[Vision2020] PR - Traffic congestion to improve with installation of sign

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208-883-7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
City of Moscow improves traffic congestion at 3rd and Main Street intersection

August 17, 2012 (Moscow, Idaho) - On August 15, 2012, the City of Moscow installed a "No Left Turn, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m." sign on the north traffic signal, prohibiting left turns from Main Street onto Third Street in downtown Moscow.

The purpose of the left turn restriction is to improve traffic flow and reduce wait times and congestion at the Third and Main Streets intersection.  It was observed that during peak traffic flows, vehicles in the northbound lane of Main Street were waiting through three to four cycles of the traffic signal, resulting in vehicles being backed up south of the intersection beyond Friendship Square.  Additionally, waits and congestion made parking on the east side of Main Street between Third and Fourth Streets difficult to pull out of.  It was found that vehicles traveling northbound and making a left turn onto Third Street accounted for approximately 30% of the traffic, but was responsible for over 85% of the delays at the intersection.

Benefits of the revised traffic pattern include the reduction of potential conflicts with pedestrians crossing Third Street on the west side of Main Street, improving the flow of Main Street traffic providing a more inviting street to travel, and providing easier access to parking in that section of downtown.

It is recommended that traffic interested in turning onto Third Street to head west should continue straight through the Third and Main Streets intersection to access Jackson Street via First Street, 'A' Street, or follow Main Street to the north to loop back around on 'C' Street.

While this change may take some getting used to, the City believes the improved traffic flow will benefit residents and visitors.

For more information on the traffic signage, please contact Tyler Palmer, Public Works Division Manager at 208.883.7096 or by email at tpalmer at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:tpalmer at ci.moscow.id.us>.

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Story Contact: Tyler Palmer, Public Works Division Manager
Phone: 208.883.7096
Email: tpalmer at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:tpalmer at ci.moscow.id.us>


The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources.
We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.





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