Darien, State Seek Safety Solutions For Tokeneke Road After Crashes

DARIEN, CT — Following two recent crashes on Tokeneke Road that ended up in Five Mile River, Darien and the state of Connecticut are looking for ways to enhance safety on the stretch of roadway.

Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesperson Josh Morgan told Patch that the Darien Police Department reached out regarding crashes along Route 136, or Tokeneke Road, and officials conducted a site visit to see what could be done to improve safety.

"The road has a slight curve, which, if drivers are not familiar with the area, may lead to them departing the roadway," Morgan told Patch via email on Wednesday. "In the coming weeks, we'll be installing a speed limit sign and a new s-curve sign that will remind drivers of the speed limit and roadway geometry."

CTDOT will also install new pavement markings at the Tokeneke Road and Raymond Street/Five Mile River Road intersection, Morgan said.

"Importantly, we also need drivers to do their part: slow down, pay attention, and drive sober," he added.

One person was killed and another was injured in a crash that occurred around midnight on Feb. 9, according to police. First responders had to conduct a water rescue in frigid temperatures after a Nissan Rogue left the roadway near the Rowayton town line and plunged into Five Mile River.

Recently on April 27, police said a single-car crash into the river took place shortly before 6 a.m. The driver was able to exit the car by themselves and was not injured, police said. The crash remains under investigation.

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said he was happy to see measures taken to improve safety.

"Anything you can do to raise awareness and get people to pay closer attention when they come up to any road that has something out of the ordinary, like an odd curve or something like that, should improve road safety and that's a shared objective for everyone," Zagrdozky said.

Zagrodzky said residents should ask themselves how they can be better drivers to avoid crashes in the future, and urged motorists to pay attention to the road at night or when there are hazardous conditions.

He also said drivers should be mindful of the morning and late afternoon commutes when school children and school buses are out and about.