Letters to the Editor

Crestwood traffic needs a better solution

To the editor:

As a commuter who got stuck in traffic Dec. 1 because yet another truck got stuck on the elevated railroad crossing at Railroad Avenue in Crestwood, and now routinely sits in traffic in the morning at a new four-way stop where Crestwood Elementary’s new parking lot exit joins Ky. 146 and Ky. 146 at another crossing,  it’s time to suggest to Crestwood’s city fathers and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet how to fix a growing traffic problem.  

The problem was punctuated recently when black ice caused I-71 south and the infamous Ky. 22 Bridge Hill problem to close major routes simultaneously.  That diverted significant traffic from other parts of Oldham and neighboring counties to the north which was trying to get south into Jefferson. The lines went for miles and virtually every escape route.  My nine-mile commute was an hour; and I heard from others who were two hours late for work.

Here are my solutions to ponder:

• Close (permanently) the crossing at Railroad Avenue, and reroute old Ky. 329 to the surface-level crossing where Ky. 146 and Ky. 22 criss-cross at the tracks. This eliminates the elevated railroad crossing problem, and has vehicles cross where they have a better line of sight and a level surface – a much safer situation for everyone.

• Relocate the existing traffic signal at Railroad Avenue to the intersection of Floydsburg Road (Ky. 1408) and Ky. 146 (by the Oldham County Arts Center and the National City Bank).  This allows commuters on Floydsburg Road a way to get into traffic, and for traffic on Ky. 146 to turn left onto Floydsburg Road. A lot of commuters now cut through the bank parking lot to get to the traffic light opposite Railroad Avenue. This triggers the light to cycle more frequently – compounding the delays on Ky. 146 in the morning. This should have a negligible impact on the bank, florist and other businesses in the center. 

• Install a new traffic light to replace the four-way stop at the point where Ky. 146, Ky. 22, and (now) Ky. 329 cross the tracks, and the school parking lot exit comes out onto the roadway.  Sync the two traffic lights to favor traffic on the through street going south in the morning; north in the evening.

• Eventually, install another new traffic light at the intersection of Ky. 22 and Veterans Parkway (Ky. 329-bypass).  During peak drive-time, traffic has a hard-time turning left off Veterans or onto Ky. 22 north since thru traffic doesn’t stop and can be heavy at times. Sync this light with the other two to favor southbound traffic in the morning, and northbound traffic in the evening.

• Put the elimination or reconstruction of the Ky. 22 Bridge Hill problem on the most urgent schedule. 

This spring would not be too soon!

Dick Bartlett

Crestwood  

This holiday season seems different

To the editor:

It would be an understatement for me to say this is one of the most distressed Christmas holiday seasons most of us have had to endure. Normally during this time of year people are more concerned with shopping, baking cookies, putting up decorations, taking pictures of precious moments, scheduling all the holiday festivities and spending time with friends and family. Not this year.

With the current economy we find ourselves mostly striving to keep the lights on, food on the table and keeping a roof over our head. Millions of people are stressed and worried about finding a job or keeping their existing one.  Will the business they have built for over 20 years survive this depression? 

With all the worries for our basic needs it makes it very difficult to stay focused, remember what is really important and what the true meaning of Christmas is all about – the celebration of the birth of Jesus, God’s only son.

So as we approach the holidays, I want to wish you and your family the warmest and best Merry Christmas.

Pam Johnson

La Grange

Promote Oldham County thoroughbreds, racing

To the editor:

My Christmas wish is for Sen.  Harris to promote Kentucky Proud/Oldham County thoroughbred racing and breeding to the same extent he does our Christmas trees.

 Bill Landes

Goshen