Green Tree Boulevard between Holiday Hill Road and Midland Drive was recently re-paved as part of the City of Midland’s 2017 Road Bond. Now, a new traffic pattern is in place with the installation of signs and pavement markings.
“The intent of the new traffic pattern is to encourage lower speeds that are more compatible with the character of the neighborhood,” said Michael Pacelli, City Traffic Engineer. Factors that led to the decision included the residential nature of the area surrounding Green Tree Blvd., the presence of pedestrians and golf carts travelling along the street and frequently crossing between the clubhouse and golf course, and the existing posted 25 MPH speed limit. Input from the adjacent homeowners’ associations and country club also helped spur the change.
The new pavement marking pattern provides for a single travel lane in each direction, eliminating the opportunity to pass and thus providing for calmer traffic flow. There is a two-foot wide buffer area separating the travel lane from the next lane to the right. The right lane, which is marked with diamond symbols designating it as a “special use lane”, is for use by bikes and golf carts only. On the far right side, there is a 6-foot wide shoulder, which provides a space for pedestrians to walk or jog, well-separated from the higher-speed motor vehicle traffic.
Drivers turning right into side streets or driveways should safely merge into the bike/golf cart lane just before their turn. Motorists should not turn across the path of bikes or golf carts coming from behind, but always merge with that traffic and turn from the rightmost portion of the pavement.
As per state law and safety guidelines, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic, and should utilize the outside shoulder area that has been provided. Vehicles are still permitted to park along Green Tree Blvd. in the outside shoulder area when necessary, but residents are encouraged to keep vehicles in their driveways and off this roadway as much as possible to allow room for pedestrians to remain separated from traffic.
New Traffic Pattern
