Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Changes on FM 1382 in Cedar Hill up caution level for holiday drivers

By Steve Snyder of TODAY Newspapers

New turn lanes as they might look in Cedar Hill (though not really, since this isn't Cedar Hill).

Holiday driving can be stressful, with extra traffic on the streets, people making turns into malls, and more.

Add in the possibility of icy precipitation, and driving in the Cedar Hill area can be dicey.

Well, this year's holiday season features some roadway changes, at intersections and elsewhere, including on FM 1382 in the heart of Cedar Hill's retail area. Other changes, on side streets, have already been made.

FM 1382 and some other Cedar Hill streets have been, or will be, getting intersection changes, new turn lanes and more. Especially as holiday traffic picks up, drivers are advised to pay attention to road conditions.

A new traffic signal is being installed at FM 1382 at the entrance near Chik-Fil-A. This will increase safety for drivers who cross FM 1382 from the Plaza shopping center to the Home Depot/Albertson's center. This work is being done by the Texas Department of Transportation.

TxDOT has installed a “hooded” left-turn lane on FM 1382 near the Speedy B. The hooded left turn is an opening in the median that allows drivers on the westbound side of FM 1382 to turn left into the Plaza at Cedar Hill shopping center while preventing drivers from cutting straight across FM 1382.

The intersection of Weaver and Joe Wilson has been changed from a four-way stop to a two-way stop. A traffic study in October showed that a four-way stop is not warranted. Stop signs have been removed from Joe Wilson. Drivers who stop at the stop signs on Weaver must yield to the Joe Wilson traffic, which no longer stops at the intersection.

A “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” sign has been placed on both approaches at Weaver. Orange caution flags have been added to the signs to increase awareness.

The intersection of Parkerville and Highland will change from a four-way stop to a two-way stop. The traffic study showed that a four-way stop is not warranted. Stop signs will be removed from Parkerville. Drivers on Highland will have to yield to the Parkerville traffic which will no longer stop at the intersection. A “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” sign will be placed on both approaches at Highland. Orange caution flags will increase visibility.

Stop signs at the intersection of Capricorn and Saturn will be rearranged. This is currently a two-way stop with traffic stopping on Capricorn only. A recent traffic study indicates that the stop signs need to be placed on Saturn and removed from Capricorn. A “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” sign will be placed on both approaches at Saturn. Orange caution flags will also be added to increases visibility.

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