Milford hearing on Turners Key Bridge design draws residents' safety appeals

The Milford Town Council held a public hearing April 7, 2026, on the Scenic Road Committee's recommendation to replace the Turners Key Bridge with a 20-foot-wide, two-lane span; residents urged the town to add traffic-calming measures and stricter truck enforcement to address speeding and pedestrian safety.

Jack Healey, of the Department of Public Works, told the council the bridge design has been ongoing for several years and is planned as a 20-foot curb-to-curb structure consisting of two 10-foot travel lanes. "They will fund it at about a 50/50 rate for the town as they pick up 50% of the design, the install construction, and the inspection," Healey said, referring to state Department of Transportation participation. He also noted letters from the Scenic Road Committee and the Planning Commission and that DOT staff Mark Burns and Andrew Shields met with the committee.

The heart of the hearing was public comment. Alice Burke, who said she lives about 200 feet east of the bridge, urged the council to "do everything possible to force drivers to slow down" on the bridge and its approaches, saying she had been "dumbfounded by the complete disregard for stop signs" and frequent speeding near her driveway and mailbox. Burke said narrow lanes without shoulders, as recommended, would likely moderate speeds and improve safety for residents who must cross the road for mail and walk in winter conditions.

Adrian Riccio, who lives on Turnerski Road, echoed concerns about speed and added that large trucks continue to use the road despite a local weight ordinance. "I see the Pepsi truck, the 18-wheeler, at least once a week," Riccio said, and suggested installing a flashing LED speed warning on the approach from Frenchmans Road, noting the route is a straightaway leading up to the bridge and that a school bus stops in the area.

A third commenter, Margie, thanked DPW staff and committee members for their work and said the town will coordinate with the traffic authority to address truck access and speed enforcement.

No formal decision on the design was taken at the hearing. A council member moved to close the public hearing and the motion passed by voice vote; the council announced its next meeting time and the session concluded. The council will retain public comments and committee and Planning Commission letters as it continues review of the bridge project.

The public record for the item includes the Scenic Road Committee recommendation, letters from the Planning Commission, and the plans displayed at Town Hall.