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PZC alternate raises safety alarms over Route 44/Route 6/I-384 interchange; staff says state controls signage
Summary
At the March 12 Bolton PZC meeting, Alternate Kawan Gordon reported roughly 60 social-media complaints calling the Route 44/Route 6/I-384 interchange a 'mortal danger'; staff responded that the interchange is on state routes and recommended taking the concern to the Board of Selectman.
At the Bolton Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on March 12, Alternate Kawan Gordon urged the commission to revisit earlier studies of the Route 44/Route 6/I-384 interchange and consider local steps to improve safety after summarizing about 60 social-media comments describing the junction as a 'mortal danger' and 'serious hazard.'
"Mortal danger," "serious hazard," "tailgate me dangerously," "worry for my family," and "absolutely insane" were among the paraphrased public comments Gordon asked to enter into the record. Gordon said previous studies should be reviewed and recommended the commission consider implementing changes, including improved signage.
Patrice Carson, consulting director of community development, replied that the interchange consists of state routes and that the PZC does not have authority to make changes to state-controlled roadways. Carson advised Gordon to bring the matter to the Board of Selectman, which serves as the town traffic authority, and to state representatives. Michael D'Amato, the zoning enforcement officer, explained that some highway engineering proposals favor wide, flat "autobahn" designs that can increase speeding and make pedestrian access more difficult; he said Willington has sought pedestrian islands but that the Connecticut Department of Transportation is unlikely to alter standard signage.
Vice-Chair James Cropley said previous discussions indicated the area had fewer accidents than Route 44 and South Road; Gordon disputed that characterization and said the social-media comments reflect a perception of higher danger. Gordon said he will raise the issue at the next Board of Selectman meeting. The commission recorded the concern but did not take formal action at the meeting.
The exchange produced no vote or directive for the PZC; staff advised next steps to pursue the issue with the Board of Selectman and relevant state representatives.
