ELM STREET: Bill Rae of Bradford offers an explanation of why
traffic has begun to accumulate on Elm Street, causing a traffic
problem at the intersection with Davis Street.

In an RTS last week, we had noted that Elm Street received an
influx of new traffic ever since construction began a couple years
ago on the Bradford Bypass, adding, “We don’t really understand the
connection.”

Bill does: “The reason is people traveling toward Main Street
from East Main, to eventually get on 219 South or the Congress
Street area, realized taking the High Street to Elm Street route
was MUCH easier and faster than the Main to Davis route.”

“Trying to turn left at the Main/Davis Street traffic light,
then trying to turn from Davis Street onto Elm to enter the highway
onramp is a nightmare. As you mentioned at certain times of the day
(like when the Zippo factory lets out) it’s almost impossible to
turn left onto Elm off Davis Street.

“The ‘connection’ was the Bypass Project itself. When
construction on the Main Street bridge overpass closed Main Street
at certain times, drivers from East Main were detoured up High
Street to Elm. People got used to the efficiency, plus there’s not
even one STOP sign when taking that route.”

Bill goes on to comment on desperate drivers pulling into
traffic:

“As for people pulling out in frustration at the Davis Street
stop sign leads to a pet peeve around this town … driver
selfishness in oncoming traffic. People have their own agendas and
it’s become a ‘get out of my way’ attitude.

“I’m amazed at how many people won’t take a few seconds to slow
down and wave someone to turn. Drivers in particular traveling East
Bradford are well aware of the problem when a driver attempts a
left turn from East Main onto South Kendall Avenue. Oncoming
traffic ‘rarely’ waves the person to turn and I’ve seen traffic
backed up to Dresser during the lunch hour. Try to pull out of Valu
Homecenter plaza or turn into Hamlin Bank. Good luck!

“It only takes a few seconds to show a little kindness and a bit
of courtesy and wave the turning driver to proceed. That simple act
alone will relieve a LOT of unnecessary traffic congestion around
Bradford. Let’s begin a new campaign of courtesy!”

We agree!