Chattanooga, Tennessee – A recent change to road infrastructure in Chattanooga has sparked controversy and concern among residents. The city’s decision to create bottlenecks by moving traffic lanes closer to the sidewalk has drawn criticism for its potential impact on emergency response times and overall traffic flow.
The move was made in response to a tragic incident where two aggressive drivers, at least one of whom was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, mounted the curb and killed three innocent pedestrians. City engineers believed that creating the bottleneck would discourage drunk driving and improve pedestrian safety. However, many residents and motorists are now questioning the effectiveness of this approach.
One resident, J. Pat Williams, expressed concerns over the consequences of the bottleneck design. Williams, who resides on the North Shore, witnessed a Tennessee Highway patrolman struggling to navigate the newly congested roads during an emergency call. This is just one example of how the current traffic configuration could potentially hinder emergency services and jeopardize public safety.
Williams went on to suggest that, as a lawyer, he could hold the city responsible for any deaths or property damage caused by delays in emergency response. He argued that by creating the bottleneck, the city of Chattanooga becomes the proximate cause of any resulting harm, rather than the actual drunk drivers. Should common sense prevail in a court of law, Williams sees this as a potentially lucrative case.
Other residents, such as David Saluk, echoed Williams’ concerns. Saluk, a frequent driver along Frazier Avenue, believes that the current traffic configuration is impractical and was not thoroughly thought out. He questions how delivery trucks and other large vehicles will be able to service businesses in the outside lanes, now obstructed by the bottleneck.
The backlash against the city’s decision has prompted calls for a reevaluation of the new road design. Residents argue that heavy traffic could exacerbate the congestion, creating even more problems and delays. It remains to be seen whether the city will heed these concerns and reconsider its approach.
In conclusion, the city of Chattanooga is facing backlash over its decision to create bottlenecks along Frazier Avenue. While the intention was to promote pedestrian safety and deter drunk driving, many residents and motorists are expressing concerns about the potential impact on emergency response times and overall traffic flow. The effectiveness of this approach remains questionable, and residents are calling for a reevaluation of the current design.