By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Dec. 6, 2002
Christmas shoppers take note: City officials have changed traffic patterns at two busy intersections serving Bonita Lakes Mall and the new Wal-Mart Supercenter.
The changes were made at intersections where Virginia Drive meets Bonita Lakes Drive, and where Second Avenue meets Virginia Drive. Officials said both changes were made to ease traffic problems for motorists.
The changes include:
Eastbound motorists on Virginia Drive will no longer be allowed to turn left onto Bonita Lakes Drive;
Eastbound motorists on Second Avenue South the street that connects the Wal-Mart Supercenter to Virginia Drive will no longer have to stop at the intersection of Virginia Drive before turning right or left. Instead, motorists on Virginia Drive will have to stop at stop signs standing at both ends before proceeding straight or turning onto Second Avenue South.
Lofton said it's important for motorists to understand that in the first change, there are two other ways to get to the South Frontage Road from the Wal-Mart Supercenter area without having to turn left onto Bonita Lakes Drive.
And the second change, Lofton said, is designed to "ease the congestion caused when motorists on Second Avenue South try to turn left onto Virginia Drive in order to access Bonita Lakes Drive and the mall."
While the changes come at the Christmas shopping season, they will be in place permanently.