Discussions

Reston said "it to be getting even worse now that they put a no turn sign onto pacific on first street - now lot more people will use 18th street "

If everyone would read the signs it may be an issue but the "No Left Turn" signs aren't being abided anyways so traffic is getting backed up on first anyways. Its just going to be a frustrating time getting over the river/tracks until these bridges are fixed.  
 
Edited by Tradespinner, 2015-12-23 07:57:36

Timetowakeup said "I overheard a possible solution that sounded like it might work. As the 8th street bridge is closed due to its reduced weight capacity for structural integrity. If the 8th street bridge was reopened as a single lane northbound only you would reduce the maximum possible load by 50%. With this bridge being in the middle of 1st and 18th and accessible easily from the line for both bridges it could filter some of the traffic from the current volume. I was shocked very simple cost effective and as long as the engineering report supports it I really think it may be viable. They may have to lengthen the east west light at the north end of the bridge to accommodate those using 8th st and the level crossing at 26th but it is worth researching IMO "

They had the 8th bridge as a one way before they closed it permanently. Going North if I can remember correctly.

Why is no one using the second lane? Every time I have had to drive down 18th, there hasn't been more than one or two cars using the second lane. Add to this, the line up for the first lane is often all the way back to BU.  
 

Kann said "Why is no one using the second lane? Every time I have had to drive down 18th, there hasn't been more than one or two cars using the second lane. Add to this, the line up for the first lane is often all the way back to BU.     "

Shhhh!!! Don't let the secret out for those of us who can read signs.

I take the outside lane all the time now that traffic can merge. Plus I merge at the bridge not 3 blocks back. It's like people are scared they won't be let in. Most people don't get the purpose of the merge and that things will move quicker if they use both lanes.

I won't use these lanes as I tried recently and was not let in for about 4 vehicle. Maybe it was because it was around Xmas season and the right lane was known to be used by impatient people before? Also, is the bridge turn off on pacific a place people are supposed to take turns? I use this often after work daily and never have I been let in and have to wait for the light to change to red so that it is clear. I am by no means a push over driver but it appears that whenever I have been on the bridge people are driving bumper to bumper to appear that they are not able to let people merge.

prissy02 said "I won't use these lanes as I tried recently and was not let in for about 4 vehicle. Maybe it was because it was around Xmas season and the right lane was known to be used by impatient people before? Also, is the bridge turn off on pacific a place people are supposed to take turns? I use this often after work daily and never have I been let in and have to wait for the light to change to red so that it is clear. I am by no means a push over driver but it appears that whenever I have been on the bridge people are driving bumper to bumper to appear that they are not able to let people merge. "

"Also, is the bridge turn off on pacific a place people are supposed to take turns?"  
 
I believe there is a yield sign there. You have to wait until it is safe to enter the 18th St. traffic stream.

I think a lot of people are simply too scared to take the chance. You can't be a sissy when merging. You have to turn your signal on and start moving over. It is your right to do that. People will let you in. It's the law at that corner. If you are being overly cautious and taking too much time to merge then people get impatient and drive on. It takes cooperation and working together for it to work.

and wrong.  
 
It is not your right to merge into the space that I currently occupy, regardless of your signal.  
 
It is not "the law at that corner".  
 
There is no place on a 2 lane road where the vehicle in one lane has the right of way to move into a space occupied by a vehicle in another.  
 
Common sense would dictate that if there is adequate space to move safely from one lane to another you are free to do so. If there is adequate space ahead of me or behind me you are welcome to move into it. When you are beside me, there is no requirement that I adjust my speed to facilitate your changing lanes.

I avoid this spot at all costs usually lol. I will often just turn into the strip mall with M&M's and come out the other way. However, yesterday I decided to give it a try and it went so smoothly Hopefully drivers are finally realizing how merging works and how it does allow traffic to flow smoother and faster. I laugh every time I read "take turns"

I hope I haven't been doing thing wrong for a whole bunch of years when it comes to merging, my understanding was that merging traffic always yields to the stream of traffic and one merges only when safe to do so.  
Sammy, I have given it a bit of thought to do as you mentioned, but so far have not done so. I have at times seen situations of road rage and for some reason I think if I took that route someone would track me down and run into our old car.

The whole point of the merge at that spot is to prevent long lines of cars in the inside lane. If everyone would be patient and "use both lanes" as is stated on the billboard, merge at the point just before Pacific, then the lines are shorter and movement if vehicles is smoother. Both lanes have a right to merge at that point.  
 
Why do drivers in Brandon have to be so stubborn, stoopid about a very simple concept.

Spades!! said "The whole point of the merge at that spot is to prevent long lines of cars in the inside lane. If everyone would be patient and "use both lanes" as is stated on the billboard, merge at the point just before Pacific, then the lines are shorter and movement if vehicles is smoother. Both lanes have a right to merge at that point.     Why do drivers in Brandon have to be so stubborn, stoopid about a very simple concept. "

you just said it yourself - it's a billboard so you're wrong it's NOT the law . Merging does not work nore make traffic flow faster with several lights interrupting the flow and people slowing down as soon as they on the bridge. Merging is great on 2 lanes going a steady speed and people actually know how to do it and you don't have any of this happening in Brandon.....

