UPDATE POSTED AT 5 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 4:
The city of Danville Public Works Department this afternoon permanently converted Patton Street from one-way traffic to two-way traffic. The two-way conversion extends from Craghead Street to Ridge Street.
Traffic safety cones and safety barriers and signage are in place to channel traffic flow. Crews were unable to restripe the street due to the weather; however, the striping will be in place on Friday, weather permitting.
ORIGINAL STORY POSTED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3:
The city of Danville Public Works Department will permanently convert a stretch of Patton Street from one-way traffic to two-way traffic on Friday, April 5, weather permitting. The two-way conversion will extend from Craghead Street to Ridge Street.
The conversion is part of the River District master plan.
“We recognize this change will be a major adjustment for motorists because this section of Patton Street has been one-way for decades,” Public Works Director Rick Drazenovich said Wednesday. “However, this change will enhance traffic flow as we move forward with the streetscape project.”
Once motorists make the adjustment, Drazenovich believes the change will be welcome.
“It will allow for better traffic circulation through the River District, especially as the streetscape project construction continues on Main Street.” Drazenovich said. “Following completion of the project, it will continue to take some of the through traffic off Main Street. With less through traffic, Main Street will be more pedestrian friendly.”
Drazenovich also noted the two-way conversion of Patton Street would provide direct access for southbound traffic to the parking lots that many of the Main Street retailers offer behind their stores for their customers. These lots front Patton Street.
“With Patton Street one-way, these motorists had to go up Main Street and turn on Ridge Street to get to Patton Street,” he said. “Now, they will have a direct shot to Patton Street and these parking areas.”
The two-way conversion will provide one lane for northbound and one lane for southbound travel. Street parking will remain in the same locations with no loss in the number of spaces.
New turn-lane traffic patterns will be established at the intersection of Craghead Street and Patton Street and the intersection of Ridge Street and Patton Street. A right turn lane from Craghead Street to Patton Street will become available. The double left turn lanes on Ridge Street will become a single left turn lane.
Drazenovich advised motorists to be cautious at intersections as motorists adjust to the two-way traffic pattern. Message boards have been placed on Patton Street and Craghead Street to notify motorists of the new traffic pattern.
Public Works began the conversion this week with the milling of pavement on Patton Street. Paving was scheduled to begin Wednesday.
Weather permitting, crews will began restriping Patton Street on Thursday with a double yellow line down the middle of the street. The new traffic signal at Ridge Street is ready for operation to serve the two-way traffic.
The two-way conversion of Patton Street is part of the River District master plan, which includes a multi-phase streetscape project.
The first phase now under way focuses on Main Street from Memorial Drive and Craghead Street to Floyd Street and on North Union Street from Main Street to Spring Street. In addition to installing a storm drainage system, funds are being used to widen existing sidewalks, install brick pavers, create more visible and safer pedestrian crossings, and provide amenities such as outdoor café space, trees, benches and new lighting.
The second phase will create a plaza at the northwest corner of Main and Craghead streets that will feature a multi-stage fountain and a promenade.