DOTD and Rapides Area Planning Commission to host public meeting
ALEXANDRIA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC) will hold a public meeting regarding the proposed removal of traffic signals from Vance Avenue at the intersections of Mason Street and Overton Street.
Meeting details are as follows:
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Rapides Area Planning Commission
803 Johnston Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Any member of the public who lives or commutes along Vance Avenue, Mason or Overton Streets in Alexandria are encouraged to participate in the meeting.
What is the purpose of the meeting?
DOTD District traffic crews periodically evaluate traffic signals to determine whether traffic volumes are still being met to warrant keeping a traffic signal in operation or to justify equipment upgrades.
Based on recently collected traffic data, DOTD has determined traffic signals located along Vance Avenue at both intersections of Mason Street and Overton Street are no longer warranted. At this time, both traffic signals are considered eligible to be taken out of operation. This public meeting is to ensure the public is aware of DOTD’s intentions and provide comment regarding the removal of these signals.
Why remove traffic signals at these locations?
There is a cost to maintaining and operating traffic signals. DOTD has a fiscal responsibility to ensure tax dollars are being spent responsibly and maintain the highest level of service to state-maintained highways. Unwarranted traffic signals pose an unnecessary expense and cause needless travel delays to the motoring public.
Once traffic volume data has been collected and it is determined a traffic signal is no longer warranted, then DOTD begins a period of flashing the traffic signal to determine whether there are operational issues that surface. At the end of this period and there are no notable operational issues, then the traffic signal is considered eligible to be taken out of operation.
Recently collected data along Vance Avenue, Overton and Mason Streets indicate that current traffic volumes on Vance Avenue no longer warrant a traffic signal at these intersections. Both traffic signals have been set to flash since September 2023 with no complaints, and no operational issues have been reported.
What happens next? What will replace these signals at both intersections?
Following the public meeting, if no new evidence is presented to reconsider removing these traffic signals, plans will be made to permanently remove the traffic equipment from the right-of-way. If the signals are removed, stop control (signs) will be installed on all Vance Street approaches on Overton and Mason and the intersection would operate exactly like it does now.
ADA notice:
Upon request, this notice is also available in alternative formats. If you need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (such as a sign language interpreter, an assistive listening device, or print material in digital format) or reasonable modification to programs, services or activities, contact the ADA Coordinator at RAPC via phone at (318) 487-5401 as soon as possible, preferably 3 days before the end of the comment period.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Alexandria District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov