Member Briefing: November 18
- November 18, 2022
- Posted by: Joe Milazzo II
- Category: Member briefing
Here is a brief weekly update from the RTA business coalition – the voice of the regional business community on transportation.
The intersection of time and money
The regional business community is committed to advancing new solutions for the region and for North Carolina. RTA has commissioned several research and advocacy efforts since 2020 to advance solutions at intersections that reduce delay, lower implementation costs, enhance safety, and promote multimodal options.
Intersection improvements can save time and money, especially if the improvements themselves are fast and cheap. The dynamic left turn intersection (DLTi) and modular roundabout in particular are two improvements that can be installed in days and pay for themselves in months. Kudos to RTA Leadership Team members Wetherill Engineering and Bolton and Menk for their recent work on these intersection treatments — both of whom presented yesterday at the NC Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers annual meeting in Chapel Hill — and also to VHB and Ramey Kemp and Associates for their earlier assistance on DLTi.
As noted in this week’s blog, we have created a new webpage on innovative intersections led by the RTA: www.letsgetmoving.org/intx. I am very pleased to have the regional business community in the Research Triangle continue to take a strong leadership role on the future of mobility, in our market and beyond.
Saving time while visiting friends and family
The holiday season is now upon us, and for many that means planes, automobiles, and other means of personal conveyance. A recent edition of the Washington Post’s “By the way” travel column has guidance on the best times to travel by car. The gist: Monday later in the evening (8 pm) is a good time to travel; Tuesday and especially Wednesday during PM peak periods would not be. Mid-day to early evening will be more congested than other times from Thanksgiving through next Sunday. As always, Google maps, Apple Maps and the like are essential tools for potential traffic deviations. As I mentioned in a prior blog, I generally do not recommend deviating from congestion if traffic is yellow or orange on Google maps; if traffic is red it depends on the length of the backup; if traffic is brown (stopped) I almost always suggest seeking a work around.
One more thing — I urge you to reserve your parking in advance at RDU if you are flying this weekend. The process is easy and it allows you to remove a source of travel pain or uncertainty. Two key points: to reserve parking you will have to do so 24 hours or more in advance of your flight, but you will not have to worry about a full parking deck — even if your parking lot choice is full, the entry gate will open for you if you display your reservation. Visit ParkRDU.com for more information.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to regional business leadership on mobility.
Let’s get moving,
Joe
RTA Executive Director
Click here for prior RTA Member Briefings and RTA Blogs.
