After years of complaints about speeding drivers, crashes and safety concerns at an Oak Cliff intersection, residents are beginning to see progress toward changes they hope will make their neighborhood safer. The intersection of West Clarendon Drive and Coombs Creek Drive, near Martin Weiss Park, has been selected as part of the Better Block Foundation‘s “Better Intersections” pilot program. It’s an initiative focused on improving traffic safety through community-driven design and testing. Neighbors who live near the intersection say dangerous driving has been a longtime problem. Residents report drivers frequently going over the speed limit, creating a dangerous situation for people walking to the park and for families who live nearby. “We listen for the screech of tires. We listen for the crash,” said Mary Ann Hernandez, who has lived in the neighborhood for 45 years. “It’s a very unsafe street.” She said she and her husband have experienced multiple crashes near their home, including some vehicles that have even crashed into homes along the street. “With my neighbors over here, we did actually have an accident where a young man passed away on site,” she said. Hernandez said her family has even spent thousands of dollars to have large boulders placed in their front yard as an added layer of protection. The concerns extend beyond property damage. Andrew Finney, president of Rooted Oak Cliff Neighborhood Association, confirmed the area has experienced serious crashes, including one that resulted in a fatality. Finney said neighborhood leaders have spent years advocating for solutions and are encouraged by the opportunity to work with the Better Block Foundation, city officials and residents on possible improvements. “I think this is the best opportunity that our neighborhood has ever had to get some substantial change,” Finney said. The Better Intersections program will include community meetings, design feedback sessions, pilot demonstrations and testing to evaluate potential traffic-calming measures and safety enhancements. According to the nonprofit, each intersection project costs $40,000, which is why the organization is consistently fundraising to keep the mission going. Dallas City Councilmember Chad West said the intersection was a natural choice for the program because of its location near Martin Weiss Park and the challenges it creates for pedestrians. In a statement to NBC 5, West said, “This intersection, which is in the heart of the West Oak Cliff Area Plan, is dangerous and a barrier for children and families trying to access Martin Weiss Park, was a natural choice for this Better Block traffic safety enhancement.I appreciate the advocacy for safer streets from Rooted Oak Cliff and Better Block.” For families who have lived in the area for decades, the project represents a long-awaited step toward safer streets and peace of mind. “Solving traffic issues isn’t something that gets solved overnight,” said Finney. “They love Oak Cliff; this is where they’ve raised their families, but they’re afraid for the safety of their families.” ...read more read less