Although the intersection of Rolling and Old Keene Mill roads underwent a facelift by the Virginia Department of Transportation one year ago, accidents on the morning of Aug. 28 and Sept. 6 highlighted the danger that remains.
The combination of a 7-Eleven, Einstein Bagels and Texaco on one side, the Cardinal Forest Plaza and Shell station on another, an Exxon and Keene Mill Centre on the other corner and First Union on another presents a number of entrances and exits to increase the odds for an accident. In the office of Supervisor Elaine McConnell's (R-Springfield), office administrator Steve Edwards has reviewed the accident scenario.
"We'll continue to have problems with all the exits and entrances to the stores and gas stations. There's a lot of activity, it's very busy," he said.
AT THE GOODYEAR outlet in the Exxon, Gary High pointed out one of the problems as he looked out the door to the traffic.
"Look, there's a yield sign, and you can't always see the cars coming," he said.
One driver came in to use the phone after an accident, he remembered.
UPS driver Louis Veney goes through the intersection several times a day.
"You find a lot of accidents there. I come through it two or three times a day," he said.
Springfield resident James Carver doesn't think it's a problem right at the intersection, but right up Rolling Road, the entrance to the Cardinal Forest Plaza presents a problem.
"Everybody's trying to cut over to go in Giant and CVS. That may be one of the causes of the accidents. There's so many people in a hurry to go nowhere," he said.
NO SOLUTION is in sight for the intersection, though, if there is a solution at all. There are signs, turn lanes and islands, but the volume of cars continues to grow. Side roads for the businesses are a possible solution to cars coming off the main roads, but that would require more planning and additional space.
"We don't have any plans to do that type of improvement," Edwards said.
Behind Einstein's and 7-Eleven, which have parking lots that empty right onto Old Keene Mill, the entrances to the West Springfield Center are limited. Carpetland manager Sam Saied thinks another one of the islands on Old Keene Mill Road needs another break in it, so cars heading west can turn into the center parking lot. That would mean more cars turning in the path of through traffic.
"You cannot make a U-turn at the light. It's not going to make it more dangerous," he said.
Rahian Jay visits a friend at the townhouse behind First Union. He has a theory as well: bigger and brighter traffic lights.
"That might stop the accidents," he said.