I actually laughed out loud really hard when I saw these signs....they think this will solve all the problems?!  
Take turns...haha....yes because "merging" it has worked so well up until now, all the idiots who race up the right side and then cut you off at the last moment to get in... the addition of the signs were all that was needed to have everyone "drive nice" and "play fair"!

Give your head a shake !!!

Spades!! said "I take the outside lane all the time now that traffic can merge. Plus I merge at the bridge not 3 blocks back. It's like people are scared they won't be let in. Most people don't get the purpose of the merge and that things will move quicker if they use both lanes. "

Traffic always could merge at that location. It's just that nobody, with the exception of a few who don't go "baaaaa", would actually use the right lane. With the construction on 1st, 18th is going to get really congested going northbound, so the city must have decided to remind the sheep that there are actually TWO WHOLE LANES on 18th north of Victoria.

I don't see how merging is going to help. Only so many cars can cross the bridge regardless of how many lanes come up to it. The only thing it will do is keep the traffic from going all the way back to Victoria.

This thread will be active for 5 years. When the 18th street bridge will be completed. Adapt to new things people!

Spades!! said "The whole point of the merge at that spot is to prevent long lines of cars in the inside lane. If everyone would be patient and "use both lanes" as is stated on the billboard, merge at the point just before Pacific, then the lines are shorter and movement if vehicles is smoother. Both lanes have a right to merge at that point.     Why do drivers in Brandon have to be so stubborn, stoopid about a very simple concept. "

It is well established for some 30 + years, that you will have to get on the left lane at some point before the 18th st. bridge. Part of what comes with driving is scanning ahead for hazards, lane closures etc. ! Why there has not been anything to fix that problem is troubling. Contrary to a few people to keep chirping 'until the cows go home' , that stupid overhead sign that says right turn only trumps any line paintings on the street. I guess the only the other solution is to stop people from turning right on Princess Ave onto 18th st (the lesser of the two problems in my opinion). But again, how silly of those who can actually think and read a sign (a problem there, on Park Ave and now the Skating Oval of what it sounds like!). If you blatantly racing down the right lane and budge your way in, you are the problem. You somehow got the provincial government to side with you with a temporary billboard over a screw up which they created a long time ago. If that calls some of us stubborn, atleast we're proud of it! Don't bother replying in response to this, you got death ears here and those who actually think. Avoiding the area might ones best bet in the meantime.  
 
On a related note, I had no problems on Wednesday on 1st st. going south on the north hill and having to go on the right lane just past the lights at Kircaldy. Atleast that's a somewhat natural lane closure how its set up.  

don brown said "I hope I haven't been doing thing wrong for a whole bunch of years when it comes to merging, my understanding was that merging traffic always yields to the stream of traffic and one merges only when safe to do so.   Sammy, I have given it a bit of thought to do as you mentioned, but so far have not done so. I have at times seen situations of road rage and for some reason I think if I took that route someone would track me down and run into our old car. "

I kinda think it was one of your old posts that made me consider this option!  
 
It actually ended up sort of being forced on me lol. When I would leave natural wellness clinic, I often couldn't get into the far lane and would get stuck for awhile as not too many would let me merge before the bridge (likely thinking I was trying to butt in line and didn't get into the lane back at Vic lol ) so I tried it. It works beautifully every time Hopefully no one road rages me but if they do, I'm ready for a new car so that would be fine hehe

I think you'll be fine, regardless what we all complain about when talking of Brandon drivers the majority have patience, and unless they are having a really bad day seem to behave well.

That is why the signs have been put up. So many people are unable to grasp the right way to deal with this situation. Now the directions you need have been provided.

I've noticed that most people still seem to like following the crowd into the slow lane. No complaints from me, means less waiting in the right lane

One lane isn't the major slow down, It's the lights that prevent continuous loading of the bridge.  
Yes it increases traffic flow if traffic obeyed the signs according to what the signage says. Here is why: If people would merge where it says "merge here" than at least 3+ additional cars would be in the right lane after the rossar lights turn red. That means at least 3 additional cars make it through.  
2nd proper merging wouldn't make it take twice as long but only slow down the left side by about a 3rd. that probably adds another 2 plus cars per light change.  
3rd it's better for your wallet. A more constant flow means a lower fuel consumption and lower greenhouse emissions.  
4th If people were to show each other common courtesy while using that stretch of the road, It would improve everyone's mood.  
 
However there is a better fix. How? by making it possible for the bridge to always be loaded on the side with one lane traffic. Currently the Red lights make sure there are gaps where no one uses the bridge. In reality it is not the one lane that creates the slower traffic but the lights which prevent the bridge to be loaded at all time.  
How to fix: 2 lanes northbound, one lane southbound with must zipper merge signage in place.  
Why is it fixed:  
1St.it ensures that the single lane is used for a minimum distance necessary, not 20 blocks ahead of time.  
2nd less lights before the merge creating a more constant flow over the bridge and a more continuous loading of the bridge and  
3rd first light after the bridge they are already back to 2 lanes maximizing flow through the lights  
 
Downside emergency vehicles Maybe

Basically if you have the idea that screw everyone this won't work....you are part of the problem. Anything won't work if you don't want it to work. Two lanes can merge smooth if one wants to. The problem comes when you have those that want to screw the right lane and hug bumpers all the way....or what really helps is they floor it at the green light so the right lane cannot merge in.....which actually helps as then it opens a gap big enough a semi could merge....or 2-3 cars. Then you have the car that won't accelerate until the intersection is cleared. I have no idea why one must wait 3-4 seconds for the car in front of them to start going. But...In light of the slow acceleration this also allowed a gap between vehicles that allows a right lane car to move in. Then you also have the crotch starers.....For some reason drivers are fixated on looking between their legs at red lights.....again on a green light it takes a few seconds to realize they are sitting there with a 200 foot gap in front of them....but it allows an extra car or two to merge from the right lane. Just for shits and giggles why not you guys in the left lane time it when there is traffic built up. If you are south of princess I find it takes 2 lights to go one block. If I am backed up to Lorne it takes about 3-4 lights to get me to the bridge. Even if nobody wants to let me in going down the right side I make it in less that 2 lights over the bridge.  
 
Those people that come on here saying it doesn't work....park at M&M area and watch traffic for a minute. You will see so many chances to make it work, it is just the ignorance of other drivers that make it not. Oh.....and those in the right lane when there is a gap MOVE OVER!!!! So many times I see those in the right waiting and slowing down to almost parking in the middle of the road.....change lanes or sit in the left lane with the rest if you are not comfortable changing lanes.  
 
Edited by Fishin Guy, 2016-01-04 11:27:13

Fishin Guy said "Basically if you have the idea that screw everyone this won't work....you are part of the problem. Anything won't work if you don't want it to work. Two lanes can merge smooth if one wants to. The problem comes when you have those that want to screw the right lane and hug bumpers all the way....or what really helps is they floor it at the green light so the right lane cannot merge in.....which actually helps as then it opens a gap big enough a semi could merge....or 2-3 cars. Then you have the car that won't accelerate until the intersection is cleared. I have no idea why one must wait 3-4 seconds for the car in front of them to start going. But...In light of the slow acceleration this also allowed a gap between vehicles that allows a right lane car to move in. Then you also have the crotch starers.....For some reason drivers are fixated on looking between their legs at red lights.....again on a green light it takes a few seconds to realize they are sitting there with a 200 foot gap in front of them....but it allows an extra car or two to merge from the right lane. Just for shits and giggles why not you guys in the left lane time it when there is traffic built up. If you are south of princess I find it takes 2 lights to go one block. If I am backed up to Lorne it takes about 3-4 lights to get me to the bridge. Even if nobody wants to let me in going down the right side I make it in less that 2 lights over the bridge.     Those people that come on here saying it doesn't work....park at M&M area and watch traffic for a minute. You will see so many chances to make it work, it is just the ignorance of other drivers that make it not. Oh.....and those in the right lane when there is a gap MOVE OVER!!!! So many times I see those in the right waiting and slowing down to almost parking in the middle of the road.....change lanes or sit in the left lane with the rest if you are not comfortable changing lanes.     Edited by Fishin Guy, 2016-01-04 11:27:13"

And many think the straight through lane begins at Victoria. Yet it's dashed line from Victoria all the way to just past the turn off to Tokyo Zone. But then again apparently the lines on the road mean nothing.

Honestly the big issue I have seen here, is drivers in the right lane have no idea what to do once they get past Rosser Avenue. Drivers in the left lane back off to let drivers in the right lane in but the drivers in the right lane turn their signal lights on but then are very hesitant to get into the lane, even though there is lots of room.

ultraguy said "I've noticed that most people still seem to like following the crowd into the slow lane. No complaints from me, means less waiting in the right lane "

exactly. If you are willing to merge that whole location is pretty painless and quick the way it is.  
 
For those saying its dumb to blow by 4 blocks of traffic?? Think about that for a minute. If your willing to sit in the line up and wait that's your deal. Don't get mad at those who are using an open lane!!

Well the reason would be that u live on earth and its not all about YOU as shocking as that might sound to YOU. Soon we will be down to 2 lanes on the bridge and we need to use both lanes before the bridge to help ease the flow...  

The_Young_Man said "Honestly the big issue I have seen here, is drivers in the right lane have no idea what to do once they get past Rosser Avenue. Drivers in the left lane back off to let drivers in the right lane in but the drivers in the right lane turn their signal lights on but then are very hesitant to get into the lane, even though there is lots of room. "

That's because people don't know how to shoulder check. Either that or they are too lazy to do so. If those in the right lane would signal and shoulder check, they would probably find that someone has left them plenty of room to merge in. I will back off to let someone in who has signalled, but I won't stop or wait too long because now I would be impeding traffic.  
 
Signal, shoulder check, merge. Simple as that.  
 
BTW - do NOT stop to let cars enter from Pacific. That's dangerous. They will have plenty of time to enter 18th during the light cycle at Rosser.