To the editor:

I would like to express my frustration concerning the train schedule at the corner of Wilroy Road and Nansemond Parkway. Everyone who drives that way knows what I am talking about.

I work in downtown Suffolk and drive down Nansemond Parkway each morning, turning right onto Wilroy Road. At least once a week — and sometimes twice a week — there is a very long train that comes through that intersection. Last week, it was both Monday and Thursday and again this Monday morning.

The traffic lines back up, sometimes with more than 50 cars sitting there waiting. It has become very frustrating and time consuming.

I do not have to be at work until 8 a.m., but I usually leave home around 7 or 7:15 a.m. The train lasts more than 30 minutes and even stops completely at times. There is nowhere go, and passing on the left is illegal. So we sit.

Several things can be done by the city, and I hope everyone agrees with me, especially anyone who sits there each morning watching a very long train go by.

First, the train should not be coming through the area during rush hour, from 7 to 8 a.m. For that matter, how about the train that comes through downtown Suffolk at lunch hour?

Second, a turning lane for everyone turning right would be so helpful.

If none of these options can be used, how about a sign that says when the train is passing, you must turn right and cannot go straight. I have seen 20 cars waiting to turn right and only one car going straight, holding the entire line up.

There are also several school buses that get caught up in that traffic, making our kids late for school.

Any help would be appreciated. I like to get to work early, but lately I am barely making it by 8 a.m., even when I leave more than 45 minutes early.

Diane Wash

Suffolk