Morse Boulevard at Hacienda Hills is Too Dangerous

[DianaS]

While the construction continues at Hacienda Hills, something needs to be done about access to the Palms golf course. Morse is arguably the most busy road in The Villages. Forcing golf carts to cross Morse to get to and from the Palms course having to deal with both the north and southbound traffic, is a recipe for disaster. Not everyone observes the speed limit, and there is a curve just north of the area. Yesterday, while we waited for the northbound traffic in order to turn into the “country club”, a car came around that curve at top speed and had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear ending us.

[golfing eagles]

While the construction continues at Hacienda Hills, something needs to be done about access to the Palms golf course. Morse is arguably the most busy road in The Villages. Forcing golf carts to cross Morse to get to and from the Palms course having to deal with both the north and southbound traffic, is a recipe for disaster. Not everyone observes the speed limit, and there is a curve just north of the area. Yesterday, while we waited for the northbound traffic in order to turn into the “country club”, a car came around that curve at top speed and had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear ending us.

Haven't been up that way, is the tunnel closed????

And not to be picky, but "a car came around that curve at top speed." What, 130 or 140 mph????

[VApeople]

something needs to be done about access to the Palms golf course

Why?

If you do not approve of the "access to the Palms golf course", then do not go there. YOU are the main person who cares about YOUR safety. Avoid situations that you think are dangerous.

[Stu from NYC]

Haven't been up that way, is the tunnel closed????

And not to be picky, but "a car came around that curve at top speed." What, 130 or 140 mph????

And downhill even faster.

[golfing eagles]

Why?

If you do not approve of the "access to the Palms golf course", then do not go there. YOU are the main person who cares about YOUR safety. Avoid situations that you think are dangerous.

Well, maybe, but they should be able to play Palms without fear. That being said, everyone has a different fear threshold crossing a road. Haven't played there in 6 months, but have to leave parking lot and cross Morse to head southbound---never had a problem. And if the tunnel is open, then there's no problem at all approaching Hacienda from the north.

[tophcfa]

Why?

If you do not approve of the "access to the Palms golf course", then do not go there. YOU are the main person who cares about YOUR safety. Avoid situations that you think are dangerous.

Perhaps the OP was not aware of the construction mess and corresponding tunnel closure when he showed up for his t time. In addition, the OP’s post is a friendly warning to fellow Villagers so they don’t wind up in the same situation, and for that he should get thanked, not criticized?

Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before this mess occurred once the Clubhouse and corresponding facilities were torn down at Hacienda Hills. It’s impossible to build residential housing at the epicenter of an operating golf facility without major disruptions and inconveniences. I feel very sorry for the poor fellow Villagers living in close proximity to this mess as they will be dealing with it for the foreseeable future.

[Laker14]

Haven't been up that way, is the tunnel closed????

And not to be picky, but "a car came around that curve at top speed." What, 130 or 140 mph????

Yes, the tunnel is closed. Not sure why they felt they had to do that. I have played Hacienda (courses are in nice shape BTW) a few times in the last couple weeks, and I couldn't figure out why they couldn't work around that, but what do I know about these things? (trick quesion: I don't know squat about these things)

Why?

If you do not approve of the "access to the Palms golf course", then do not go there. YOU are the main person who cares about YOUR safety. Avoid situations that you think are dangerous.

brilliant well thought out answer. Why would anyone care about a dangerous situation where maybe someone else might get seriously injured?

What I didn't bother to notice was if there were any extra caution signs along Morse, warning of construction and potentially dangerous traffic patterns. There might be, and they may be occasionally ignored as always happens, but if there aren't, there definitely should be.

[collie1228]

Why?

If you do not approve of the "access to the Palms golf course", then do not go there. YOU are the main person who cares about YOUR safety. Avoid situations that you think are dangerous.

The OP is entirely correct about the situation at Hacienda. I live just up the road and see this situation virtually every day. I simply don't understand why someone thinks they should criticize the OP for stating an opinion on an opinion board. If you disagree, fine. But don't criticize someone for having an opinion on something that is affecting their everyday life.

