IMPACT on Muir of KY HW 715 Rerouting

[ems]

Could someone explain to me why 715 needs to be rerouted in the first place?

[pkananen]

I just received an email back from (Charles) David Martin:

[quote="David Martin"]Thank you for your concern about this planning study. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) continually strives to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive areas such as the Muir Valley Nature Preserve. Additionally, with the state’s current budget situation, it is highly possible that any new alignments in this area may not be feasible both from a construction cost standpoint along with the associated potential adverse environmental impacts.

With so many roadway needs throughout the state, KYTC is looking to improve its current roadway network through its “Practical Solutionsâ€

[Wes]

Could someone explain to me why 715 needs to be rerouted in the first place?

Have you ever tried to ride a bike on that stretch of road? Ever been nearly run over by a big simi-truck while trying to pull into/out of Miguel's/Beer Trailer/Roadside/Global Village/Torrent/RRO? So, while I think that losing even a small part of Muir would really, really suck (and not in a good way), the idea of moving truck traffic of of 715 is a great idea all around, that will benefit climbers and others, and also maybe save a life or two. Those of you that camp at Miguel's won't have to listen to jake brakes all night, or early in the am, you won't have to scream at your belayer while climbing at torrent if a truck goes by, etc.

So, I haven't really looked at all the options, but maybe when you all are writing your letters, the options that preserve Muir, and still move the truck traffic should be the one you support.

[camhead]

Could someone explain to me why 715 needs to be rerouted in the first place?

Have you ever tried to ride a bike on that stretch of road? Ever been nearly run over by a big simi-truck while trying to pull into/out of Miguel's/Beer Trailer/Roadside/Global Village/Torrent/RRO? So, while I think that losing even a small part of Muir would really, really suck (and not in a good way), the idea of moving truck traffic of of 715 is a great idea all around, that will benefit climbers and others, and also maybe save a life or two. Those of you that camp at Miguel's won't have to listen to jake brakes all night, or early in the am, you won't have to scream at your belayer while climbing at torrent if a truck goes by, etc.

So, I haven't really looked at all the options, but maybe when you all are writing your letters, the options that preserve Muir, and still move the truck traffic should be the one you support.

I might be a bit confused at your reasons, Wes, but isn't the road you are talking about route 11, not 715?

[Wes]

Could someone explain to me why 715 needs to be rerouted in the first place?

Have you ever tried to ride a bike on that stretch of road? Ever been nearly run over by a big simi-truck while trying to pull into/out of Miguel's/Beer Trailer/Roadside/Global Village/Torrent/RRO? So, while I think that losing even a small part of Muir would really, really suck (and not in a good way), the idea of moving truck traffic of of 715 is a great idea all around, that will benefit climbers and others, and also maybe save a life or two. Those of you that camp at Miguel's won't have to listen to jake brakes all night, or early in the am, you won't have to scream at your belayer while climbing at torrent if a truck goes by, etc.

So, I haven't really looked at all the options, but maybe when you all are writing your letters, the options that preserve Muir, and still move the truck traffic should be the one you support.

I might be a bit confused at your reasons, Wes, but isn't the road you are talking about route 11, not 715?

Yep. But, I think the goal of rerouting/improving 715, is so they can move traffic off of 11. Again, I might not be fully up to date on everything, but that is my understanding of the overall goal. A lot has to do with the State Park and the small Biz on 11.

[Meadows]

The project goals are listed in this document: http://planning.kytc.ky.gov/projects/pr ... 0Goals.pdf

[jordancolburn]

I got the same email back too. Very quick response, and it shows they're at least paying attention.

[woodchuck008]

I'm writing a REAL letter, on letterhead and all that as sometimes paper ones to present at meetings hold a bit more influence than e-letters. Can't imagine how they would even consider this. If anything, just widen spots, improve intersections and slow down that 55 limit around those curves please.

[Wes]

The project goals are listed in this document: http://planning.kytc.ky.gov/projects/pr ... 0Goals.pdf

Cool, thanks! I don't see much about plans for 11 there, but to me, it seems crazy to reroute/rebuild 715 when 11 is already a big enough road to handle the traffic to/from the parkway. But, if they extended scenic roadway status to 11 from the parkway to just past the beer trailer, then the trucks would have to go the 715 route. And, that is one of the points of Hal Rodgers campaign, according to Liz's post a bit back.

[Meadows]

I'm writing a REAL letter, on letterhead and all that as sometimes paper ones to present at meetings hold a bit more influence than e-letters.

Do both! Shows just how concerned you are to make sure the letter arrives. Maybe they'll count it twice.