First issue: constructing a four-way traffic light intersection at Emlen Street goes directly against modern intersection design, i.e., backwards and dangerous, and will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and also cost taxpayers $6-8,000 annually in electricity, replacements and repairs. Almost every traffic designer knows that roundabouts are about 95% safer than traffic light controlled intersections. Slower traffic merging into one lane going the same direction, and no head-on collisions: 95% safer.

Also, instead of waiting for the light to change, you just continue on your way going slowly around. Saving gas, too. Correcting the awkward existing half roundabout is far less expensive, will be much safer and has no annual electricity nor repair costs for taxpayers.

Second issue: the existing two lanes on the twisty sections of Lincoln have always been too narrow for two cars and ought to have been restricted to one lane decades ago.

Some lane paint and a few signs: little cost. Then open traffic back to two lanes where the existing Lincoln Drive is wider and straighter.

Simple, inexpensive and will make Lincoln Drive much safer for far less cost.

We have numerous one-lane roads in the park already; why not make the dangerously narrow two lanes into one lane where necessary, and use the safest intersection design, a properly designed roundabout to enter and leave Lincoln Drive at Emlen Street, to remedy these two issues?

The other bits and pieces proposed, like bumps, flashing lights and flexible barriers are exceedingly annoying, far too ugly for our lovely Drive in the Park, and do not solve anything safely, permanently nor effectively.

Back to the drawing board, please.

Gardner A. Cadwalader

Chestnut Hill