[Pairadocs]

While the construction continues at Hacienda Hills, something needs to be done about access to the Palms golf course. Morse is arguably the most busy road in The Villages. Forcing golf carts to cross Morse to get to and from the Palms course having to deal with both the north and southbound traffic, is a recipe for disaster. Not everyone observes the speed limit, and there is a curve just north of the area. Yesterday, while we waited for the northbound traffic in order to turn into the “country club”, a car came around that curve at top speed and had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear ending us.

Agree it is a dangerous situation. Seems all that would have been carefully thought out before any construction began. Been here many years now, Morse has always been a dangerous route for golf carts as far back as when the Villages was half the present size !

[Pairadocs]

Haven't been up that way, is the tunnel closed????

And not to be picky, but "a car came around that curve at top speed." What, 130 or 140 mph????

130, 140 mph ? We had a vehicle that was estimated to be doing 50-60 in a 30 zone, and WENT COMPLETELY THROUGH A SOLID CONCRETE WALL. I know there are "some", but few people own a car that would do that kind of speed. It "doesn't take much" as most police will tell you, to cause a fatal accident.

[golfing eagles]

130, 140 mph ? We had a vehicle that was estimated to be doing 50-60 in a 30 zone, and WENT COMPLETELY THROUGH A SOLID CONCRETE WALL. I know there are "some", but few people own a car that would do that kind of speed. It "doesn't take much" as most police will tell you, to cause a fatal accident.

You do understand that it was a facetious comment?

[golfing eagles]

Agree it is a dangerous situation. Seems all that would have been carefully thought out before any construction began. Been here many years now, Morse has always been a dangerous route for golf carts as far back as when the Villages was half the present size !

Can anyone explain why turning across Morse at Hacienda is any more "dangerous" than those that have to turn left off Morse to get into their Village???

[VApeople]

Can anyone explain why turning across Morse at Hacienda is any more "dangerous" than those that have to turn left off Morse to get into their Village???

Every time I have to turn left off Morse or Buena Vista, I either have a stop light to make it easy or I am in a roundabout and I have the right-of-way and I can slowly make my turn and the cars going straight have to yield.

I have no idea what it is like "turning across Morse at Hacienda". It sounds somewhat difficult and that is why I advised the OP to stop doing.

[VApeople]

Why would anyone care about a dangerous situation where maybe someone else might get seriously injured?

I have no idea.

I just advised the OP to avoid a "dangerous situation", but I don't really 'care' if she does it or not. That is her decision.

[Laker14]

Can anyone explain why turning across Morse at Hacienda is any more "dangerous" than those that have to turn left off Morse to get into their Village???

good question...Maybe just a bit more traffic than normal because of the golf traffic, which is perhaps why they put a tunnel there anyway. As I understand it, The Palms nine was built several years after the Oaks and Lakes, so maybe the tunnel was there for some other reason. I don't know.
When I was there it seemed a little dicey, but then, Morse north of 466 is always a little dicey in my opinion.
I suspect the OP is engaging in some hyperbole when describing a car "at top speed" needing to "slam on the brakes" to avoid rear-ending a cart.

[Pairadocs]

[QUOTE=tophcfa;2196680]Perhaps the OP was not aware of the construction mess and corresponding tunnel closure when he showed up for his t time. In addition, the OP’s post is a friendly warning to fellow Villagers so they don’t wind up in the same situation, and for that he should get thanked, not criticized?

Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before this mess occurred once the Clubhouse and corresponding facilities were torn down at Hacienda Hills. It’s impossible to build residential housing at the epicenter of an operating golf facility without major disruptions and inconveniences. I feel very sorry for the poor fellow Villagers living in close proximity to this mess as they will be dealing with it for the foreseeable future.[/QUOTE

Oh where to even begin "sage", lately I "try" to not even wonder why so many people are so quick on the trigger to criticize every little comment, opinion, or as you pointed out, warning to others who may inadvertently find themselves in the same situation ! Is this just because so many actually enjoy being "confrontational" as long as anonymous ? I also find myself wondering; if these same people were sitting at dinner, say at one of the country clubs, with others, and one mentioned their frightening encounter while making the crossing, do you think these same people would be so assertive as to tell the other they should shut up and take more personal responsibility ? Are there a certain percentage of people who simply can not understand the perspective of others ? Just seems like so many have a "hair trigger", sure would be a nasty, tense, dinner if a table of this type ! One thing I have NEVER seen on here (and I miss a lot so not an authority...LOL!) is the words: "Oh, I never thought about it from that angle, thanks for pointing that out". Or, "now that you mentioned it, that's a very good point", or, "I was thinking along the same lines as the poster, but you've given me some additional food for thought, thanks, that's why I like to read these discussion boards." I never read anything like that, the very reason you would THINK the aging population here would be anxious to get various views and perspectives, and thank people for sharing. Guess that is how we even got the WORLD wide reputation as the "friendliest home town", most people are so kind, appreciative, and understanding here.

[Pairadocs]

[QUOTE=tophcfa;2196680]Perhaps the OP was not aware of the construction mess and corresponding tunnel closure when he showed up for his t time. In addition, the OP’s post is a friendly warning to fellow Villagers so they don’t wind up in the same situation, and for that he should get thanked, not criticized?

Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before this mess occurred once the Clubhouse and corresponding facilities were torn down at Hacienda Hills. It’s impossible to build residential housing at the epicenter of an operating golf facility without major disruptions and inconveniences. I feel very sorry for the poor fellow Villagers living in close proximity to this mess as they will be dealing with it for the foreseeable future.[/QUOTE

Many people are just not equipped to understand ANYTHING except from their own bank of experiences and perspective ! OF COURSE this person may not have known the situation at all, of COURSE they may not even have been the ones to choose the course and make the reservation ! But NONE of that has any relationship (except incidentally, circumstantially) to the matter of a dangerous situation, that could end in someone loosing their life, and could EASILY be made less dangerous, not "safe", but LESS dangerous. Not rocket science as that old saying goes !

[Jerseybob]

130, 140 mph ? We had a vehicle that was estimated to be doing 50-60 in a 30 zone, and WENT COMPLETELY THROUGH A SOLID CONCRETE WALL. I know there are "some", but few people own a car that would do that kind of speed. It "doesn't take much" as most police will tell you, to cause a fatal accident.

Please let us know where and when a vehicle "WENT COMPLETELY THROUGH A SOLID CONCRETE WALL".
Please also let us know WHO SPECIFICALLY "estimated the vehicle traveling 50 - 60 in a 30 zone". I can tell you without doubt or hesitation, very few people have the knowledge/education to factually tell you that speed. Again, if you want to make claims like the two above, please be factual. Otherwise, it is just emotional guessing and hearsay that serves no purpose here.

Regarding safe crossing, you may want to consider travelling North or South of the area you describe as a "dangerous crossing" to travel across the roadway to get to the golf course.
This may allow you to avoid some of your crossing concerns including visibility of vehicles on the roadway, perception of speed, etc.
Your convenience is NOT a priority nor is your lack of patience with traffic already on the roadway. Be smart, be patient and be a good golf cart operator.

[golfing eagles]

.....Many people are just not equipped to understand ANYTHING except from their own bank of experiences and perspective ! OF COURSE this person may not have known the situation at all, of COURSE they may not even have been the ones to choose the course and make the reservation ! But NONE of that has any relationship (except incidentally, circumstantially) to the matter of a dangerous situation, that could end in someone loosing their life, and could EASILY be made less dangerous, not "safe", but LESS dangerous. Not rocket science as that old saying goes !

