lame_gaming t1_j2cspw0 wrote on December 31, 2022 at 7:45 AM

im voting #2 because it promises pedestrian accomodation

whilst #3 also says that, its a new complex intersection which means ppl would have to wait at lights and deal with high speed slip lanes

and yes my criteria for good infrastructure projects is good walk/bike/transit

FEdart t1_j2dr0f9 wrote on December 31, 2022 at 2:36 PM

As someone who grew up in the area, I actually prefer option 3. Adding a totally new on-ramp will infinitely ease congestion in Short Pump because folks from the Wyndham area will no longer be driving up to broad to get onto 64 during rush hour. There are a LOT of families that live in that area.

Additionally, it will split the exit traffic between people who want to use the area around the Target/the Whole Foods (or TJs) area -- who will continue to take the Broad exit -- and people who want to go to the mall -- who will start taking that Gayton exit.

Re. your point about pedestrian accommodation, I definitely empathize with that and wish Short Pump was much more walkeable (especially after spending time in larger, more pedestrian cities like Boston), but I don't think these half-assed measures are really going to do anything. Barring a larger overhaul, Short Pump will never become truly pedestrian friendly IMHO, especially not with the proposed changes.

Just my $0.02 as someone who is intimately familiar with the hellscape that is that Short Pump 64 on-ramp.

fl_man_in_rva t1_j2e0xpk wrote on December 31, 2022 at 3:51 PM

Growing up in and having lived in several suburban areas, I find short pump one of the more pedestrian friendly suburban areas. I know this is not how I'm told to feel about the area. From my house, within a 10-15 minute walk there's several restaurants, a couple grocery stores, a dog park, and a bunch of other shops. Before I bought this house, my apartment was also close to some things. Is it location? Of course, but my location is not unique given the number of subdivisions around mine.

Yeah, that 64 intersection is a hellscape and think both those changes will help some.

FEdart t1_j2e2178 wrote on December 31, 2022 at 3:59 PM

I’m guessing you live in that little townhouse area behind the TJs? That place is a little unique in that the area is very self contained (and pedestrian friendly!) I actually really like it and hope that model becomes more common across the US.

But for everyone else living in short pump, it’s not feasible to walk or bike from a place like Twin Hickory to the mall, even if the distance isn’t super onerous, and I think that’s what most of us are talking about. Even walking from the Target to the Regal Cinemas is not easy even though it’s less than a quarter of a mile or so.

homebma t1_j2ed0ji wrote on December 31, 2022 at 5:14 PM

So when everyone is hating on Short Pump do they mean somewhere other than the townhouses? I moved into one of those townhouses about a year ago and I think its a great spot to spend a few years now that I’m starting a family and I never understood all the grumbling about SP.

fl_man_in_rva t1_j2e63vf wrote on December 31, 2022 at 4:28 PM

I'm close to Publix. Pick the right light and biking there is feasible. I would probably try Lauderdale over Pump. A pedestrian bridge would be nice. And trying to get to the movie theater across pouncy tract is real life frogger.

If the criteria is the ability to get to the mall, sure it's not easy, but there's so much out here that's spread out all over the place.

When I was house hunting, I was shocked at the amount of people out and waking around in all the neighborhoods I drove through. I know my opinion of this area is in the minority.

I looked in twin hickory and the somewhat isolation was a negative for me.

RefrigeratorRater t1_j2dbvjd wrote on December 31, 2022 at 12:04 PM

Lol I’m trying to picture someone walking somewhere in Short Pump. “Hey honey, heading to the mall, I’ll be back… tomorrow!”

vampireboie t1_j2evnvy wrote on December 31, 2022 at 7:20 PM

Personally, as a resident of Wyndham, I prefer the interchange at Gayton Road because it would extend the multi-use pedestrian cycle path on Gayton road all the way to the mall (If you look in the design they removed one of the center lanes to add a 12 ft wide pavement). So if you want good walk/bike infrastructure, do option 3. I get that Diverging Diamonds aren't really pedestrian friendly, I don't like them either, but I think a good interchange there is necessary, and there's not really a lot of space.