BIRD NOTES: Phyllis McNeil of Turtlepoint called Thursday to
report three bluebirds in her front yard, the earliest date she’s
seen them in the winter. They like to sit on top of the flagpole,
too. Adding to the color palette of her yard are a pair of
cardinals. They put on a real show, she says; Everywhere the female
goes, the male follows her, from branch to branch, etc.
BAD SPOT: There’s no doubt the intersection of Davis and Elm
streets has become increasingly hazardous.
Dan, a Bradford resident, e-writes about a recent accident at
that location: “Unless any arrows were painted in the last couple
of days, there are no marked turning lanes on Davis Street for
turning onto Elm Street.”
“I travel this area daily and can’t find any marked turning
lanes. With these imaginary lanes everyone uses, I’m surprised that
there hasn’t been many more accidents in the past. Also, vehicles
coming down Elm from High Street don’t have to stop at Davis
Street.
“It’s surprising how many close calls I’ve had because vehicles
pull out from Davis Street right into my path. This intersection
really needs some kind of attention to make it safer.”
Ever since construction began on the Bradford bypass, Elm Street
seems to have received an influx of new traffic. We don’t really
understand the connection but we have witnessed that increase in
the past couple years.
Adding to the problem is that there used to be lines to direct
traffic either right or left from Davis onto Elm. To most of us,
apparently, they still exist – if only in our imaginations! We
checked on the drive to work Thursday and, sure enough, there are
no turning lanes marked at that intersection.
With cars turning right and left onto Elm, another problem can
develop when a gigantic SUV or pick-up occupies one of the lanes
and totally obstructs line of sight in the other lane.
Finally, if you arrive at the intersection at the “wrong” time
traffic on Elm is interminable. Some times of day are worse than
others.
We have seen frustrated and impatient drivers pull out into
traffic in final desperation. Not us, of course, but others.
Let’s hope that the intersection gets a review by traffic
officials once the snow melts. Regardless of the reasons, it does
pose a hazard.
