I Hate That Blankety-Blank Stoplight

Before getting onto Browntown Road, you have to stop at a new stoplight that was put into service when the new high school was built. I understand that we need the light when school is in session for the morning and afternoon traffic into and out of the school. I don't think we need the light any other time, especially when school is out for the summer. We've been using that crossover for many years before the school was built and we did just fine.

I hate having to wait at that light for my left turn when there is no traffic in sight. I sit and wait, and sit and wait and about a half mile down the road, here comes a car. I'm still sitting and waiting. I could have crossed over and been on my way, but no. I have to sit and wait for the little green arrow. The distant car comes and goes past. I'm still sitting and waiting. Do I dare make my (illegal) left turn when the light is still red? Drat. Here come some cars. Hmmm. That car coming out of Browntown Road to cross over and go down 34o just got his light. I'm still sitting and waiting. Finally, I get my light.

A lot of times, I'll be coming up to the light (it's GREEN!) but before I can race down to it, it turns red. It just doesn't stay green long enough. So, I sit and wait.

A short distance away is the crossover for Skyline Drive. There's no stoplight there. On Saturdays and Sundays in the spring and fall, the traffic in and out of there is heavy. It's sometimes backed up to South Street, causing huge traffic delays. Those people are virtual strangers to this area, but VDOT thinks they're smart enough to cross over without a light to guide them.

We used to be smart enough, but VDOT suddenly thinks we need help. Most of us using Browntown Road have been living on it for many years. My family has been living here for 34 years. We never needed help getting across before.