P&Z Greenlights Intersection Improvement Project In Byram

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission last week unanimously approved a project that will improve safety for pedestrians and motorists at one of Byram's busiest and dangerous intersections.

The intersection improvements at Delavan Avenue at Veterans Way (formerly New Lebanon Avenue) and Chestnut Street will add new high-visibility crosswalks, shorten the pedestrian crossing distances across each approach, and add high-visibility pedestrian signage including Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs).

Additionally, the project will feature new ADA-accessible curb ramps and increased greenspace areas. The improvements are expected to have a traffic calming effect, and will not add any new vehicle movement restrictions.

No loss of the existing number of parking spaces in the area is proposed. Trees in the area are being evaluated and those in good health will be maintained.

Delavan Avenue is critical connection between Exit 2 on Interstate-95, the commercial center in Byram and Port Chester, N.Y.

According to the Greenwich Department of Public Works, Delavan carries about 12,500 vehicles per day. Veterans Way, a local road, carries about 656 vehicles per day, and Chestnut Street accommodates 1,534 per day.

Bus stops for schools and public transit are at the intersection. About 125 pedestrians cross Delavan per day, white Veterans Way and Chestnut have about 75 and 110 pedestrians respectively.

DPW first went before the Planning & Zoning Commission on March 7. Since then, DPW has made minor changes to the plan to address concerns from the commission and the public.

The proposed bump-out on the corner of Chestnut Street will be removed to facilitate truck turning movements, according to Ian Brown, a civil engineer for the town. Striping will be added.

During last week's meeting, Brown updated the commission on the crash history at the intersection.

DPW reviewed 30 crash reports from the Greenwich Police Department, and found 16 crashes involved sideswiping of parked cars, three involved pedestrians in the crosswalk, four were rear-end collisions, five were turning collisions and two were classified as "unsafe backing."

The crashes involving pedestrians were due in large part to limited visibility and speed. Brown said the improvements are anticipated to alleviate those issues.

Joe Kantorski, a strong supporter of roadway safety in Byram and a member of the Byram Neighborgood Association, spoke briefly to the commission last week and urged commissioners to support the project.

He said he felt the proposed work satisfied his concerns, but he hoped for more police enforcement in the area and the addition of another 25 mph speeding sign near the intersection.

In February during a presentation to the Board of Selectmen, DPW Deputy Commissioner James Michel said the department hopes to use money from the $300,000 that was earmarked in the current year's budget for Byram neighborhood improvements.