Greenwich Seeks To Enhance Safety At Wesskum Wood Road Bridge

GREENWICH, CT -- Town officials are looking to increase safety at the recently-completed Wesskum Wood Road Bridge in Binney Park, according to documents submitted to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission.

"This project includes installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) as well as additional signage to guide vehicles. The primary purpose of this project is to make safety improvements for motorists and pedestrians," documents on file with the town from the Department of Public Works noted.

The RRFBs would be installed on both sides of the street at the crosswalk to the west of Wesskum Wood Road Bridge.

Additionally, yield marking striping is being proposed at the crosswalks around the Binney Park loop. The proposed locations are the crosswalk at the Old Greenwich Library across Sound Beach Avenue, the crosswalk at the First Congregational Church across Sound Beach Avenue, and the crosswalk at Wesskum Wood Road Bridge across from Wesskum Wood Road, submitted documents state.

Additional striping is also proposed on Arch Street to inform vehicles that it is a one-way road to make the road safer for all users.

Originally built in 1950, the Wesskum Wood Road Bridge suffered significant wear and tear over the years, necessitating a complete replacement.

Read also: Greenwich Celebrates Completion Of Wesskum Woods Road Bridge

The $1.67 million project incorporated several enhancements to improve safety, accessibility and aesthetics.

Work on the bridge replacement began on July 5, 2023, and the roadway was reopened as scheduled on July 1, 2024.

The natural stones with deep joints and flat capstones from the old bridge were incorporated into the new design to help keep with the charm of the Old Greenwich neighborhood and Binney Park.

The town utilized the Accelerated Bridge Construction technique to reduce road closure time and inconvenience for residents.

According to DPW, 50 percent of the construction and inspection of the project was funded through the state of Connecticut Local Bridge Program grant.

The town celebrated the completion of the project in November 2024.

The proposal has yet to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission.