Residents of Tracey Hills voiced significant concerns during a recent government meeting regarding transportation accessibility and traffic congestion in their community. Many highlighted the challenges faced due to the community's remote location, particularly the lengthy wait times for rideshare services, which can take up to 25 minutes. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of direct access to major roads, with residents advocating for the opening of the Lammers Road exit to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.
One resident pointed out that the current infrastructure, including the single-lane roads leading into the community, poses risks during emergencies, especially with the planned addition of over 18,000 homes in the area. The potential for increased traffic and bottlenecks was a recurring theme, with calls for a reassessment of traffic studies that many residents believe do not accurately reflect peak hour conditions.
Another resident raised concerns about a mud road that had been temporarily opened during emergencies but is currently closed. They urged local officials to consider reopening it for emergency access, emphasizing the need for reliable routes for emergency services.
The meeting also featured discussions about the inadequacy of existing traffic studies, with some residents arguing that they fail to account for the full scope of traffic generated by new developments and daily commutes. The need for a comprehensive traffic analysis that considers all hours of the day was emphasized, as many residents experience significant delays during peak commuting times.
Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for improved transportation infrastructure and emergency access in Tracey Hills, as residents seek solutions to alleviate the growing congestion and accessibility issues in their community.