RECENT NEWS - Thornton Market
Thornton's Market: Curb along Main St
July 20, 2007
Mr. Jerry Horton,
Why was Thornton's market (corner of Saundersville Road and Main Street) able to extend their curb to the extreme edge of the outside lane of traffic on Main Street? They have eliminated a section of a TDOT Bike Route and will force bicycle traffic from the shoulder lane into the outside lane of traffic en route from Gallatin to Hendersonville. I'm aware there's a sidewalk, but it does not reconnect to the continuing shoulder after the Thornton market area. Also, when I'm in my car and I turn right from Saundersville Road on Main Street, the curb in that area is so close to the outside lane that I (and others) have to nearly enter the inside lane on Main Street, that is, almost take up two lanes during the turn, to avoid clipping the curb. All of the other new businesses along that corridor, such as the strip mall across the street and the Eckerd's, left the shoulder on Main Street intact during their construction phases. Can you explain? Thank you.
Frank Bowyer, IV
From: Bruce Day, July 23, 2007
Attached are some images of Thornton's. I did the Douglas Bend loop today and as I came South on Saundersville there was a traffic jam at this intersection. A standard issue 18 wheeler semi was trying to make a right turn west onto East Main. He had to swing all the way into the opposing left turn lane to negotiate th corner. Sadly, I was not able to get through in time to capture the moment and no other truck came down in the next 10 minutes. The pictures do show how much shoulder was taken and how most cars cheat past the white line, then swing wide into the left lane. Fortunately there appears to be plenty of room to move the curb back and recapture the shoulder.
From: David Hardin, July 24, 2007
To: Scott Foster
Scott, Some research images from Bruce Day on the Thortons issue.
From: Scott Foster, July 26, 2007 1:48 PM
To: David Hardin
David, Thanks to your information, we have completed a cursory review of the situation and there are several issues. Public Works is moving forward with the contractor and TDOT on resolving these matters. As soon as I know further details I will let you know.
It is my intent to regain the 6’ to 8’ shoulder along Gallatin Road. As with most issues involving multiple players, new store openings, and TDOT traffic signals it may take 60 to 90 days, so please be patient.
We thank Frank Bowyer, Bruce Day, David Hardin, and Mayor Scott Foster for their timely action to eliminate a potential safety hazard.
