write a letter

Kukurugya 3

TO: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Fayette County Supervisors

FROM: Kayla Kukurugya

DATE: March 23, 2012

SUBJECT: INTERSECTIONS OF ROUTE 119 AND OGLEVEE LANE IN DUNBAR TOWNSHIP

I am writing this letter to remind you of the dangerous intersections on Route 119 and Oglevee Lane. There have been numerous accidents at these intersections. The most recent and fatal accident involved a coal truck entering Route 119 southbound colliding with a pickup truck claiming a young man’s life. The most dangerous part of this intersection is lack of sight. Since there is sort of a curve to this section of Route 119 neither drivers have a good view of upcoming traffic. I feel that it is time that something is done to try and prevent another fatality from happening since traffic flow is quite moderate at these intersections.

The main problems at these intersections can be solved simply by addressing several important factors that include:

· Posted speed limit of 55mph is too high for Route 119 through this area.

· No posted Caution signs of an intersection ahead.

· Poor Visibility in the warmer months from overgrown trees on the right side of Route 119.

· Blind Spots due to a slight curve of Route 119.

Short Term Suggestions:

1. Reduce the speed limit on Route 119 through this intersection.

2. Post a Caution sign of a dangerous intersection on all roads before the actual intersections.

Long Term Suggestions:

1. Install a three-way traffic light for oncoming traffic on Route 119 and both sides of Oglevee Lane.

2. Post No Turn On Red above the traffic lights on Oglevee Lane.

3. Remove Middle Intersection completely to avoid any more accidents from occurring.

I have included photos for further understanding of the risks that I have previously mentioned.

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows the overhead view of the intersections. You can see the slight curve of Route 119 on both sides that interferes with visibility for a driver pulling onto the main highway. The trees on the right-hand side provide even more interference with visibility.

Figure 2 shows where traffic lights should be placed along with “NO TURN ON RED” signs above them. I have provided red squares where caution signs reading “DANGEROUS INTERSECTION AHEAD” should be placed.

( Oglevee Lane ) ( Traffic going northbound ) ( Traffic going southbound . )

Figure 2

Figure 3 shows a graphic image of the most recent and fatal accident that occurred on March 18, 2012. A coal truck was pulling onto Route 119 and collided with a Ford F-150 that was traveling southbound. Although the coal truck driver was left unhurt, the driver of the F-150 lost his life.

Figure 3

I think this graphic image gives enough evidence that both my long and short term suggestions would help prevent any more accidents from occurring.

In conclusion I am asking you to please consider my reasonable suggestions in attempt to prevent any more accidents on Route 119 and Oglevee Lane intersections. I think that my short term suggestions should immediately go into effect since they wouldn’t be so costly. Furthermore I feel that my suggestions would also benefit the safety of drivers pulling off Route 119 into the surrounding businesses.

I will be anticipating a response from you about this issue by April 23, 2012. You can reach me by my cell phone: 724-963-1254 or via my email: [email protected]. Thank you for your time about this very important matter.

Sincerely,

Kayla Kukurugya

Kayla Kukurugya

213 Wills Road

Connellsville, PA 15425