Steiner Ranch - Quinlanpark entrance (Hudson, Hudson Bend: cul-de-sac, best neighborhood, 2009)

[Mikey0915]

I am looking into buying a house in Steiner Ranch but I am concerned about the Qunilan Park entrance right on 620. Especially getting into the Steiner Ranch from 620 is a bit dangeraous while the cars are zipping past more then 65 mph. Are they planning to lower the speed limits in this area and also add more left lanes?

Also is there anything being done to improve the flow of traffic in the morning and evening rush hour? Escpecially when there is still lot more new construction that may last for next 3 to 4 years.

Mike

[CATXTransplant]

There is a turn arrow to turn in. The line is usually long to get in, but the light is timed well and it doesn't take too long. You should check out the Valley at Eastridge in SR. it's the best neighborhood for entering/exiting via Steiner Ranch Blvd.

[mm57553]

IMO, the entrance at Steiner Ranch Blvd is much more dangerous. There is no light, and it's somewhat difficult to see because of a slight hill.

Like CATXTransplant said, the light at Quinlan Park is actually very well timed. The line to turn into Steiner may be long (especially at 5:00-6:00), but you will find that it moves very quickly, so you won't be there long. I have spent MUCH more time in line half as long on 360, Ben White, Brodie, etc. And it is a protected light.

Of the accidents I've seen there, most are people stopped at the light who are rear-ended, which has nothing to do with oncoming traffic. The one serious accident (fatality) I remember occurred because an older driver had a heart attack while driving and crossed into the other lanes. But again, that had nothing to do with the intersection itself.

We have lived in Steiner and have never had an issue with the intersection - either waiting long or safety-related.

[Joe0109]

It probably can take one more access point.

[CATXTransplant]

Yes, it could use another, but where? The Steiner Ranch Blvd. exit isn't so bad if you use the extra lane, then merge in.

[FromCalitoSteinerRanch]

I have been right across from the church, at 5:30PM, and it takes only two signal timings to get into the neighborhood. I don't personally mind that at all.

[verybadgnome]

A huge problem of modern developments is the lack of connectivity within the developments as well as a dearth of ways in/out of them. I'll take my conventional grid pattern with multiple outlets onto multiple arterials in old suburbia over these modern "dead worm"/cul de sac-laden developments any day.

[mm57553]

Originally Posted by verybadgnome

A huge problem of modern developments is the lack of connectivity within the developments as well as a dearth of ways in/out of them. I'll take my conventional grid pattern with multiple outlets onto multiple arterials in old suburbia over these modern "dead worm"/cul de sac-laden developments any day.

This is intentional. They don't want people cutting through the neighborhoods to get where they're going. For a while there was talk of connecting Steiner Ranch and River Place, but that was shot down because people would just use it as a way to cut through to 2222. As a Steiner resident, I like that aside from the 2 main thoroughfares, there is hardly any traffic.

[jobert]

Originally Posted by mm57553

This is intentional. They don't want people cutting through the neighborhoods to get where they're going. For a while there was talk of connecting Steiner Ranch and River Place, but that was shot down because people would just use it as a way to cut through to 2222. As a Steiner resident, I like that aside from the 2 main thoroughfares, there is hardly any traffic.

You're right. This type of development is so awesome, that the state of Virginia has outlawed it:

New Virginia Rules Target Cul-de-Sacs - washingtonpost.com

[mm57553]

Originally Posted by jobert

You're right. This type of development is so awesome, that the state of Virginia has outlawed it:

New Virginia Rules Target Cul-de-Sacs - washingtonpost.com

But they are getting rid of them to save the state money, not because people don't like them. In fact, they are safer. As the article mentions, criminals target places that have an easy escape. I will also dare say that my kid riding a bike around the cul-de-sac is a lot safer than riding it on a thoroughfare. And as far as emergency vehicles being able to reach homes in these "closed" areas, well the Hudson Bend Fire department has a station about 1/2 mile from my house - in Steiner Ranch. I'm pretty sure they could get here quickly - probably even more quickly since they don't have any traffic to contend with.

And as far as the arguement of cul-de-sac subdivisions hindering pedestrian-friendly developement, well we chose to live in Steiner because it WAS pedestrian friendly. I can walk to a small grocery, coffee shop, nail salon, convenience store, three restaurants, etc. Allowing for through traffic would only make it less so.

Long story short, people DO think they are pretty awesome, which is why cul-de-sac lots have a higher value. The state of VA is just trying to save a buck.