I guess my point was that this particular road crossing is far from the only one along Morse or even in TV as a whole that could be considered "dangerous". The secondary point was that not all golf cart drivers have the same skill set. The tertiary point is that not all automobile drivers have the same skill set. So best suggestion is to be aware of your surroundings and drive within your abilities (even if it annoys the person behind you)( unless it is me :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:)

[dewilson58]

While the construction continues at Hacienda Hills, something needs to be done about access to the Palms golf course. Morse is arguably the most busy road in The Villages. Forcing golf carts to cross Morse to get to and from the Palms course having to deal with both the north and southbound traffic, is a recipe for disaster. Not everyone observes the speed limit, and there is a curve just north of the area. Yesterday, while we waited for the northbound traffic in order to turn into the “country club”, a car came around that curve at top speed and had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear ending us.

Bottomline for DS................(1) avoid the area; (2) posting on this site will not help.

:gc:

[DianaS]

The tunnel has been closed since construction began.

[JoMar]

Since there hasn't been an accident there I can only assume the majority (or maybe all) know how to handle the situation and keep themselves safe. Last couple days I have seen multiple carts making left hand turns from the golf cart lane on the right, one right in front of a car below 466A. Impatience and ignorance is not restricted to North Morse.

[pokeefe45@aol.com]

I agree with the OP-It's perhaps one of the more treacherous crossings in TV. And it's NOT just to access the Lakes Course-The Villages GPS app will take you that way to go west through Santo Domingo if you are in that area. It's the visibility that cars do NOT have coming around the northbound curve that makes it dangerous. It was never an issue prior to the Golf Cart tunnel being closed. It's only a matter of time before something serious happens. And yes, I too have choices and will avoid the area as a result-but not everyone has that luxury-especially those accessing their mail there at the temporary post office. Great original post-I share your concern and would encourage more discussion with LE/elected officials to work toward a solution, before it's too late. Let's be less acerbic and skeptical people-I know some of you have been posting for years, and I usually enjoy the wit and sometime misguided humor, but a lot of us are just flat out beginning to sound like cranky 'old people'.

[kkingston57]

Can anyone explain why turning across Morse at Hacienda is any more "dangerous" than those that have to turn left off Morse to get into their Village???

Writer is talking about crossing over 2 lanes of traffic without any median. Turning left off of Morse requires a person to cross over 1 lane of traffic. There is a tunnel there and it is now shut down.

[golfing eagles]

Writer is talking about crossing over 2 lanes of traffic without any median. Turning left off of Morse requires a person to cross over 1 lane of traffic. There is a tunnel there and it is now shut down.

No, no and no. Like ALL left turns in TV off roads with a cart lane, YOU FIRST MERGE into the car lane THEN turn left from there, NEVER turn left from the cart lane unless you are suicidal. I think writer may have been talking about almost getting rear ended while in the car lane waiting to turn left, otherwise the approaching car would have to be in the cart lane.

[Bridget Staunton]

Why do people have to criticize others on Talk of The Villages. Not nice, thank you Mr Pairadocs

[jabacon6669]

Interesting. The tunnel is closed because of the construction. So, you have to use care in crossing Morse. May I suggest that you do exactly like all the golfers do after they complete their round and have to leave the parking lot and cross Morse to head north, or the south bounders whom have to cross when going to golf. Like any decision you make while driving anything, car, golf cart, bicycle, etc. You do it with care, and when it's "safe and reasonable". They have been crossing there for years, don't recall any accidents.

[Paul1934]

Shortly after the tunnel, post boxes and the multiple entrance/exits were closed, there was a car v cart accident at the entrance from Morse. Luckily the operator of the cart which was hit broadside and knocked on it’s side was not seriously injured, could have been worse. Auto exiting mail drop at fault.
We approach the area with extreme caution given the speed differential between cars/carts and the line of sight issues. There will be more incidents.

[toeser]

Can anyone explain why turning across Morse at Hacienda is any more "dangerous" than those that have to turn left off Morse to get into their Village???

I bike and use my golf cart on all of Morse from #27 to @#466 and crossing at Hacienda is clearly the most dangerous. Part of has to do with there being a hill and curve. Part of it is that it is not a two-sided intersection. Trying to make sure the road is clear behind you while making sure it's clear in front of you is much more difficult than making a straight crossing. Plus, you have a lot of traffic converging for the temporary post office, not just golfer traffic. It is a really bad situation.

[toeser]

While the construction continues at Hacienda Hills, something needs to be done about access to the Palms golf course. Morse is arguably the most busy road in The Villages. Forcing golf carts to cross Morse to get to and from the Palms course having to deal with both the north and southbound traffic, is a recipe for disaster. Not everyone observes the speed limit, and there is a curve just north of the area. Yesterday, while we waited for the northbound traffic in order to turn into the “country club”, a car came around that curve at top speed and had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear ending us.

I hope the developer will prioritize getting that tunnel back open instead of leaving it closed as a convenience to the construction project.

[JGibson]

Folks feel unsafe on certain roads and here I’m wanting to cross Rolling Acres rd to get into the huge shopping plaza.

I’m sorry for your dilemma but I still want to cross Rolling Acres. It can't be anymore dangerous than what is being described.

[vermonster]

Folks feel unsafe on certain roads and here I’m wanting to cross Rolling Acres rd to get into the huge shopping plaza.

I’m sorry for your dilemma but I still want to cross Rolling Acres. It can't be anymore dangerous than what is being described.
The difference is there are dedicated turn lanes to cross Rolling Acres. There are none to turn at the intersection in question. You have to stop and wait in the travel lane and hope the drivers coming up or down the road will be driving at a sane speed and will see you in time to stop.

[pauld315]

Every time I have to turn left off Morse or Buena Vista, I either have a stop light to make it easy or I am in a roundabout and I have the right-of-way and I can slowly make my turn and the cars going straight have to yield.

I have no idea what it is like "turning across Morse at Hacienda". It sounds somewhat difficult and that is why I advised the OP to stop doing.

Obviously not correct. Writer must not understand that people are talking specifically of turning a golf cart north of 466 on Morse

[PugMom]

again, all of this adds up to being aware & responsible while driving, either a cart OR car. with any road, drive @ your own risk: use caution & let's watch out for each other. 'nuff said

[ThirdOfFive]

Why do people have to criticize others on Talk of The Villages. Not nice, thank you Mr Pairadocs
Why does it happen on any such forum? Easy. Anonymity is safe.

But perspective is important. This place is Miss Manners on steroids compared to another well-known area discussion site, V-N. AKA The Dark Side. I once read (on here, actually) that the discussion groups over there are inhabited by “drooling knuckle-draggers”. I think that is giving it far too much credit.

[golfing eagles]

I bike and use my golf cart on all of Morse from #27 to @#466 and crossing at Hacienda is clearly the most dangerous. Part of has to do with there being a hill and curve. Part of it is that it is not a two-sided intersection. Trying to make sure the road is clear behind you while making sure it's clear in front of you is much more difficult than making a straight crossing. Plus, you have a lot of traffic converging for the temporary post office, not just golfer traffic. It is a really bad situation.

For the carts that are southbound and have to turn left into HH, like the OP, you ONLY have to worry about the road being clear BEHIND you when you merge into the car lane. THEN, you can worry about the ONCOMING traffic to make your turn. You DO NOT have to do both at once.

[toeser]

For the carts that are southbound and have to turn left into HH, like the OP, you ONLY have to worry about the road being clear BEHIND you when you merge into the car lane. THEN, you can worry about the ONCOMING traffic to make your turn. You DO NOT have to do both at once.

If I'm my bike, I would never ever move into the car lane and then stop to turn. One inattentive driver and I'm dead.

[Bill14564]

If I'm my bike, I would never ever move into the car lane and then stop to turn. One inattentive driver and I'm dead.

Then you are doing it wrong.

What do you do, pull off the right shoulder and then walk the bike across two lanes?

[Laker14]

For the carts that are southbound and have to turn left into HH, like the OP, you ONLY have to worry about the road being clear BEHIND you when you merge into the car lane. THEN, you can worry about the ONCOMING traffic to make your turn. You DO NOT have to do both at once.

