Here's How Greenwich Plans To Solve A Dangerous Cos Cob Intersection

GREENWICH, CT — In an effort to improve roadway safety and sightlines, Greenwich is looking to create a four-way stop at the off-set intersection of Valley Road, River Road Extension and Scofield Street in Cos Cob.

The Board of Selectmen last week heard a brief presentation from Department of Public Works Civil Engineer Michael Kiselak, who said the intersection has been on the town's radar "for quite some time."

No action was taken since this was a first read of the agenda item. The board usually allows time to gather public feedback before voting.

According to Kiselak, there have been at least 21 crashes in the area since 2016, with nine occurring since 2021. Of those nine, four have involved bicycles and pedestrians, Kiselak said. There was also a pedestrian fatality in 1997.

A traffic study conducted by DPW from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9, 2024, showed Valley Road carries a weekday average of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 vehicles per day, River Road Extension 4,000 to 5,000 vehicle per day, and Scofield Street 1,000 vehicles or less per day.

"We've been analyzing it for the last couple of months and collecting data," Kiselak said, noting DPW has looked at the crash data, speeds, volumes, pedestrian crossings and sightlines.

"What we're proposing to do is bring both side streets (River Road Extension and Scofield Street) and Valley Road into a single intersection for all-way stop control," Kiselak said.

Two stop signs would be added to Valley Road, and the stop sign on River Road Extension would be moved up to enhance sightlines.

"The sightlines off River Road Extension are not what we would want to see, so we are proposing to pull forward the stop sign and stop bar a little bit, just to indicate where people should pull out to," Kiselak said.

Additionally, 250 feet before each new stop sign on Valley Road, there will be warning signs for drivers.

First Selectman Fred Camillo, who grew up in the area, acknowledged the dangerous intersection.

"It's only gotten worse," Camillo said. "It is a very tricky intersection. It doesn't really line up, so it takes some out-of-the-box thinking to slow the traffic down and create better sightlines. I think this would be a great sign to the people there that the town is aware and is going to respond to this. It will be a great improvement safety-wise to the area."

To ensure safety once the all-way stop is in place, Selectperson Lauren Rabin suggested getting information out to residents on how to operate a vehicle at a four-way stop.