Greenwich Selectmen To Hear Proposal On Byram Intersection Modifications

GREENWICH, CT — In the summer of 2021, resident Joe Kantorski went before the Greenwich Board of Selectmen on behalf of the Byram Neighborhood Association (BNA) to ask for help in implementing measures to increase safety for motorists and pedestrians.

He gave a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted the dangers on some of Byram's streets, where he said bad driving habits, speeding, and the running of red lights and stop signs occurred frequently.

This week on Feb. 9, the board is scheduled to hear a proposal from the Greenwich Department of Public Works on intersection modifications to Delavan Avenue at Chestnut Street/Veterans Way.

DPW Commissioner James Michel will ask for Municipal Improvement status from the selectmen — a necessary step for the project to move forward.

The proposal includes new high-visibility crosswalks, shortens the pedestrian crossing distances across each approach, and adds high-visibility pedestrian signage including Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), according to a memo from Michel to the selectmen.

Additionally, the project will feature new ADA-accessible curb ramps and increased greenspace.

"These improvements are expected to have a traffic calming effect but will not add any new vehicle movement restrictions or sacrifice any existing on-street parking spaces. The proposed improvements will not remove or compromise any trees," Michel said.

The cost of the project was not mentioned in Michel's memo.

Michel said that Byram, particularly along Delavan Avenue, "is characterized by a bustling mix of land uses, including shops, restaurants, service establishments, and residences, all at a higher density than many other areas of Greenwich."

Delavan Avenue is also the main transportation corridor through Byram, which makes it heavily trafficked by both cars and trucks. The avenue connects it to other key destinations, such as central Greenwich, Interstate-95, Byram Park and Port Chester, N.Y.

In September 2021, Greenwich DPW began a road improvement project at Frontage Road, Delavan Avenue and Ritch Avenue in Byram. The project was developed by Greenwich DPW in order to make the area more pedestrian and bicyclist-friendly, and to add traffic calming measures.

The majority of the project construction work is complete, including the installation of the unfinished sidewalk section. Final work includes the installation of the mast arm and pedestrian poles, which is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2023, DPW said.

Thursday's Greenwich Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in-person and broadcast on Greenwich Community TV, YouTube and Zoom.