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Commission reviews proposed one‑way conversions downtown; open‑house feedback mostly supportive
Summary
Staff presented a proposed conversion of several narrow downtown streets to one‑way operation to improve vehicle flow and pedestrian safety, noting an open house in which most attendees supported the concept. Town Council had requested keeping some connections open and the proposal was revised accordingly; no council decision has been made.
Town traffic staff reviewed a proposal to convert several narrow downtown streets to one‑way operation to improve safety and traffic flow, and summarized feedback from an open house and affected stakeholders.
The proposal would make sections of Wood Street and Royal Street one‑way in places where limited width and tight turning radii cause drivers to encroach into opposing lanes and where parking, drainage and sidewalk constraints limit the availability of full two‑way cross sections. Staff said Liberty Street is narrow and often blocked by loading activity; officials said turning vehicles sometimes must encroach into the opposite lane to complete a maneuver. In the revised plan, staff said they retained two‑way access on a short stretch near South King Street after council members expressed concern about removing that connection.
Staff showed photos of loading trucks and vehicle queues at school arrival/dismissal periods and said that, at some segments, available right‑of‑way is insufficient to provide sidewalks, curb/gutter and two standard travel lanes plus parking. Staff recommended converting specific short segments to one‑way traffic to allow space for drainage and pedestrian improvements and to reduce conflict points. The recommendation would also support planned capital improvements on Royal Street aimed at drainage and pedestrian enhancements from Church Street to Liberty Street.
At an open house, staff said 15 people attended; 12 supported the proposed changes, two were concerned about parking impacts until staff said parking would not be lost, and one resident opposed the change. Economic development and other town departments reported no objection. Staff emphasized the proposal is not final and will be brought to Town Council for a decision; commissioners discussed outreach, signage, and coordination with emergency services regarding lane widths and fire/rescue apparatus access.
