Bristol seeks $25K–$30K from ACRPC for downtown access and speed study

The Bristol Selectboard on Aug. 10 authorized staff to submit a grant application to the Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC) seeking roughly $25,000–$30,000 for a downtown Bristol access and speed study.

Chair Ian Albinson said the proposed study grows from the West Street Sidewalk Improvement Scoping Study and is intended to examine speed, traffic patterns and options for calming traffic as drivers enter town. "ACRPC has a pool of approximately $50,000 to $60,000 and typically funds three studies; Bristol is requesting a study estimated at $25,000 to $30,000 for a downtown Bristol access study," Albinson said.

Board members discussed the geographic boundary of the study, with Jessica Teets suggesting the boundary be defined at "the point where the speed drops to 30" to distinguish the reduced-speed-ahead sign from the radar speed-feedback sign. Joel Bouvier urged the study to consider moving the reduced-speed point earlier, before Lord's Prayer Rock, and to evaluate adding a second radar sign near the old Pine Tree Gardens. The Board agreed that if the grant is awarded the Town will define the study scope and questions to be answered.

The consent agenda including the grant authorization passed unanimously (motion by Michelle Perlee, second by Jessica Teets). If funded, the study would provide analysis the Town could use in discussions with State agencies about lowering village speeds and installing additional feedback signage.