Tram traffic takes a backseat on Udarska street in Biysk, thanks to the introduction of fresh signage granting precedence to vehicles.
Smooth Sailing No More: Traffic Woes and Tram Delays in Biysk
Recent changes in traffic configuration, such as the installation of traffic lights and the removal of black bags from road signs, have caused some turbulence in the road flow, affecting traffic on Martyanov Street and Udarny Street. While some drivers continue to disregard the new one-way rule at Voinov-Internatsionalistov Street, things haven't been easier for trams either.
Local history enthusiast and current city tram observer, Andrey Kokorin, pointed out the problems on his Telegram channel. The new traffic lights at a Biysk intersection have seemingly improved the overall flow of vehicular traffic, but they have resulted in the trams halting and waiting at uncustomary times, slowing down their journey. While other cities prioritize trams at traffic lights and maintain a steady schedule between stops, Biysk appears to be doing the opposite.
"Trams are no longer able to accelerate after the 'Novosibirskaya' stop due to these changes," Kokorin wrote on his channel. The potential repercussions of these delays were quickly raised among the audience.
- Traffic calved little to improve safety, it's just that now on Udarny Street you don't have to strain your neck waiting for a tram from the side (but this is not certain). - one commenter noted.
- In terms of road safety, there are no simple solutions. Competitive tram intersections with cars, let alone pedestrians, should be considered particularly dangerous. With a corresponding approach to organizing such intersections. Current traffic rules, building standards, and codes don't meet this approach. The discussed intersection is another example of road safety negligence.
In a surprising turn of events, even the mayor seems to be taking the advice of a 16-year-old resident, known online as Tramway, to improve tram travel in Biysk.
City of Biysk: A Work in Progress
Although information about the specific challenges and solutions related to these traffic issues in Biysk is scant, a closer look at factors affecting tram travel in general might offer some insights.
- Managing Traffic Patterns: Changes in traffic patterns, such as increased vehicle flow, altered lanes, and new infrastructure, can impact the efficiency and timing of trams. If appropriate measures, like prioritizing trams at traffic lights, aren't in place, the overall travel experience may be negatively affected.
- Pedestrian and Vehicle Interactions: Pedestrian traffic and vehicle-tram interactions at intersections can pose safety risks if not adequately managed. Proper planning and design, including barriers and signals, are crucial to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Road Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgrading roads, tram tracks, and other infrastructure may initially disrupt service but ultimately enable smoother and safer travel in the long run.
As the city works on resolving these issues, residents can only hope for a smoother journey ahead.
The traffic changes in Biysk, including the installation of traffic lights and one-way rules, are causing problems not only for cars but also for trams in the city's public-transit system.
Implementing a strategy that prioritizes trams at traffic lights, as other cities have done, could help improve overall timing and efficiency in Biysk's transportation industry, including public-transit and road safety.
