New Signage On North Maple Street In Enfield To Properly Direct Trucks

ENFIELD, CT — An increasing number of large trucks mistakenly turning onto a narrow dead-end street adjacent to Shaker Pines Lake has prompted installation of some new traffic signs intended to help confused drivers.

Four signs were installed Friday on Route 192, known locally as North Maple Street, in the area of Cottage and Bacon roads. Signs have been put up on both the northbound and southbound sides of the street.

Residents of the lake area, particularly those who live on Cottage Road, have expressed concern about trucks turning onto their street, then having to slowly back up to get out. The problem is expected to increase, according to neighbors, with the unanimous approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission last March of an 819,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center at 35 Bacon Road.

The entrances to both roads are a very short distance apart, leading to problems with northbound drivers utilizing GPS systems that direct them to turn right, in some cases just after they have passed the Bacon Road intersection.

Massachusetts-based Winstanley Enterprises owns both the Bacon Road property and 113 North Maple Street, which now contains a similar-sized facility despite massive opposition from neighboring residents. A Facebook group called Save the Lakes - Enfield was formed in 2022, where concerned residents share information.

In response to the problem, a member of the Save the Lakes group said they had heard from Winstanley that they have contacted all major GPS providers, including specifically identified trucking apps, and have asked for a correction and a software update. They have also contacted the Department of Transportation to have signs installed.