Ten months since Ashland’s Main Street went on a dietand many Ashlanders aren’t sold on going slimmer.
“I don’t think the road diet works,” says Adam Hogan.
In October 2012 the city brought North Main Street from four lanes to three, its all in hopes to make the roads safer for vehicles and pedestrians.
Mike Faught is Ashland’s public works director,he says a study launched inJanuaryshows mixed results of the road make-over.
In some cases it has been better and in other cases its also been worse. The city hired a private engineering company to gather the dataon safety, speed, travel time, and bike and pedestrian use.
Faught says the road diet has created a decrease in car accidents so far this year there have only been three here on Maple and Main.
But drivers say the 180-thousand dollar diet carries too heavy a price tag for what its worth.
“I don’t think its helped it’s been an inconvenience for pedestrians,” says Alison Keith.
Others say they’re seeing benefits.
“I love that it’s slowed people down and I hope it will continue,” says Linda Whorton.
Now the City of Ashland wants to hear from you. Thursday they’ll post signs encouraging public feedbackbecause after all the road diet is just a trial based on results.
If you want to fill out the survey you can find it on the City of Ashland’s website. The City Council will be making their final decision in November.
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