Many of you may be aware that the Transportation and Public Works (TPW) department of the City of Dallas has recently conducted traffic studies on portions of Skillman and Abrams, including the portion of Skillman bordering our neighborhood. Please see below for background info.

TPW presented the results of the studies at a public meeting on Nov. 7, 2024 at the Lakewood Library.
– Skillman presentation (PDF)
– Abrams presentation (PDF)

There are two surveys open for public comment – one for Skillman and one for Abrams. After reviewing the presentations, feel free to use the appropriate survey(s) for your feedback. The comment period will close on Nov. 30, 2024.
– Skillman survey
– Abrams survey

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BACKGROUND

After receiving comments from the public about the safety of Skillman & Abrams and after performing an initial review of traffic conditions and incidents, the city’s TPW department agreed to perform traffic studies on these two corridors.

The studies began in fall 2023 and have taken about one year to complete. Here are the steps:

1. Assess the existing conditions
This involved placing traffic data capturing devices along the corridors and gathering that data. Types of data gathered were:
– Number of vehicles driving along each corridor
– Number of vehicles entering & exiting each corridor
– Speed of vehicles
– Traffic backups
The data was all annotated with the day of the week, time of day, and other useful info.
TPW also analyzed crash, speeding, and other moving violation data.
They also gathered input & comments from the public.

2. Determine whether alternative traffic corridor designs should be considered
If the data indicate that alternative traffic corridor designs should be considered, then TPW would analyze which alternative designs would best serve all the needs and goals of the corridors – those of motorists, pedestrians, effective traffic management, etc.

3. Finalize the recommended transportation improvements
This is where we are now.
TPW creates an initial set of recommended changes to the traffic corridors.
They then communicate these initial recommendations to the public and to city government stakeholders and solicit feedback.
Feedback is considered and possibly incorporated into the recommended changes.
Any recommendations must be approved by the City Council or one of its commissions.
If approved, budget must be allocated and actual work must be scheduled.

The details are all available on TPW’s Skillman and Abrams Traffic Study website.