More on Winterfield Rd.

Dear Editor,

Since my original letter concerning the traffic circle that has been built on Winterfield [Road], I have discovered additional information by calling various people in both the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Chesterfield County government. Two things that I discovered bother me tremendously.

1. The turnaround was not approved the first time it was submitted by the builder. It was approved on appeal, but how? Speaking with the county transportation department, I discovered that they felt the design was not a good one; the curves were too sharp for many vehicles. So how did this get approved? I was told the builder's response was that they could not purchase the land across the road that would have resulted in the turnaround having gentler curves. So again, why did the plan get approved?

2. Although the fire department, etc. approved the design, county officials are aware that making first responder vehicles such as first trucks and ambulances, etc. drive up onto the brick apron will slow them down. How could this be considered acceptable by anyone? When someone is having a heart attack or a house is on fire, seconds matter. And how will snow plows be able to navigate the turns without destroying the brick apron? Who will pay to have the apron maintained?

This information was the result of many, many calls to dozens of people. I was also told that once plans are approved, they are rarely unapproved. However, I have to believe in the voice of the people. I have not found a single person who travels Winterfield and thinks that the traffic circle makes sense of any kind.

Melissa Holly

Midlothian

Dear Editor,

I am tired of hearing people say that the roundabout on Winterfield Road near Midlothian Turnpike is "too confusing" or "holds up traffic near the railroad crossing," because I know that roundabouts are the absolute safest type of intersection for a two-lane road. Think about it: they lower speeds and only allow traffic flow in one direction. The chance of a collision at a roundabout is almost zero.

And the roundabout has nothing to do with traffic being backed up all the way beyond the railroad crossing, therefore putting people in danger of a train collision. People should never stop their car over a railroad crossing in the first place. Could it perhaps be that there is a stoplight at the intersection with Midlothian Turnpike that is stopping traffic?

Without this roundabout, all of the young mothers doing their leisurely late-morning shopping at the future Midlothian Towne Center would be complaining that "it's almost impossible to make a left turn onto Winterfield Road from here! We need something like a roundabout that would allow traffic to flow smoothly in one direction, from all angles," wouldn't they?

At least this developer, unlike the rest, has provided curbs and sidewalks along Winterfield Road. This traffic circle adds some much needed character and classical flair to this rapidly expanding part of our village.

Seth Schipinski

Midlothian