I think what the OP is describing is having done exactly what you describe, but while waiting for the oncoming traffic (northbound) to have a hole open for the left turn, sitting in the car lane (southbound) in a golf cart waiting to make a left into the HHCC lot, while automobile traffic rounds the curve behind him/her, maybe too fast, maybe with late visibility, and maybe not paying full attention, and slamming into the cart.

One option would be to go past the intersection, wait for both lanes to clear and make a U-turn, and come from the other direction.

[golfing eagles]

No, no and no. Like ALL left turns in TV off roads with a cart lane, YOU FIRST MERGE into the car lane THEN turn left from there, NEVER turn left from the cart lane unless you are suicidal. I think writer may have been talking about almost getting rear ended while in the car lane waiting to turn left, otherwise the approaching car would have to be in the cart lane.

I think what the OP is describing is having done exactly what you describe, but while waiting for the oncoming traffic (northbound) to have a hole open for the left turn, sitting in the car lane (southbound) in a golf cart waiting to make a left into the HHCC lot, while automobile traffic rounds the curve behind him/her, maybe too fast, maybe with late visibility, and maybe not paying full attention, and slamming into the cart.

One option would be to go past the intersection, wait for both lanes to clear and make a U-turn, and come from the other direction.

Yes, exactly as I previously described.

[RICH1]

More tunnels and overpasses equals higher fees

[RICH1]

Folks feel unsafe on certain roads and here I’m wanting to cross Rolling Acres rd to get into the huge shopping plaza.

I’m sorry for your dilemma but I still want to cross Rolling Acres. It can't be anymore dangerous than what is being described.
The Marijuana shop is over there also! Hmmm I see” shopping plaza” is a code word

[Laker14]

Yes, exactly as I previously described.

sorry, must have missed it or misunderstood it.

[golfing eagles]

sorry, must have missed it or misunderstood it.

Not a problem, I was agreeing with you:beer3:

[Paul1934]

Suggest a field trip for those making suggestions on getting in or out of the Hacienda postal trailer or golf shop parking lot.
They now have closed the northbound cart lane in the area, throwing carts, bikes and cars into the same lane.
As a retired LEO, it is an accident waiting to happen, again.

[Laker14]

Suggest a field trip for those making suggestions on getting in or out of the Hacienda postal trailer or golf shop parking lot.
They now have closed the northbound cart lane in the area, throwing carts, bikes and cars into the same lane.
As a retired LEO, it is an accident waiting to happen, again.

is the white trailer inside the confines of the old HHCC parking lot the temporary postal trailer?

[Warcats]

While the construction continues at Hacienda Hills, something needs to be done about access to the Palms golf course. Morse is arguably the most busy road in The Villages. Forcing golf carts to cross Morse to get to and from the Palms course having to deal with both the north and southbound traffic, is a recipe for disaster. Not everyone observes the speed limit, and there is a curve just north of the area. Yesterday, while we waited for the northbound traffic in order to turn into the “country club”, a car came around that curve at top speed and had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear ending us.
Hiring additional police and an additional police car I would wager would not only pay for itself and generate additional revenues but would save both lives and insurance premiums for those involved. Maybe a blinking yellow or a camera/radar would slow people done. The roundabout before joining 441 is a study in insanity. I live in Palo Alto and what I have seen would shock anyone. To whoever please help.

[golfing eagles]

Hiring additional police and an additional police car I would wager would not only pay for itself and generate additional revenues but would save both lives and insurance premiums for those involved. Maybe a blinking yellow or a camera/radar would slow people done. The roundabout before joining 441 is a study in insanity. I live in Palo Alto and what I have seen would shock anyone. To whoever please help.

Yep, more police, more tickets, more enforcement, more traffic lights, more laws. Jawohl, mein fuhrer. Here's a better idea----everyone pay attention to what they are doing while driving, and lose the "me first" attitude, which is the cause of a majority of accidents.