I totally agree. Hadn't been to that location in months, but was there yesterday and my confusion almost created an accident. Thanks.

As it turns out there is a merge sign which clearly indicates the right lane must merge with the left lane, please see the attached image. This merge sign is placed in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The driver of the vehicle in the lane that is ending, which is the right lane, is supposed to yield to the vehicles in the other lane. Right lane drivers need to use a turn signal to indicate they are merging into the left lane of traffic, so the other drivers will know a vehicle is making a lane change.

Additional signage is not the solution in this situation. Although it seems reasonable more signage is a solution, unnecessary signage could decrease the effectiveness of the signs that are there. With more signs it is unclear which signs to pay attention to. If there are too many signs or procedure warnings, some may be overlooked and an incident may occur. It is important to note, signage used in the City of Burlington is placed in accordance with the MUTCD to avoid these kinds of situations. Due to this reasoning, DPW Staff would not recommend placing additional signage at this location.

Ultimately, some people drive in a hazardous manner. I would suggest if you feel unsafe at any time please call the Burlington Police Department (BPD). In an emergency please dial 911. If you would like to discuss this matter with the BPD please call them at (802)658-2704. Feel free to call me directly should you have any further questions. The Department of Public Works has resolved this request. Thanks for helping to keep Burlington a great place to live and work.

Best,

Phillip Peterson, Associate Engineer
Burlington Department of Public Works
645 Pine Street
Burlington, VT 05402
802-865-5832 (desk phone)
802-598-8356 (cell phone)
ppeterson@burlingtonvt.gov

“Please note that this communication and any response to it will be maintained as a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Vermont Public Records Act.”

Mr. Peterson - I am incredibly disappointed with your response and am reopening this topic for multiple reasons:

1) RELYING ON GOOGLE MAPS TO INVALIDATE A CITIZEN’S REPORT IS POOR DUE DILIGENCE. Drive that portion of road to see that NO MERGE SIGN EXISTS. I just used my own spare time to do what you should have done with my tax dollars. As I hope you can see from the attached photo taken 8/19/2020 there is no merge sign which means DPW is not in accordance with the MUTCD. Google Maps imagery for that location appears to be from 10/2014.

2) Additionally, the "Two Way Traffic Ahead" sign on the right side of the road across from the missing merge sign is totally covered by overgrowth. It can barely be seen in the attached photo. Therefore, there is absolutely no merge warning until 500 feet before the merge completes where drivers see "Divided Highway Ends 500 ft" signs on either side of the road. This is not sufficient warning for drivers to react. Clear the sign overgrowth.

3) If DPW is following MUTCD guidelines shouldn't the merging lane have lane-transition pavement markings (arrows) as described in Section 3B.09? https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part3/part3b.htm#section3B09

I witness the merge issues at this location every day. My goal in reporting this problem is to help make that section of road safer before it results in accidents or lost lives. I will not let you dismiss it so carelessly. I would suggest that you ensure DPW fixes these issues immediately. Thanks in advance.

This issue has been reopened. Per policy, please determine next steps with your supervisor to bring this issue to closure.

Traffic crew has replaced the merge sign.

The Department of Public Works has resolved this request. Thanks for helping to keep Burlington a great place to live and work.