Consultant suggests two options for Washington Avenue and Amelia Street intersection

The Fredericksburg City Council was presented with two possible options to modify the intersection of Washington Avenue and Amelia Street, where nine cars have crashed into the city cemetery wall since 2006.

At the Feb. 14 City Council meeting,  Jeanette Cadwallender, the president of the City Cemetery, addressed the council during the public comment portion of the meeting and asked for solutions, after two recent accidents.

“I implore the city to find a solution to the traffic pattern and physical environment, which are contributing to the traffic accidents and subsequent wall damage,” she said.

David Whyte, of Kimley-Horn and Associates, a consultant for the city, provided two alternatives.

Alternative 1: (click here to see an illustration)

This would narrow both Amelia Street and Washington Avenue. There would be curb extensions at three locations adjacent to the intersection. Two curb extensions would be along Amelia Street along the north and South Curb lines  and one curb extension would be along the west side of Washington Avenue adjacent to the City Cemetery. It would include adding bollards at the end of Amelia Street and landscaping. The bollards would create a barrier to the cemetery wall but also have a reflective surface.

Alternative 2: (click here to see an illustration)

This would take the space out of the middle of the street and push cars to the edges. It would raise the rub median and cars would not be able to run over it. It would re-enforce the pattern that exists today, Whyte said. It would also provide an opportunity to take down the hanging beacon and instead place one on the new island.

Here’s how Whyte compared the two options:

Alternative 1:

Makes it easier for large vehicles to make large turns

Offers more opportunity for landscaping

Is a more typical urban solution

Has greater potential to reduce vehicle turning speeds

Alternative 2:

Guides vehicles through the left turn

Has high visibility

Splits left and right turn movements

Has less impact on vehicle turning speeds

The two options presented were not intended for the council to make a decision, only to show them what Kimley-Horne came up with thus far, Public Works Director Doug Fawcett told council members.

The council was split on what to do and indicated that it would need more time for discussion.

Look for more details here in the next few days.

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