Morse & 44 Intersection

[Kenswing]

That has got to be one of the most dangerous intersections in The Villages. I hope they do something to mitigate that. The extra traffic sure won’t help.

[Stu from NYC]

That has got to be one of the most dangerous intersections in The Villages. I hope they do something to mitigate that. The extra traffic sure won’t help.

Go by there often. Never noticed any problems. Lights control traffic.

[asianthree]

That has got to be one of the most dangerous intersections in The Villages. I hope they do something to mitigate that. The extra traffic sure won’t help.

No different than any other intersection in TV. Most navigate well, some don’t. We were hoping for a Neighborhood Walmart less junk isles.
There have been driveway aprons in place off 44 at the greenhouses, wonder where the dock will be. Will take away the peaceful glow of the greenhouses in early morning and at night.

[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.

[Gn'Me]

People have died at or near this intersection. Yes it is dangerous and 55mph is too fast. Hope the redevelopment includes road improvements and speed limit reduction.

[LeRoySmith]

People have died at or near this intersection. Yes it is dangerous and 55mph is too fast. Hope the redevelopment includes road improvements and speed limit reduction.

I hope they put in a giant round about :pepper2:

[Pballer]

Traffic is always backed up on Morse southbound at 44 especially in the winter. They have plenty of room there for a right turn lane onto 44 to alleviate traffic but refuse to do so.

[Road-Runner]

I've lived in a 'planned' community in the Atlanta area. Wonderful bedroom community in the suburbs UNTIL they built the local Walmart. Quality of life went down dramatically with crime spiking along with way more traffic on the surrounding streets. We're south of 44 and were happy this type of high traffic generating big box store wasn't in our immediate area. Oh well, nothing stays the same.

[DARFAP]

Go by there often. Never noticed any problems. Lights control traffic.
There was a very bad accident one Sunday morning last year (April), 4:15 am, at that intersection involving a vehicle running a red light. It put 4 people in critical condition and shut the intersection down well into the morning, as I recall. So "lights (should) control traffic."

[Stu from NYC]

There was a very bad accident one Sunday morning last year (April), 4:15 am, at that intersection involving a vehicle running a red light. It put 4 people in critical condition and shut the intersection down well into the morning, as I recall. So "lights (should) control traffic."

Do not know how to stop people who ignore red lights other than taking away their license

[Pugchief]

There was a very bad accident one Sunday morning last year (April), 4:15 am, at that intersection involving a vehicle running a red light. It put 4 people in critical condition and shut the intersection down well into the morning, as I recall. So "lights (should) control traffic."

So you're saying the intersection is "dangerous" bc someone blew a red light and caused an accident? Sounds like a driver problem, not an intersection problem.

My gripe with that intersection is that traffic really backs up on Morse during busy times and isn't cleared by the light cycling. Agree that there should be long, dedicated right turn lanes with right turn on red allowed at all times.

[villagetinker]

So you're saying the intersection is "dangerous" bc someone blew a red light and caused an accident? Sounds like a driver problem, not an intersection problem.

My gripe with that intersection is that traffic really backs up on Morse during busy times and isn't cleared by the light cycling. Agree that there should be long, dedicated right turn lanes with right turn on red allowed at all times.

The right turn on RED will probably be a bigger problem as there will be people that will not judge the speed of the oncoming traffic correctly. If this really a problem (I have not experienced it) then I would suggest 2 right hand turning lanes with NO right turn on RED.

[golfing eagles]

So you're saying the intersection is "dangerous" bc someone blew a red light and caused an accident? Sounds like a driver problem, not an intersection problem.

My gripe with that intersection is that traffic really backs up on Morse during busy times and isn't cleared by the light cycling. Agree that there should be long, dedicated right turn lanes with right turn on red allowed at all times.

The right turn on RED will probably be a bigger problem as there will be people that will not judge the speed of the oncoming traffic correctly. If this really a problem (I have not experienced it) then I would suggest 2 right hand turning lanes with NO right turn on RED.

Another problem at that intersection is that they changed the arrow for a left turn from southbound Morse to eastbound 44 to a dedicated turn. That is absolutely ridiculous. There is no visibility issue whatsoever, you can see northbound morse traffic 3/4 mile away. So at off times when there is little traffic you just sit there with nobody coming for a full cycle of the light. When traffic is heavy, that lane backs up and you sit there for 3 or 4 cycles, even if there is no northbound traffic. People on this site in past threads have claimed this is "safer". My response is learn to drive.

[Pugchief]

The right turn on RED will probably be a bigger problem as there will be people that will not judge the speed of the oncoming traffic correctly. If this really a problem (I have not experienced it) then I would suggest 2 right hand turning lanes with NO right turn on RED.

That's a fair analysis, which could be mitigated by having the right turn lanes extend onto 44 for a few hundred feet like an entrance ramp on the interstate. This would allow turning traffic more time to get up to speed and a better assessment of the traffic they are merging into.

