Residents Demand Urgent Traffic Solutions Amid Rising Danger

During a recent government meeting, concerns regarding traffic safety on Millbrook Street were brought to the forefront by resident Lorenzo Atwood. Atwood, who has lived on the street for 26 years, highlighted ongoing issues with speeding and heavy truck traffic, which he described as \"deadly\" for residents trying to exit their driveways. He noted that despite numerous complaints, little has been done to address the situation since previous improvements made under former officials.

Commissioner Raleigh acknowledged the problems, citing a preliminary review that revealed 44 crashes on Millbrook Street over the past five years, excluding intersections. He emphasized the need for a detailed study to explore potential traffic calming solutions, given the street's designation as an urban minor arterial roadway. Raleigh suggested that traditional measures like speed humps may not be effective due to the street's traffic volume and nature.

The committee discussed the possibility of conducting a traffic study while holding off on immediate action. Some members expressed a desire to approve the request for a review, arguing that it would not hinder the study's progress. Ultimately, a consensus was reached to hold the item for further examination, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of traffic conditions and potential safety measures.

In addition to the Millbrook Street discussion, the committee also addressed a request from Wendy Gould for the installation of a \"no right turn on red\" sign at the intersection of Federal and Main Street. The recommendation to approve this request was based on pedestrian safety concerns and the intersection's high traffic volume. The committee noted that many downtown intersections already have similar restrictions to protect pedestrians.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of traffic management and safety in the community, with officials committed to exploring solutions to enhance road safety for residents and pedestrians alike.