Date: Fri 27-Nov-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

traffic-barrels-crosswalks

Full Text:

Traffic Barrels Seem To Be Working, Observers Say

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Orange safety barrels were placed in the center of the street in five

locations in and around the center of town last week. Their purpose was to

remind motorists to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks. They have also

served to slow down traffic in the process.

Police Chief James Lysaght said he has received numerous calls and comments

from residents and town employees who have noticed a reduction in speed.

"I think this is one of the most effective things this town has done to make

people slow down and make people aware of the pedestrians in the crosswalk,"

the chief noted.

Whenever you are dealing with a pedestrian crosswalk, drivers need to

anticipate that someone could be about to cross the road, according to Chief

Lysaght. That is why the barrel in front of Edmond Town Hall was placed 200

feet in front of the crosswalk.

Those who work in the barrel areas have noticed a major difference since they

were put up November 18.

"Look at how much slower the traffic is moving now that the barrels are out,"

noted Sue Shpunt as she peered out the window of the town clerk's office last

Thursday.

"They seem to be working," said George Matern of the highway department, who

helped set up the barrels last week.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said he has noticed vehicles, especially

trucks, are hitting their brakes as soon as they see the barrels. The first

selectman has a clear view of the Main Street traffic from his Edmond Town

Hall office.

Barrels have been placed in five different locations around the center of

town. Two can be seen on Main Street (one in front of the library and one in

front of Edmond Town Hall). A third has been placed on Queen Street (in front

of Newtown Middle School) and two others have been situated on Church Hill

Road in front of Hawley School.

John Kortze, a member of the Legislative Council, likes the barrel concept.

However, he was hoping the town might consider putting up something more

permanent.

"Ridgefield has more permanent barrels set up. When you drive through

Ridgefield you think to drive slow. You don't necessarily think that way in

Newtown. Hopefully, the barrels will help," he said.

Peggy Baiad, a Budd Drive resident, feels there should be a light on the

barrels to make them easier to see at night. She often must pull out onto

Church Hill Road from The Boulevard. A barrel lies right in front of the

intersection.

"It's tough enough getting out there. Now there's a barrel to contend with,"

she said.