Long John Silver's traffic continues to plague Greenville Avenue in Staunton
STAUNTON — A week into reopening Long John Silver's and the hype around the fast food restaurant hasn't simmered, it seems to be gaining speed.
Over the weekend, cars continued to line up along Greenville Avenue at the intersection of Statler Boulevard. Many residents have voiced their concern with the traffic safety the line of cars poses for them and other motorists. Others are just in awe of the popularity of the fried fish restaurant.
LJS is located directly next to the road into the Statler Square Shopping Center, which houses Kroger, Staples, Petco and more. Now, there are two entrances into this shopping center — one on Statler Boulevard and another on Greenville Avenue.
So, in theory you don't have to enter off Greenville Avenue. Except, the shopping center is broken up. Off to the side, near the Greenville Avenue entrance, Kathy's, Jimmy John's and Taco Bell are located. For those who want to access those businesses, it's easier to enter and exit off Greenville Avenue.
Now at times, that area is blocked or crowded, making it difficult for those who are trying to exit the shopping center and at times dangerous. Although one lane of Greenville Avenue is essentially closed due to the line to LJS, the left lane is still open to through traffic. Those trying to exit from the shopping center onto Greenville Avenue have to pass the first lane, which is the line to LJS, and merge into moving traffic in the left lane. The standstill traffic creates a blind spot for some drivers, potentially making it difficult to see what traffic is like in the left lane.
The City of Staunton said they are monitoring the traffic issue.
"Heavy traffic during the lunch hour is to be expected, especially at a new business, and we are monitoring the situation," said City of Staunton spokesperson Michelle Bixler. "There have not been any crashes reported and vehicles are still able to enter Statler Boulevard and Statler Square. Additionally, because Greenville Avenue is two lanes at that location, the roadway remains open."
LJS, which burned down in early 2021, was razed and rebuilt in the fall. The public has been eagerly awaiting the opening, which has been teased to consumers for months.
The News Leader reached out to the city regarding the potential dangers at that intersection, but did not hear back immediately.
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Laura Peters is the trending topics reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Or a good feature? You can reach reporter Laura Peters (she/her) at lpeters@newsleader.com. Follow her @peterslaura. Subscribe to The News Leader at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Long John Silver's traffic continues to plague Greenville Avenue in Staunton
