Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
To me, one problem with the intersection is that the speed limit on Rt 44 is 55 mph, which, I think, is higher than any other street in The Villages. So, if you turn onto Rt 44 from Morse Blvd, you need to be prepared for an immediate increase in speed. Some Villagers are not prepared.
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I live 1/2 mile from the intersection and travel the area many times per week. With due respect to Stu from NY, the lights do some control but as shown later the yellow left turn signal was dangerous. This intersection has several problems:
1. RG123 is correct that the speeds limit is 55 but traffic actually can be higher. Making a left turn from 44 going East to Morse North means crossing two fast lanes while being blinded by the turn lane filled with large vehicles trying to go to Morse South. Originally the lights had a green protected turn), then yellow left turn (at your own risk) signal, and finally red (stop). The bad visibility and high speeds created the many severe accidents.
Finally the traffic lights were changed to eliminate the yellow, so you either had a protected turn or were stopped when RT 44 west traffic had a green light. I don't remember any more bad crashes at the light but there was one further east as someone tried to sneak between cars in the turn lane and got hit.
2. The second issue is the great amount of traffic on Morse going to and from the TV south area. The traffic includes many large construction vehicles. Traffic say 3 to 5 PM is continuous in both lines and backs up to and past the Soaring Eagle Ball fields roundabout. This was relieved a bit by making the two lanes turn from Morse South to RT 44 East. So the suggestion to improve the right turn to RT 44 West to 2 lanes is spot on. WE often go North on Morse to get to a roundabout and continue around to go Morse South to avoid trying to cross 2 lanes plus a turning lane.
However, if Walmart is putting a store on the corner, I believe that there is a need for more stacking turn lanes in the remaining turns and acceleration/merging lanes. There also should be a consideration made to reduce speeds for a distance o both sides of the intersection such as done on Rt 44 in Leesburg. Speeds should be reduced at Walmart Entrances and exits but that is normally done anyway.
a. Morse South to Rt44 West with more accel lanes and length
b. Add additional stacking turn lane from RT 44 West to Morse South
The single turn lane can block the turns to Circle K etc. which happened during the bad crash mentioned previously.