DATE: Friday, September 12, 1997            TAG: 9709110217

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 02   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: THE ROAD WARRIOR 

SOURCE: Road Warrior 

                                            LENGTH:   98 lines

LASKIN ROAD INTERSECTION WILL USE CAMERAS TO CHANGE TRAFFIC LIGHTS

If you happened upon a bunch of fellows in suits standing around a new traffic signal, looking up, in front of Hilltop East last week, don't worry.

There were no UFOs.

The group was actually four or five of our esteemed engineers, looking skyward to the top of the signal where a huge new camera system is mounted. (No, Big Brother has not come to Virginia Beach. At least not yet.)

It looks like an ordinary traffic signal but it isn't. The camera mounted on the signal is the city's first attempt at upgrading its detection technology.

The camera is a test project of sorts and it works this way: A vehicle pulls up to the light, the camera takes a picture. Then, frame by frame, it sends a message to the signal about what vehicle is where and tells the signal what red and green light pattern to follow.

The system is also installed at the new light at Laskin and Republic roads.

The system is meant to replace the underground loop system. When an underground loop goes bad, the pavement must be dug up for the problem to be fixed. Because of this, the new camera system may end up less expensive in the long run.

And, rest easy, the cameras do not zero in on license plates or car occupants nor is the film passed on to law enforcement officials.

SNARLS OF THE WEEK

The following people called Road's INFOLINE number with their complaints.

John Maples, no address given. This concerns the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Edwin Drive. A while back you stated that the city had agreed to put a left turn arrow there. We've needed a left arrow there for 10 years. When's the city going to get off its rump and put it in there?

RW: Would Road lie, John? It's definitely on the list. Scheduled to happen any day now.

Jenny Kieran, no address given. Due to traffic and foliage it's extremely difficult to turn from Sentara Way onto Rosemont Road. Could Road Warrior please do something to help with this problem. Thank you.

RW: Road can only offer advice in this case, Jenny, because there isn't nearly enough traffic on Sentara to warrant a new traffic signal.

Road suggests you hang a right, and then at the first opportunity, do a U-turn. It may seem out of the way but when you consider the time you have to sit and wait to make a left turn, it probably ends up the same time-wise.

Mela Davis, no address given. I want your phone number in case I have an emergency at night when I'm driving on the highway. Thank you.

RW: Mela, dear, if you have an emergency of any type at any time, you need to call 911. Or, if it's a non-emergency but you still need assistance, you can call 427-5000. Road doesn't mind passing out the ol' phone number but, honestly, it won't do you but so much good.

Carl Kline, Crossett Street. At the intersection of Dam Neck Road and General Booth Boulevard, four lanes go across and one turns left onto General Booth.

The drivers going across are cutting over and knocking the two people off in the right lanes.

RW: Aha. Another case of bad driver behavior. It doesn't sound like there's a problem that can be fixed with the design of the roadway, which means it's more a case of rudeness. Naturally, those who cut others off and cause accidents are at fault, but Road can see where that won't be much comfort to those being pushed off the road. Since those heading straight are obviously heading toward Dam Neck base, why not take down license plate numbers and report the offenders to the base police? The only other option is to beg a city cop to sit out there and watch.

Bill Pennypacker, Haygood Point Road. When you answered John about First Court Road and Pleasure House road, you talked about the other end of First Court but not the Pleasure House end. How about giving us an answer on that one. Thank you.

RW: Road was trying to tell John and other readers that there is an alternative route to get back to that area. And, by mentioning the upcoming project, it lets folks know that a new traffic pattern will soon be in effect.

Anyhow, here's the answer you've all been waiting for: Engineers are going to be installing a traffic signal at the intersection of First Court and Pleasure House roads. The project will join a long list of things to be done so Road can't tell you exactly when that'll happen other than sometime soon.

Melissa Alfonso, no address given. I've been visiting the area for the past six months and I've noticed something rather strange. Leaving Virginia Beach on Route 44, and taking the westbound I-64 exit, there are two lanes that curve to the right to get onto I-64. However, the painted lines do not allow both lanes to turn. One of lanes goes straight while the other does curve. I think it's a very dangerous situation. Check it out. Thanks.

RW: Actually, Melissa, both lanes do put you on I-64, it's just hard to tell because the lines in the left-most right turn lane are somewhat faded. That lane allow folks to go straight or turn.

A note to those concerned about Fort Story directional sign: Engineers agree that the sign is misleading. Because of the way the arrow is pointed, the sign actually sends folks down 82nd street and not to the Fort Story entrance. Engineers have ordered a new sign that will say something like, ``Fort Story traffic turn right at the signal.'' That should help those wayward drivers looking for the fort.

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