6 more bad parts of driving in Charlotte, according to readers

We are people of our word, so we took a few of your issues and we asked a CDOT representative if anything is in the works.

• Why it matters: Charlotte has taken the Vision Zero action pledge to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. It’s an ambitious goal, and reminds me of the old quote from football coaching legend Vince Lombardi: “We will chase perfection … knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”
• It’s worth noting that whenever we send your complaints to CDOT, they’re very kind and receptive, even with the angriest among you.

Driving the news: One driving pet peeve stood out above all others, and it gained a lot more notice recently after there was another accident there and a photo was posted on social media. It’s our No. 1 issue on today’s list.

1. Parkwood Avenue near Optimist Hall

“I HATE how there is only one crosswalk on Parkwood Ave between 12th and Brevard. Every day I see people playing Frogger to get to and from Optimist Hall. I’d love to see the same type of pedestrian lights like they have on S.Blvd.” — Christopher V.R.

“Please tell CDOT that there desperately needs to be a traffic light at the entrance to Optimist Hall- Belmont Ave. and N. Caldwell/Parkwood Ave. There is a blind curve and cars are racing around that intersection (and entering/existing Optimist Hall) with no lights or signs.” — Nick T.

• The city says: A traffic signal is planned for the Belmont/Parkwood intersection as part of the much larger Parkwood Avenue Streetscape project. “The signal is designed and ready to go, but we are waiting on the contractor to do some significant roadwork.”
• The bottom line: This curvy, treacherous street will be wider, with buffered bike lanes and planting strips and street trees. And yes, a signal and more crosswalks.

2. Frogger-ing across several lanes from the I-485 merge lane onto Park Road north in south Charlotte

“One that I navigate through delicately on a daily basis is the intersection of 485 and 51/Pineville-Matthews Rd. If you are ambitious enough (read: bat-s–t crazy enough) to get off of 485 inner at that exit and attempt to go north on Park Rd., you’re forced to play frogger across 3-4 lanes in < 1/10 mile. If you’re driving East on 51/Pineville-Matthews Rd (which is me) you’re guaranteed to get cut off at least a couple times in that stretch. In my opinion it easily rivals Exit 3A on 277.” — Jeff B. (Editor’s note: Exit 3A is the most-mentioned intersection by far, whenever we ask you for your most-despised intersections. So that’s a big statement by Jeff here.)

• The city says: “This is a State maintained intersection and signal that is technically in Pineville. Residents would need to speak with NCDOT Division 10.”
• NCDOT Division 10 says: “At this time we don’t have a project in place to make any modifications, but we are aware of the issue at this location and are currently evaluating options.”

3. Hawthorne and Belvedere

“It is difficult to see cars coming over the hill (most at rapid speed) at the corner of Hawthorne and Belvedere. The picket fence to the right is at such an angle so that you can’t see between the pickets (appears as a solid fence) difficult to see on coming traffic. I haven’t measured, but it appears to be in the traffic triangle as well.” — Billie Sue C.

• The city says: “There is currently nothing planned for this intersection. Crash history does not show any sight distance issues. There are on average two crashes a year here.”

4. People running the stop sign at Selwyn Farms Ln./Marsh Road

“Please ask DOT to watch stop sign at Selwyn Farms/Marsh Rd. It’s at a park/playground and people regularly fly through it. We have complained, but to no avail. Thanks.” — Ronnie F.

• The city says: “There is currently nothing planned for this intersection. Crash data shows one crash here in the last 5+ years.”

5. East Boulevard/Camden/light rail

Editor’s note: The version of this story from earlier this summer included the intersection of Tremont and Camden and the light rail. This is just one block north.

“Another area that needs addressing is the pedestrian crosswalk at East Blvd. near the light rail and Walgreens. There should be a pedestrian crosswalk signal that coincides with the streetlight at East Blvd. and Camden Rd. Dangerous crosswalk as it is.” — Russelle S.

• The city says: “We have explored adding this pedestrian signal. There is an adjacent developer who is going to pay for the installation and we are currently waiting for permitting.”

6. General gripes about trees and other things

“There are too many intersections to name but so many where a tree hangs down and blocks an upcoming light and/or a stop sign. Dilworth and Myers Park are filled with examples of tree branches coming out in the street, blocking stop signs. I have been driving and know my way around only to see someone completely blow through a stop sign, presumably because they don’t know the area and cannot make a stop because they don’t see the stop sign in time. Same goes for traffic lights. If the city would just drive each and every street, taking several each day, they would see how many places these trees need to be cut back. Would be nice if the citizens and/or companies who live by these lights and stop signs would be responsible enough to take care of but it is ultimately the city’s responsibility.” — P. Fabel

• The city says: Residents should contact 311 for these types of complaints.