[Pugchief]

My response is learn to drive.

4 out of 5 dentists recommend Trident for their patients who chew gum.
4 out of 5 cops recommend learning to drive properly to avoid accidents.
:police:

[vintageogauge]

I think Morse and 466 has more accidents than at 44.

[kansasr]

That has got to be one of the most dangerous intersections in The Villages. I hope they do something to mitigate that. The extra traffic sure won’t help.

You have some stats to back up that claim?

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Do not know how to stop people who ignore red lights other than taking away their license

And all the people who have license taken away never drive?

[Stu from NYC]

And all the people who have license taken away never drive?

Guess we could shoot them.

[JRcorvette]

That has got to be one of the most dangerous intersections in The Villages. I hope they do something to mitigate that. The extra traffic sure won’t help.


Yeah it is a hot mess. They did not think that one through. Summer time not so bad but in the Winter months I avoid it as much as possible.

The Villages motto is Do it Cheap not the Best!

[Normal]

We’ve used the intersection for the past three years with zero problems. If you want problems, try driving on 27/441 in the winter months. Or how about 466 and Rolling Acres? I don’t see any issues with new construction. Hey, they put a new Sprouts on Buena Vista and 466 and there have been zero issues.

[Kenswing]

You have some stats to back up that claim?

No. Just a general observation. There seems to be an above average amount of crashes there and they also seem to be more serious in nature. The few that I have actually seen the aftermath of were multi vehicle, multi serious injury accidents. I think that would qualify it as ONE of the more dangerous intersections. Just my opinion of course.

I didn’t start this thread. My post was carved out of the Walmart thread with a few others and landed here.

[Rainger99]

You have some stats to back up that claim?

This lists the 10 most dangerous intersections in Lake and Sumter counties. But it is from 2017.



Your browser is not supported | dailycommercial.com (https://www.dailycommercial.com/story/news/local/2017/03/11/10-worst-intersections-in-lake-and-sumter-counties/21979291007/)

[Laker14]

I don't take that intersection often, but if I remember correctly, coming from the Brownwood area, eastbound on 44, and making the right hand turn onto Morse, heading south, there is a fairly long lane on Morse to allow the traffic off of 44 to merge with some time to safely do so. I don't think I've ever made the right hand turn going south on Morse, to head west on 44. With traffic going 55 or more on 44 it seems that would have been the prudent thing to do there as well, but I gather from these comments that they didn't?

[fdpaq0580]

Do not know how to stop people who ignore red lights other than taking away their license

That won't stop some.

[fdpaq0580]

Another problem at that intersection is that they changed the arrow for a left turn from southbound Morse to eastbound 44 to a dedicated turn. That is absolutely ridiculous. There is no visibility issue whatsoever, you can see northbound morse traffic 3/4 mile away. So at off times when there is little traffic you just sit there with nobody coming for a full cycle of the light. When traffic is heavy, that lane backs up and you sit there for 3 or 4 cycles, even if there is no northbound traffic. People on this site in past threads have claimed this is "safer". My response is learn to drive.

Everyone with a license (and many without) think they know how. 😒

[PugMom]

Go by there often. Never noticed any problems. Lights control traffic.

yep. as long as you pay attention & allow the traffic turning right of way you should be good. always watch for cars taking the 'exit' heading south, it can be tricky, make sure to let them in :ho:

[PugMom]

I don't take that intersection often, but if I remember correctly, coming from the Brownwood area, eastbound on 44, and making the right hand turn onto Morse, heading south, there is a fairly long lane on Morse to allow the traffic off of 44 to merge with some time to safely do so. I don't think I've ever made the right hand turn going south on Morse, to head west on 44. With traffic going 55 or more on 44 it seems that would have been the prudent thing to do there as well, but I gather from these comments that they didn't?

you are the car that needs to be watched out for & this is why i say to let people in safely. some drivers take it personally that you are 'cutting in' & will purposely speed up to keep you from getting 1 car ahead of them, lol.

[justjim]

You can bet if a Super Walmart goes in at State route 44 and Morse Blvd. there will be changes made to that intersection. I will leave to the civil engineers to decide the changes.

[Pugchief]

This lists the 10 most dangerous intersections in Lake and Sumter counties. But it is from 2017.



It appears that US441 is a much bigger issue than 44 based on that data.....

[Kenswing]

It appears that US441 is a much bigger issue than 44 based on that data.....

Can you really base current conditions on a 7 year old report? Was Lake Deaton Plaza even there 7 years ago? How many villages were there 7 years ago. I bet when that report was written there was only a fraction of the vehicular traffic that there is now. That report is worthless unless you are interested in what intersections were the worst 7 years ago.

