Traffic Signals to Go Live at Troublesome Southwest Austin Intersection

Southwest Austin, Texas

In what comes as a relief to local residents and commuters, the city of Austin has announced that the traffic signals at the problematic intersection of Rialto Blvd and W William Cannon Drive in Southwest Austin are expected to be activated by the end of this week. The announcement comes after a year of delays and continued concerns regarding the safety at the intersection.

Residents Voice Concerns

According to local resident Brian Delaney, the intersection has proven to be a considerable nuisance, and a source of confusion over the past year. “My dad came to stay at a hotel over there and we couldn’t even figure out how to get its access,” revealed Brian. Due to the difficulty in navigating this area, he has even had to change his regular coffee haunt.

Another resident, Michao Blakemore described the intersection as “hectic,” which intensifies the danger when drivers try to enter the intersection without paying attention. Blakemore, who works in personal injury law and has seen patients suffer due to accidents in the area, reported feeling relieved at the prospect of the lights being activated.

Delay in Traffic Signal Activation

Despite being installed over a year ago, several delays meant that the traffic signals at the intersection did not go live. This led to an accumulation of frustration among residents who found the area dangerous to navigate. Several serious incidents have reportedly taken place in the area, causing concern for safety.

Concerns for Local Businesses

Delaney expressed happiness at the impending activation of the traffic signals. However, he voiced worries about the negative impact the problematic intersection could have already had on local businesses. One such case is the recently closed Madrone coffee shop, which Delaney speculates might have shut down due to the complications arising from the intersection.

Intersection Adjustments and Future Plans

Meanwhile, Dan Smith, who traverses the intersection daily for work, acknowledged that the functioning traffic signal may add a few extra minutes to his commute. But, he believes it’s a worthy trade-off for enhanced safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. The City of Austin has also stated that it has made adjustments to the sidewalks at the intersection to abide by ADA compliance guidelines.

The problematic intersection is part of the city’s Corridor Project, which includes improvements to the intersection of Vega Avenue and Rialto Blvd. The project aims to enhance traffic safety and improve accessibility in the city.