This morning’s Post Road post propelled an “06880” reader to pass along a personal perspective.
Earlier this winter, the reader contacted an RTM member regarding a school bus stop sign that seemed useless. The RTM rep contacted police chief Al Fiore, who sent an officer to investigate. The conclusion was that the sign ensured safety.
A picture is worth a thousand accidents.
Because the police department seemed interested, the reader followed up with several other safety concerns about the Post Road. The cops referred the reader to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, which oversees US 1. It took a while to find the right bureaucrats.
Once discovered — they’re Joseph P. Ouellette, transportation supervising engineer, Bureau of Engineering and Construction, and Ernest Lajoga (a transportation engineer) — the reader wrote with these concerns:
Motorists turn left onto the Post Road from both Route 136 (Compo Road) approaches despite red lights. Is there enough green time to “move the queue”?
There is not enough time for pedestrians to cross the Post Road between Compo Shopping Center (CVS) and Compo Acres (Trader Joe’s). Could there be an exclusive “walk” time when lights on all 4 sides are red?
Ditto the crosswalks at Taylor Place (Tiffany) and Parker Harding Plaza (Starbucks). Could those have exclusive “walk” phases too?
DOT officials contacted Westport officials: “First Selectman, Public Works, Police Department” in January. Ouellette emailed the “06880” reader this response: “The Town was not in favor of revising the pedestrian treatment at the shopping center signal at this time. Also, the Police Department did not feel that there is a problem with left-turns from Rte 136 onto Rte 1.”
Ouellette continued: “The Department relies on input from town officials because they have more local knowledge of traffic concerns that (sic) we do. I realize that the issues you describe are important to you. I suggest that you contact Public Safety Officer John Parisi (203-341-6000) at the Westport Police Department if you want to pursue further. If the town agrees with your concerns, we will investigate.”
“06880” will keep you “posted.”