2005-01-12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

D'1';1 nEl-l.VED .l"t.:i~ t.l ,R .' To Whom it my concern, I am writing this letter, regarding the development/construction plans for CR -14 and how it will negatively impact the business currently employing me and the inconvenience to travel there. The company name is Northern Forest Products and it is located on the South side ofCR-14. As you already know, traffic heading west will not be able to turn left on CR-14. This limits the ability of employees, customers and drivers to access the company parking lot, some are either visiting and/or delivering the products/materials necessary to run a successful and growing business, while causing all ofus to take unsafe, out of the way, routes and unnecessary u-turns. The proposed plan calls for two rerouted paths. The fIrst, while traveling south on 35 E, you will need to exit on CR-97 or Hwy. 96 and turn on 20th Ave. The second, while traveling north on 35 E, you will have to exit on CR-J and then turn on 20th Ave. both routes cause the semi- trucks to turn into opposing traffic lanes on 20th Ave., while the second causes a serious blind spot problem to traffic heading over the bridge, considering this off ramp goes up hill. However, both are needed to access the company and both force semi drivers and other drivers to take unsafe travels on a poorly designed road, 20th Ave. There are many safety issues involving this new route and after attending the Dec. 9th meeting, while listening to other people and their concerns, I could name a few more. Other then the blind off ramp and the opposing lane turns. There are others to consider, like weight restrictions, no side shoulders, twisting turns, sharp comers, residing residents and opposing driveways (backing up onto 20th Ave). All these elements cause travelers to become unsafe, whether they are coming or going away from CR-14. I, myself currently reside in the city of downtown Hugo and am not directly affected by the new routs, but I do have concerns regarding the safety involved in the legal u-turn that will be installed at theintersection of 20th Ave. and CR-14. Because I will be coming fromHwy. 61 and travel west on 14, I will be forced to u-turn the intersection, along with several other vehicles at any 19.ven point and time. All it would take is one person to either run through or neglect to notice someone turning at the stop sign or lights, causing me or somebody else to have a very unnecessary accident, while taking into consideration the many kids and/or people who can and/or will cross at that same intersection. Plus, what if a truck driver comes down CR-14? Where is that person suppose to turn around at? Hopefully, not at that intersection! Because of the safety issues and potential problems, regarding the new design and development of CR-l 4, I feel that there is only one solution to this problem and can easily fIx any issues from residents and travelers, we simply install a left turn lane that will access Northern Forest Products from CR-14 and eliminate the rerouting plans. By creating a left turn lane the county would not have to spend any more money on the developing or re-constructing process of residential roads to accommodate or fIt the needs of the current businesses that rely on CR -14 as a main source of in and out transportation. Its amazing, something so small and so simply could eliminate so many headaches and problems for residents and business owners, while including less traveling hassle on customers and employees. Sincerely, Jeffrey D. Grue I _