U-turns now prohibited at various locations

By the end of the month, drivers will notice additional locations around Lewisville where U-turns are prohibited.

During Monday's Lewisville City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting U-turns at various locations throughout the city. The locations include: westbound Justin Road at the Wal-Mart median opening, northbound on Valley Parkway at the fire and police station median opening, eastbound and westbound on Main Street at Edmonds Lane, all directions on Valley Parkway at Bellaire Boulevard, eastbound and westbound on Bellaire Boulevard at the west Hedrick Elementary and Middle School driveway, eastbound and westbound on Bellaire Boulevard at Old Orchard Lane and northbound and southbound on State Highway 121 Business at Southwest Parkway. Signs will soon be posted through the city's public services.

"We'll order the signs and get them posted. It usually takes two weeks after an ordinance is passed for it to go into effect," said James Kunke, community relations and tourism director. "There were areas identified as safety issues. All of these locations had signs prohibiting U-turns, but we skipped the steps of passing an ordinance prohibiting the U-turns."

The city staff found the error after the recent actions taken in support of the DCTA prohibiting U-turns at intersections near rail crossings and while responding to a resident request. The city staff reviewed the locations to determine the need for those locations already signed as well as the locations requested by residents. During its investigation, city staff determined that each location would be made safer if U-turns were prohibited.

Councilman Leroy Vaughn it seemed extreme to "completely outlaw" U-turns at the Bellaire Boulevard and Old Orchard lane, and at Bellaire Boulevard and Valley Parkway.

"I understand that this request is generally for the safety of the students. It's heavily used by students in the morning and afternoons, but it seems extreme," Vaughan said. "I think it would be better to put time or seasonal restrictions on U-turns."

However, Clause King, city manager, said the school district is affected by changes in operations too mach.

"When we attempt to match up to the changes, we're put in a situation where we would have to constantly change the signs," King said. "It also becomes difficult for enforcement. It can be done, but can be more difficult."

In other council business, council members also approved an ordinance setting the maximum speed limit on Railroad Street from State Highway 121 Business to Hebron Parkway to 40 mph.

"The law requires that before we set the speed limit, we must perform a study to determine what the limit should be," King said.

The city staff performed a speed study to determine the 85th percentile speed for the street. The study was performed March 12 and led to the recommendation for the speed limit. Railroad Street from State Highway 121 Business to Hebron Parkway was recently reconstructed. It now serves as a north-south alternate for vehicles using the Waste Management facility south of Bennett Lane and as an alternate access to the Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park. The road is now a two-lane undivided concrete roadway with curbs and gutters.

City council members will also begin the annual process of determining appointments to various city boards, commissions and committees. The following boards have a vacancy: the Animal Services Advisory Committee, the Arts Advisory Board, the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, the Lewisville Housing Finance Corporation, the Lewisville Industrial Development Corporation, the I-35 Corridor Plan Advisory Committee, the TIRZ, No. 1 and 2 boards of directors and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Council members divided into three teams to interview potential board/committee members.

"We should look not just at vacant spots, but also those people wanting reappointment and their attendance record," said Mayor Dean Ueckert.

The council members approved the motion 4 to 1; Councilman John Gorena voted against the motion.

"I voted against this procedure because I think each of us should be looking at all the applicants," Gorena said.

Ueckert said the council should be responsible to each other.

"I feel like I could call all these folks and micromanage, but I don't think we need to. I do get a vote when it comes time for appointment," said Councilman TJ Gilmore.

Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****

 Plano Apartments
 Plano Attorneys
 Plano Auto Dealers
 Plano Auto Parts
 Plano Auto Repair
 Plano Beauty Salons
 Plano Car Rental
 Plano Dentists
 Plano Doctors
 Plano Flowers
 Plano Hotels
 Plano Insurance
 Plano Loans
 Plano Mortgages
 Plano Movers
 Plano Pizza
 Plano Realtors
 Plano Restaurants
 Plano Storage
 Plano Tax Preparation
 Plano Travel
 Featured
 More...