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Select Board keeps Wiggly Bridge gate open, orders rebuilt crosswalk and landing work
Summary
After public debate and a staff safety review, the Select Board voted 5-0 to keep the vehicular gate at the Wiggly Bridge causeway open and to repair and restripe the crosswalk to proper standards (staff estimate ~ $20,000).
The Select Board decided on June 8 to leave vehicular access to the Wiggly Bridge causeway open and to require reconstruction and restriping of the crosswalk to meet safe landing standards.
Board members and residents argued both sides: some residents stressed that the current pedestrian route is the natural and welcoming path to the wiggly bridge and that closing vehicle access would send an unwelcoming message; others said the open causeway created an "attractive nuisance" for people unfamiliar with the road and urged closure for safety.
Public Works staff reported the posted speed at the crossing is 25 mph and that sight distances allow for a properly constructed crosswalk; the department estimated about $20,000 to remove curb, construct landing areas on both sides and repave as needed. The board asked staff to design the landing and striping to federal guidance for pedestrian crossings and suggested installing a removable bollard or vehicle-control point so trucks can access the causeway for maintenance but through-traffic is limited.
The motion to keep the gate open and to proceed with crosswalk improvements passed unanimously. Staff will return with a final cost and a plan for a removable vehicle-control element and the crosswalk work.
