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With new school planned, committee takes Salmon Falls–Portland intersection item out of committee
Summary
The committee removed an item about crashes at the Salmon Falls Road–Portland Street 4‑way stop from committee after staff said accidents are usually low‑speed fender‑benders; members recommended increased patrols when the new school opens.
The Public Safety Committee voted to take out of committee an item concerning crashes at the Salmon Falls Road and Portland Street 4‑way stop, citing existing crash data showing mainly low‑speed fender‑benders and the prospect of increased traffic with a new elementary school scheduled nearby.
Police staff said previous reviews did not indicate a design or visibility defect at the 4‑way stop and that many crashes appeared to be operator related — drivers failing to yield or trying to "cheat" the stop. "All the accidents seem to be operator related... not a design issue," a staff member said on the record.
Committee members noted the new school would increase traffic volume along Salmon Falls Road and suggested additional police patrols and monitoring when classes begin. The committee approved removing the item from committee and asked the Police Department to consider focused enforcement during the school year.
No capital changes were proposed; the action was to take the matter out of committee and monitor for changes in crash frequency when the school opens.
