Collegiate Times

Agree. When did traffic become so bad to require a traffic control device beyond stop signs? If the intent is to get people to slow down why not just enforce the existing laws.

The purpose of the roundabout and sidewalk construction on Broce Dr. (which are still in progress, by the way) are not to improve the driving conditions for use as a shortcut from Progress to UCB, but rather provide safety to pedestrians and traffic calming. Broce Dr. may be a ‘cut through’ to Mr. Goetz and others, but is a neighborhood to the residents who live there. These improvements came in response to complaints by Broce Dr. residents who are tired of the speeding and heavy traffic (despite the existing speedbumps). We, frankly, are tired of taking our life into our hands just to get our mail, walk our dogs, or walk to the bus stop. The street and the roundabout are safe if traveled at an appropriate speed. If you feel the changes are inconvenient or unsafe, those of us who live on Broce Dr. would be more than happy for you avoid it altogether.

All I can say is hooray! As a resident of the neighborhood between Tom's Creek and University City, I am glad the improvements will discourage traffic through our RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. If you find this route inconvenient now, try a major road like Prices Fork or Patrick Henry.

You need to remember that not only college students live in Blacksburg. Many families also live and work here. Broce Drive cuts through one of the primary residential neighborhoods in the Town. I encourage you to read through the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Appendix F: McBryde Neighborhood Master Plan. It will explain so much. http://tob.bev.net/comp_plan/update/pdf/BAM-G-NeighborhoodMasterPlans.pdf The plan was put together over many years with close coordination between residents and Town officials. I assure you that many hours of thought went into it. One of the end results is the traffic calming and pedestrian safety project on Broce. The roundabout is a visual gateway to remind people that they are entering a neighborhood. The travel lane has been narrowed so that sidewalks can be added. A narrow road reduces the speed at which a driver feels comfortable. These improvements were agreed to by a majority of residents as an alternative to more speed bumps. Broce was never intended to be a connector for people to get from Progress to UCB. As such it is not designed to facilitate high volumes of traffic or high rates of speed. I don’t want to sound like a jerk, but your letter tells me these improvements are working. If you are inconvenienced then please use the arterial roads of Prices Fork or Patrick Henry. I for one am very thankful that the Town has undertaken this project to improve the safety of my neighborhood.

ref: Agree. When did traffic become so bad to require a traffic control device beyond stop signs? If the intent is to get people to slow down why not just enforce the existing laws. ans: the police can not be everywhere at once. often times it is more effective to employ a physical traffic control device. as for "when did traffic become so bad?" walk around the town, cross some busy streets, esp at night, most esp on a fri or sat night...or during the day...right before class. also, the use of traffic control measures is a way of enforcing existing laws...slow down. it is not rocket science.

This is the worst state I've ever driven in.. and yes, I've been outside of Blacksburg thank you. But no one can handle ANY of the driving laws that are supposed to be taught: use your blinker, observe traffic around you, left lane is for passing, turn into the nearest lane to you unless there are guidelines... the list goes on and on. How is it in other countries that everyone can handle driving with NO trafficking devices yet VA can't handle it with 100's? THATS not rocket science....

Oh honey, honey, I am so sorry. Did no one take a poll first and ask the students if it was ok with them to protect those miserable squatters living on Broce and trying to raise their children in what, clearly, should be an exclusive roadway for students to cut through on their way to classes? Sigh. I have a great idea. Let's start a petition and see if we can't get President Steger, in the interest of promoting less awkward intersections for students, to finance a limousine fleet to transport you darlings to and from your classes, and whala..the problem will be fixed.

We are so sorry that our lives mean nothing to you and that the safety of our neighborhood and home is such an inconvenience to you. However, we do not see these improvements as a disaster. We are very happy that if these improvements work we may now have the opportunity to bike, skateboard or walk our dog without the fear of being mowed down by someone in too much of a hurry or who simply does not notice this is a neighborhood.

Hey, look at me, I'm cynical just like all adults, and yet I expect students to respect my opinion! waaaa! TRY talking a little more respectfully and maybe you'll reach other people.. no wonder our country is so divided!

What makes you think any of us excpect, much less care about student's opinions? And why should kidsonbroce talk more respectfully when their homes and lives are not treated with any more respect than someone racing through their neighborhood? I live on Broce Drive and watch every day as people, not just students, speed between the already installed speed bumps. What should the Town of Blacksburg have done, wait until it was a Broce Drive resident killed and not just the animal that they loved? our country is not divided because those kids are cynical; our country is divided because people no longer care and take the time to watch out for others. This leaves a town no choice but to make "improvments" that may be annoying, but ultimately protect its residents.