PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city will put additional safety measures on the Peck's Road detour.

 

The Traffic Commission approved a petition to install a reflective stop sign at the corner of Vin Hebert Boulevard and Onota Street and a reflective double arrow sign on an existing nearby guardrail.

 

At the Thursday meeting, petitioner Joseph Cimini said it is "an accident waiting to happen."

 

"There's no street lights there. There's a little 12-by-12 detour sign saying 'detour this way' but it definitely needs some lighting up," he said.

 

"Either a temporary stop sign or a regular stop sign with a reflective arrow going across the intersection going into each direction. I think it will be helpful before somebody gets hurt at that intersection."

 

This route became the detour to Valentine Road when the Peck's Road bridge abruptly closed over the summer following a failed state Department of Transportation inspection. In January, the city communicated that the new bridge would be delivered this month and be installed over 2-5 weeks.

 

City Engineer Tyler Shedd thinks the stop sign is a good idea. He explained that before the detour, the neighborhood didn't see as much traffic.

 

"I know I've said that, like, legally, that's a spot where one direction would have to stop anyway, regardless of what is there or not," he said.

 

"But people don't always know what the law is so it's good to have signs there," Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey added.

 

He is also going to check the lighting infrastructure in that area because "If it's dark, a stop sign isn't the only thing we should do."

 

Cimini also requested that the city consider redesigning the intersection of Linden Street and Onota Street. The curb was moved in toward the center line and the stop bar on Onota Street was moved farther south to slow traffic and increase safety.

 

He said cars are driving over the curb and snow build-up further narrows the road, adding, "I'm not saying it's not a good idea but it should be revamped."

 

"The curb was moved to control where cars can and can't park, given historically what parking has happened there," Shedd explained, referencing the restaurant on the intersection and former laundromat.

 

Cars can't park 15 feet from an intersection but the city blocked off 30 to 40 feet.

 

The commission referred the petition to Shedd and Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales. Shedd reported that Morales is pleased with the outcome of the project.

 

"I understand the bump-out. Maybe you could cut that bump-out down some," Cimini said.

 

Commission members will look at the site and accident data at a later date.