Town plans major safety overhaul for dangerous intersection

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant safety improvements for the intersection of Route 111 and Irma Road, which has a troubling crash history. Greg Backus from VHB presented findings from previous public consultations and outlined a recommended alternative aimed at enhancing safety at this critical junction.

The project aims to address safety concerns stemming from high-speed traffic on Route 111 and the challenges faced by vehicles entering from Irma Road. Backus highlighted that between 2016 and 2022, there were 36 reported crashes at the intersection, with a concerning number resulting in injuries and fatalities. The analysis identified contributing factors such as high traffic volumes and the geometry of Irma Road, which complicates visibility for drivers attempting to merge onto Route 111.

After evaluating various alternatives, the design team proposed a single-lane roundabout as the most effective solution. This option is expected to reduce serious crashes while maintaining a free flow of traffic. Although a multilane roundabout could handle higher volumes, it poses a greater risk of minor accidents and would be more costly to implement.

The proposed roundabout design includes raised medians to slow down traffic and improve safety. However, discussions revealed that sidewalks and crosswalks would not be included in the initial design due to maintenance concerns raised by town staff. This decision sparked debate among council members regarding pedestrian access in the area.

The estimated cost for the roundabout is projected to be between $1.5 million and $2 million, with construction anticipated to take place during a single season, from April to November. The next steps involve finalizing the engineering study and moving forward with environmental documentation and design.

Officials emphasized the importance of community input and are seeking feedback from residents as they advance this critical safety project.