus pullouts eliminate backups and weaving caused by buses stopping in a travel lane.
Pedestrian crossings are safer: islands create a safe refuge in the center of the roadway for pedestrians, who need to traverse only one lane to get there. Pedestrians on the side of the road are separated from vehicle traffic by a wide shoulder.
Homeowners living on or near the Island Crest Way corridor benefit from a buffer which allows easier, safer access to the roadway.