Do you remember my May 23, 2011 story and photos titled Westside Story – Dukes of Hazard?
The story provided a description of the aftermath of one more reckless driver racing down Gravelly Lake Drive SW. As she sped southbound down on Gravelly Lake Drive SW, which is a 30 M.P.H. zone, she straightened out Gravelly as it bends right towards Nyanza Road SW. She hit the curb, became airborne, sliced the lawn, smashed through the solid brick fence, tore out some trees and landed on a welcome mat to the front door of a residential condominium. The car smashed through the front door and drove inside the home right up to the upstairs staircase.
During my 42 years as a resident of Lakewood, I have seen this kind of traffic calamity repeat itself in this very same location on numerous occasions. While it is impossible to happen if a driver is moving at the posted 30 M.P.H. speed limit, there are those among us who ignore speed limit signs.
One of the benefits of living in the City of Lakewood is the fact that the city tries to solve community problems.
A solution is now in the works, by City of Lakewood Public Works. The Dukes of Hazard style airborne car ramp has been removed. In its place is a rock wall.
As history repeats itself in the future, the reckless drivers will hit the wall instead of the resident’s front door. The hope is the wall will stop or slow them down before they are able to cross the front door welcome mat. This will certainly provide some level of protection for the innocent City of Lakewood citizens living beyond the old car launch ramp.
For those of us who choose to obey the 30 M.P.H. speed limit, the rock wall will pose no hazard.
When the project is finished, I will try to provide you with an updated photo and story depicting the final solution.
Thank you City of Lakewood.
