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Selectman urges targeted safety fixes on Bunker Road, town to review options
Summary
Selectman Rich raised concerns about gaps along Bunker Road and Otterville Road that he said create serious water‑safety hazards for drivers and called for targeted, cooperative measures with property owners; town staff will revisit prior work and seek local solutions for high‑risk stretches.
Selectman Rich told the New London Board of Selectmen on July 16 that he is concerned about public safety along Bunker Road and Otterville Road, where narrow shoulders and gaps in roadside protection can allow vehicles to end up in the water.
"I'm 95% certain the woman would have drowned in 5 feet of water," Rich said, recounting a recent incident near Goose Pond and warning that similar gaps create a significant hazard. He urged the town to identify specific high‑risk locations and work cooperatively with property owners to install targeted barriers where the town owns sufficient roadway apron.
Town administrator Ashley cautioned that much of the roadway edge is private property and that a full ADA‑compliant solution would require multiple property takings and retaining‑wall work that is unlikely to be feasible. Still, she said staff (Sam and Adam) will revisit the prior study and return with options. Ashley also noted there is a new recreation petition around Pleasant Lake asking the town to act on Bunker Road concerns.
Selectmen agreed to have staff follow up and to consider targeted remedies for obvious high‑risk gaps rather than broad infrastructure projects requiring widespread property agreements.
