Traffic engineering specifics on how TDK will destroy PTC

As traffic volumes increase the safety of our PTC streets will decline along with property value, air quality, and the quiet we enjoy in our homes. In ths US approximately 6,000 pedestrians are killed each year in the U.S. by automobiles and 55% of these fatalities occurred on neighborhood streets. For every pedestrian killed by a car, another 15 were injured. Speed is a major factor determining whether a pedestrian will be killed or injured by an automobile. A pedestrian is nine times more likely to die if struck by a car traveling at 30 mph compared to 20 mph. Other factors contributing to the high pedestrian accident rate on neighborhood streets include lack of adequate sidewalks, bike lanes, and crossings.

Traffic noise from the tens of thousands of future City of Mcintosh and City of East Coweta vehicles cutting through PTC via TDK will interfere with our sleep, conversation, and other neighborhood pursuits. About 2% of us are exposed to traffic noise at a level which affects health. Sound is measured in units known as decibels (dB) and highway noise is measured on an “A-weighted decibel” (dBA) scale. 70 dBA is eight times as loud as 60 dBA. The noise level in a library might be 30 dBA while an air conditioner would emit 60 dBA. Traffic volume, speed, and vehicle type all affect noise levels. At 2,000 vehicles per hour (vph) traffic noise will sound twice as loud as at 200 vph. Traffic moving at 65 mph will sound twice as loud as at 30 mph. And one Coweta-bound building supply truck traveling at 55 mph will sound as loud as 28 PTC cars moving at the same speed.

Traffic noise will have a significant
effect on PTC property values. A home located near a major highway will sell for one-fourth less when compared to one located along a quiet neighborhood
street. Heavy truck traffic lowers
property value at a rate 150 times greater than cars. This is because at 50 feet heavy trucks emit noise at 90 dBA while a car traffic produces noise at a level of 50 dBA.5 The coming increase in heavy truck traffic will also cause damage to nearby homes through vibrations
transmitted through the earth.

While some truck traffic is essential
on neighborhood streets (e.g. refuse
collection, delivery trucks, and fire
engines) an increase in trucks going to and from Coweta passing through our neighborhoods will lower PTC property values and overall quality of life.

A typical U.S. car emits enough pollution
to create five tons of carbon dioxide a
year. Cars and trucks produce half of
all toxic air pollution emitted in the U.S. Estimates indicate that air pollution from cars results in 120,000 premature deaths each year in the U.S. Traffic generated air pollution also accounts for $40-$50 billion in health care costs each year in this country.
Fayette County is already designated non-attainment for EPA air quaity standards!!

Traffic congestion is one of the most
frustrating and costly symptoms of
poorly regulated growth. Those of us
who commute to work to Atlanta by car spend about 400 hours a year behind the
wheel going to and from work. That's a lot of time spent unproductively. That wasted time will increase 50% to 100%!! THANKS, PTC POLITICIANS!!!