[Normal]

Can you really base current conditions on a 7 year old report? Was Lake Deaton Plaza even there 7 years ago? How many villages were there 7 years ago. I bet when that report was written there was only a fraction of the vehicular traffic that there is now. That report is worthless unless you are interested in what intersections were the worst 7 years ago.

It was there, it serviced Fenney and Osceola Hills, but there wasn’t much there. There was a Publix, Citizens First and Clark’s.

[ton80]

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.

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.

[Pugchief]

Can you really base current conditions on a 7 year old report? Was Lake Deaton Plaza even there 7 years ago? How many villages were there 7 years ago. I bet when that report was written there was only a fraction of the vehicular traffic that there is now. That report is worthless unless you are interested in what intersections were the worst 7 years ago.

I didn't post that report, I merely commented on it. Obviously, it is outdated, but unless you have a more recent one, it's better than nothing. Barely.

[JMintzer]

you are the car that needs to be watched out for & this is why i say to let people in safely. some drivers take it personally that you are 'cutting in' & will purposely speed up to keep you from getting 1 car ahead of them, lol.

Are you sure you're responding to the correct post?

I see nothing unsafe in what the other poster was doing...

[JMintzer]

You can bet if a Super Walmart goes in at State route 44 and Morse Blvd. there will be changes made to that intersection. I will leave to the civil engineers to decide the changes.

It's a shame, since that finally finished the replacement of multiple light posts. One of which leaves no room for a new turn lane...

[ton80]

Sorry JM that new lights and other recent changes may have to be revised. They were a solution to a previous situation. A New Walmart creates a new problem and a need for a new solution.

Hopefully the required traffic study will point out the overall traffic problem and ways to improve traffic flow such as stacking and merge lanes. The recent changes at the extension of Buena Vista at RT44 included stacking lanes and traffic flow at this intersection are much lower than RT44 and Morse. So there is some hope they will find a good solution for Walmart to pay for.

[Number 10 GI]

It's called Defensive Driving. You pay attention to what is happening around you, not your cell phone or turning your head to talk to your passenger or daydreaming. Safe operation of a motor vehicle is your major responsibility when driving. How did some of you handle driving in the large cities you migrated from? Also, practice patience! I have been living south of 44 the last 6 years and go through that intersection quite often and have experienced no problems with it other than idiot drivers that flaunt traffic laws.

[Normal]

The whole situation will be an improvement. The blazing lights at Villages Grown are an eyesore. Hopefully the new traffic lanes for entrance and exit improve traffic flow and the new Walmart Supercenter blocks the Villages Grown light pollution.

[shut the front door]

Traffic is always backed up on Morse southbound at 44 especially in the winter. They have plenty of room there for a right turn lane onto 44 to alleviate traffic but refuse to do so.

They have plenty of room for right turn lanes at dozens of intersections, but they refuse to do so. I feel like by now I have spent at least a few months of my life waiting because I can't turn right on red. What's even worse is when you are approaching a red light with your right turn signal on and some ass clown ahead of you moves over into your lane and blocks your turn on red. Morse and 441 is ridiculous.

[ton80]

Sorry JM that new lights and other recent changes may have to be revised. They were a solution to a previous situation. A New Walmart creates a new problem and a need for a new solution.

Hopefully the required traffic study will point out the overall traffic problem and ways to improve traffic flow such as stacking and merge lanes. The recent changes at the extension of Buena Vista at RT44 included stacking lanes and traffic flow at this intersection are much lower than RT44 and Morse. So there is some hope they will find a good solution for Walmart to pay for.

Some responders state it is dangerous and have seen very bad accidents there. Others say no problem. I believe that the difference is their experience in what their travel entails.
1. Going straight through on Morse or RT 44 in either direction should be no problem with minimum danger unless there is a back-up. With a new Walmart and increased traffic on Morse both direction to and from the southern villages will only get worse. When frustration grows strong enough some drivers may try new crossovers on RT 44 East and some may and have end up in crashes.
2. The heavy traffic around 4pm makes access to Morse South a challenge from Osceola Hills (Deskin LN crossover).. We go N to the roundabout and then go 270 around to go South
2.Trying to make a left turn on RT 44 East to Morse N has been the situation with major crashes occurring until the blinking left turn signal was eliminated. The problem of seeing what traffic is coming is made difficult since RT44 has some curvature to it and the Rt44 left stacking lane hides the oncoming traffic, if I remember correctly
3.Many have suggested stacking lanes and double turns but have right turns on red. These need careful study because right turn on red into 55+mph traffic when the are two right turn lanes require merge lanes. Also, the oncoming traffic includes drivers who have a green left arrow and are joining your traffic lanes. Right turn on red is supposed to still mean you yield to oncoming but few obey that way. WE can can try to educate them but I prefer to have defined rules.

So IMHO we need a good traffic survey to establish today's traffic and then a study to try to define what can/would happen in the future. Reducing the speed to 45 as done further East on Rt44 seems to be a good step.

End of rant.