Post Mortem on Steiner/Quinlan Traffic Light

December 8, 2009

Do you think it helped or hurt? I think it has helped the overall traffic flow. I have not driven during the rush hour of school traffic, but getting in and out of Steiner has been much smoother. It takes the decision making process of “to go or not to go” out of the equation.

Poster formerly known as

The traffic flow seems to be much better at the prime 7:15-7:45 am time
Melissa

I haven’t noticed much difference, but I don’t really drive through there during peak hours.

I have noticed that most people seem to just ignore the fact that there is only one lane turning left from Steiner Ranch Blvd onto Quinlin Park now – despite 2 signs and arrows painted on the road.
Stmbtsprgs

I was afraid it would lead to more congestion, but it has definitely been a very good thing.

One suggestion for improvement, please give us back the second left turn lane from eastbound Steiner Ranch Blvd to northbound Quinlan Park Rd. 95% of the traffic coming off SRB in this direction is going to head northbound onto Quinlan anyway. The rest will go straight, with almost no one turning right there.
kelly

It has helped tremendously! It has answered all our morning traffic problems. Plus, it keep people from cutting through and speeding through the Valley of Eastridge where our children are walking to school. I am thrilled with the decision. Also I feel better for the poor people formally backed up way down Quinland Park, trying desperately to get out of Steiner and get to work! There is not more traffic jam. Great job, Steiner!

P.S. Now there really is NO need to cut through the Valley of Eastridge at Portobella. PLEASE respect our neighborhood and our children and stay on the main drag. And if you DO have to cut through, at least don’t speed! Thanks!
Sara

I leave the house at 7:30 am to get my son to preschool outside of Steiner Ranch and I can tell you what a difference it has made. We are no longer waiting to take turns at the 4 way stop signs anymore. I did notice a few people on auto pilot stopping at a green light like they were stopping for the 4 way…..I think there was even an accident after the second day of lights that looked as if someone was stopping at the green light. I think it has definitely improved the flow of traffic.
http://www.jawsnpaws.net Heather

I’m always through there during rush hour it is WONDERFUL!
Pat

I agree with Stmbtsprgs. They need to change the left turn lanes as well. Most people haven’t noticed the change and most people are making a left hand turn at that intersection.
sg

It’s much needed and long-overdue improvement, and thankful it is now there.

I’m not sure if the second left turn from SRB to Quinlan Park will be returned, but until then, please follow the currently marked turn arrows.

I don’t see the backup since I leave after the morning rush, but keeping a single turn lane might remove the temptation to race around on the outer lane, only to get side-swiped by someone turning wide from the left lane.
Cost

Does anyone care about the cost? It was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to install and tens of thousands of dollars to maintain and operate (electricity use alone is >$5k/year).

Think about that the next time you think your taxes are too high.
SJM

If you want the dual left on Steiner Ranch Road returned, you need to call the County and tell them. It will not be changed unless they hear from people in the neighborhood. 854-9383. They amy direct you to the City of Austin, I’m not sure who maintains the signal.

Your argument, as noted above, is that 90% of the northbound traffic is turning left, and the existing turn lane only stacks 2 cars. No one else can get into the turn lane.
Drunken Goat

http://hillcountrynews.com/articles/2009/12/09/news/four_points/news11.txt
TH

I think the light has made a huge impact. The dotted lines for the double left are still visible though – I think that’s a bit confusing for folks.
Melissa

It is back to 2 left turn lanes again.

As far as the cost goes, I think it is a necessary expense. If it were strictly a dollars and cents issue, are you saying there shouldn’t be any lights in the county?
sg

To the driver in the blue Tahoe who just almost took the front bumper off my car when swinging wide from the left turn lane into the right lane in order to turn into the school, please learn how to drive or stay off the road for the sake of everyone’s safety.

Idiot … brought to you today by license plates containing the letters ‘L’ and ‘B’. Lame Brain, perhaps.
Poster formerly known as

The school zone area has become a very bad area, maybe because the police haven’t been out in a while. I constantly see people speeding, tailgating because cars are observing the 20 mph limit and some can’t seem to understand that, acclerating through teh crossing guard area to avoid being stopped, turning left from the school entryways (which is specifically prohibited), etc. Come on, people — it’s a SCHOOL ZONE.
Rasscass

I was opposed to the light initially but with the increase in vehicles, I have definitely seen the value of having the lights installed. I think it’s great that they flash red at night so that you aren’t the only car waiting endlessly for a green light. Just FYI to all of you, I am a resident here and in law enforcement. Please be very careful and give a few seconds before going on the green. I have seen some very brave red light runners since the lights were installed. I will stop them every time because I want to help keep your families coming home to you.