UPDATE: NOVEMBER 2021
Here are valid reasons to oppose any traffic construction that includes a flyover, an overpass, an underpass, or any grade separation at Research Forest and Grogan's Mill. If you agree with even one of these reasons, let your voice be heard. Let's put a stop to this nonsense -- for good!
Share with your neighbors. Sign our Petition.
Copies of your comments and signature go directly to Decision Makers at multiple agencies.
1. Do you know what a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is? A DDI is the proposed recommendation for/by Precinct 3 at the RF/GM intersection.
Picture this (click here): Diverging Diamond Interchange (Illinois DOT)
2. Study recommendations unsupported by study data. Data presented in the Strand Associates' study (commissioned by Precinct 3; delivered 2021) do not warrant a massive transformation to urbanize the RF/GM intersection.
In traffic studies, Levels of Service (LOS) are analyzed at intersections to assess possible needs of improvement.
- There are 6 levels: LOS A, B, C, D, E, and F.
- The Strand Associates' report states: “LOS E is often considered to be the limit of acceptable delay and LOS F indicates a facility on which improvements are needed. Many communities and agencies establish LOS D as their minimum acceptable condition.” [emphasis added]
- Data indicate that the LOS at RF/GM, through the year 2045 (IF ABSOLUTELY NO IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE), is an LOS E and higher for overall intersection operations at Research Forest and Grogan’s Mill.
- The data also indicate that turning movements appear to be the issue. Therefore, a massive transformation of urbanization is not needed--the simple addition of turning lanes is a logical option.
Keep in mind, the intersection at RF/GM is actually four intersections.
3. Potential traffic impacts east and west of Research Forest/Grogan’s intersection. The problem is not at the Research Forest/Grogan’s intersection. In the Strand Associates' study, the current Research Forest corridor stretches from I-45 to Gosling Road. Notably, this includes eleven stoplights on Research Forest.
Even if a massive transformation of the RF/GM intersection were completed, the businesses on the RF corridor still require the other 10 traffic signals for customer ingress and egress. Therefore, it is logical to assert these lights would not be removed. It is also logical to assert that incorporating a diverging diamond interchange would only shave mere seconds off a drive east or west of this intersection on Research Forest – and at what cost?
We support:
- minimal at-grade improvements (i.e., turning lanes; improved signage, lane striping, lighting; line of sight augmentation). October 21, 2021 Township Meeting (Item 9)
- safety enhancements (i.e., pedestrian access and bicyclist mobility; law enforcement presence).
- quality of life for residents of The Woodlands and the City of Shenandoah.
- responsible approaches to travel, road use, and commuting in a COVID/post-COVID world.
- "We still have so many that are working virtually. We are hearing from several employers that are entertaining permanently working virtually two or three days per week." -- Mr. Gil Staley, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership CEO
- "Changes like working remotely, online shopping, telehealth are likely to stay in the post-COVID[-19] world and will have long-lasting impacts on employment." -- Hiranya Nath, Professor Economics at Sam Houston State University
- ExxonMobil scaled back their local workforces...voluntarily moving staff from The Woodlands to Spring facility. (Are the current circumstances in 2021 reflected by the old data collected in 2019?)
Bullet points regarding post-COVID may be found via the source:
Join us, your friends and neighbors, to put an end to the continuing push to devastate our community at this intersection. Sign this petition. Get involved. Thanks for your support!