Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Putney Farmers' Market secretary urges crosswalk after data show wrong-way turns onto Route 5
Summary
At the Oct. 15 Selectboard meeting, Kirsten Lomnitzer presented 22 weeks of data showing 306 attempts to drive against one-way signs from Carol Brown Way onto Route 5 and asked the board to support a crosswalk between the Putney Co-op and the green. The town will increase deputy patrols during market hours and consider a future study.
Kirsten Lomnitzer, secretary of the Putney Farmers' Market, told the Selectboard she compiled 22 weeks of observations showing 306 vehicles tried to exit Carol Brown Way by driving against one-way signage onto Route 5, and said the maneuvers were creating "dangerous situations." She asked the board to support installing a crosswalk from the Putney Co-op parking area to the adjacent green space to improve pedestrian safety.
Selectboard members and the Town Manager discussed near-term and longer-term options. Aileen Tulloch said she supported a crosswalk but noted a redesign such as a roundabout would involve state review because Route 5 is a state highway. Peg Alden suggested requesting Sheriff patrols during market hours; the Town Manager reported she has already spoken with the Sheriff and deputies will patrol the area. Board members also discussed commissioning a study or redesign of the intersection after nearby housing construction is complete.
The board did not take a formal vote on a permanent traffic-design change during the meeting. The minutes and an attached observational spreadsheet compiled by Lomnitzer were provided to the Selectboard for further consideration.
