ST0003-CS080630
(12/31/2009) Ken Griffin - Re: Coppell RoadPage 1
From:
Paul Weiser <boulder@gte.net>
To:
Ken Griffin <kgriffin@ci.coppell.tx.us>
Date:
6/30/2008 4:29 PM
Subject:
Re: Coppell Road
Dear Mr. Griffin,
Thanks for the very quick response. I figured the contractors were
entitled to do whatever they deemed most efficient on their (temporary)
space, but if you can get them to relocate the obstruction that's
great. (This problem will probably also arise for the school parking
lot exit and the one east-entering street up near Sandy Lake when they
move their operations to the eastern lane in a few months, but will no
longer trouble us at Golden Triangle).
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
- Paul Weiser
Ken Griffin wrote:
> Thank you for your in the field observations on Coppell Road. I've
> instructed my inspector to work with the contractor to relocate the
> visibility obstructions that you mentioned in your email. Relocating
> the obstructions is a better option than a mirror. Mirrors can cause
> a severe problem at times during the day when the sun reflects off
> them and directs the sun into the drivers eyes. If you should have any
> additional questions or concerns, please contact me at your
> convenience. Ken Griffin, P. E.
> Director of Engineering & Public Works
> 972-304-3686
> kgriffin@ci.coppell.tx.us
Page 1 of 2
Ken Griffin - Fwd: Emergency - Safety Hazard
From: Marcie Diamond
To: Keith Marvin; Ken Griffin
Date: 6/30/2008 7:22 AM
Subject: Fwd: Emergency - Safety Hazard
FYI
>>> On 6/28/2008 at 10:34 PM, in message <486702D9.AF2236D5@gte.net>, Paul Weiser
<boulder@gte.net> wrote:
Gentlemen,
The purpose of this email is to draw attention to an extremely hazardous traffic situation
and urgently suggest a response the City of Coppell can take to mitigate it. It is
addressed to Planning and Streets as well as Police Community Services Division since it is
not exactly a request for signage as such.
The situation: South Coppell Road is currently under construction to widen the road and
add sewers and sidewalks. Currently, the western lane is closed and in use by the
contractors. To reach the open eastern/northbound lane, residents of streets entering
South Coppell Road from the west must cross the closed lane and turn left (the road is
one-way northbound for the duration of the construction).
This deals specifically with residents leaving the Golden Triangle Mobile Home Park at 301
S. Coppell, but may also apply to other streets entering S. Coppell from the west. The
contractor has placed a safety barrier immediately to the south of 301 S. Coppell, but has
also placed several (four or more) large piles of dirt and gravel in the western lane of S.
Coppell Road further to the south. Taken together, the barrier and the dirt piles make it
impossible to see traffic approaching from the south in the eastern lane from a vehicle
trying to turn onto S. Coppell Road from 301 S. Coppell. It is inevitable that at least one
accident will occur as a result of this situation unless some action is taken. The trailer
park has at least 200 residents.
Discussion: Some impractical solutions might be (1) place a stop sign forcing northbound
traffic to stop at 301 S. Coppell, (2) order the contractor to remove the dirt piles, or (3)
reduce the speed limit on S. Coppell Road to about 10 mph.. None of these is satisfactory
or appropriate, but there is one improvement which could materially help.
Suggestion: I suggest that Coppell place a mirror opposite 301 S. Coppell so drivers
turning left onto S. Coppell could see vehicles approaching from the south. An added
benefit would be that drivers coming north on S. Coppell could see vehicles preparing to
turn if the mirror were suitably angled, but since they have the right of way the main and
critical benefit is to drivers making the turn. Similar safety devices might also be placed to
help drivers exiting the other residential streets which enter S. Coppell from the west, but
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I have not checked their sight lines.
Call to action: Every day this situation exists increases the likelihood of traffic accidents
which the City of Coppell could prevent by placing a mirror at this location. I urgently
direct your attention to this situation and suggestion (or any other effective response to
the problem - I don't necessarily have the best answer!) I also urge that if you receive
this email and your department is not responsible for solving the problem, you forward it
to the department or activity which has the power to do so.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
- Paul Weiser (301 S. Coppell #36)
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