WESTPORT — A public meeting on plans to upgrade traffic and pedestrian safety along the local corridor considered “the most dangerous” in Westport — Cross Highway, between the intersections with North Avenue and Bayberry Lane — will take place March 14.
The perilous stretch of road — where more than 20 crashes have been reported over the last three years — has been studied by a contractor hired by the town for $313,500 last September.
The meeting, attended by officials involved in the study, is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, in the Town Hall auditorium, 110 Myrtle Ave.
Engineers from Tighe & Bond, the consulting firm hired to do the traffic study, will attend the session remotely, according to meeting organizers, with access “to design data and drawings to aid in the discussion.”
Potential plans to improve traffic safety and reduce accident risks will be outlined for the public’s comments.
Officials scheduled to attend the meeting include First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, Department of Public Works representatives and others.
Among the proposed changes up for discussion are:
- Install traffic signals.
- Widen the road at the intersections to realign approach and turning lanes.
- Build roundabouts at the intersections.
- Add crosswalks in “key” areas.
- Construct new sidewalks and/or repair existing sidewalks.
- Revise signs posted along the right-of-way.
- Relocate utility poles.
- Replace the bridge over Deadman Brook.
For questions, contact Town Engineer Keith Wilberg at 203-341-1128 or kwilberg@westportct.gov.
Replace the bridge? What the heck? Why is destruction so often the first instinct? Is it really such a big lift to consider modification strategies in order to retain the nature and feeling of the historic span?