Town Proposes Access Management Plan for Prospect Street Safety Enhancements

Torrington, CT, is taking significant steps to enhance pedestrian safety along Prospect Street, as highlighted in the recent SS4A Traffic Safety Action Plan presentation. The focus is on making pedestrian crossings more visible and safer, addressing concerns raised in community surveys.

Key recommendations include adding more signage to alert drivers of crosswalks, implementing pedestrian hybrid beacons that flash red when someone is crossing, and evaluating the possibility of lead pedestrian intervals at traffic signals. This approach aims to give pedestrians a head start when crossing the road, a strategy that has gained popularity across Connecticut.

The plan also emphasizes the need for clear stop signs and stop bars, ensuring they are visible at all times. Additionally, there is a push for bicycle facilities, including dedicated bike lanes or shared lane markings, responding to community requests for safer biking options.

These recommendations require collaboration between local businesses and the town, as effective implementation will depend on coordinated efforts. The town now has a comprehensive plan to improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists, marking a proactive approach to traffic management in Torrington.