The intersection of Powhatan Street and the Williamsburg traffic circle is a particular problem. An informal survey of traffic at this location revealed that 43 percent (43%) of traffic does not come to a full stop at the stop sign on Powhatan Street, a perilous situation because traffic comes from two directions on the left at this location. Nearly half of the traffic observed not coming to a full stop actually moved through the stop sign with no appreciable reduction in speed. This maneuver endangers traffic in the circle as well as pedestrians in the crosswalk. The potential here for a serious accident or fatality is of abiding concern to community residents. Increasingly, motorists are also failing to come to a full stop at the juncture of Little Falls Road and the traffic circle.

Recommendations

22. Increase police surveillance and enforcement of full stops at stop signs and yield signs at the traffic circle.

23. Install at-grade crosswalks or textured pavement on Little Falls Road, Williamsburg Boulevard, and Powhatan Street at the traffic circle.

Many residents have complained that the timing of lights at Sycamore Street and the traffic circle does not allow pedestrians enough time to cross. The Traffic Division has checked the timing and found it adequate if pedestrians push the walk button and the walk light comes up. With the large number of residents walking to nearby shopping and with three bus stops nearby, pedestrian traffic is very heavy at this location, and safety is a big concern.

Recommendations

24. Review the timing of lights at Sycamore Street and the traffic circle periodically to make sure pedestrians have enough time to cross safely.

25. Seek ways to educate residents about the necessity to use the walk buttons.