Traffic Too Fast In Cheshire's Sand Mill Road Area
CHESHIRE, Mass. — Now that the Sand Mill Road Bridge is open to traffic, the Selectmen are concerned about traffic volume and speed.
Highway Superintendent Blair Crane told the Selectmen on Tuesday that Wells Road has been repaved and resident Atalanta Sunguroff said she has noticed that cars are moving a bit fast.
"Now that the bridge is open the amount of traffic and big trucks that really aren't supposed to be on that road has increased," she said. "There are people flying 50 or 60 miles an hour and residents with kids are a little nervous."
The state closed the bridge a few years ago because it was in disrepair but after residents complained about the extended commute with the bridge out, the town agreed to use Chapter 90 funds to partially repair it so it is usable.
The Selectmen said a speed limit sign may be installed and a sign that excludes large vehicles, or increase police enforcement.
Resident Fred Jayko also had concerns with all the cyclists that are now on the road with increased vehicular traffic.
"There is an accident just a waiting to happen because when you get two cars and 20 of these bikers together it is not going to just be a nice meeting," he said. "The traffic did pick up."
He added that the bikers ride in the road and impede traffic.
"When you are working for a living every day you just can't wait for someone to get out of your way just because they are off their bikes taking a break," he said. "I see that as a problem coming up."
Crane said the road has yet to be painted and the town can explore bike lanes, however, because the road is narrow it may not be possible.
"Maybe put a white line and create a side lane. Any lane may be better than no lane," he said. "I don't think we have the space though and if we do it is going to be tight … I don't think there is a good solution I am just trying to find any solution."
In other business, Town Administrator Mark Webber said the town is undergoing a routine audit.
"Everybody in the building has been busy gathering information ... and it's going well so far," he said. "It's a little hectic because they are doing two years at a time and it's a lot of information but everyone is doing well and nothing has popped up."
Webber added that he met with Borrego Solar Systems, which is interested in installing an array somewhere in the Harbor Road area. Webber said he has little information at this point and that everything is preliminary.
Tags: bridge work, speeding,
