Milford Lawmaker Working on Pedestrian Safety on Bridgeport Avenue; 2 People Recently Struck by Vehicles

MILFORD, CT — State Representative Kim Rose (D-Milford) announced today that she is working with Milford’s Police Department and the State Department of Transportation (DOT) on addressing pedestrian safety concerns, particularly on Bridgeport Avenue.

Last month, a serious hit and run accident was reported in the Bridgeport and Woodland Avenue area where a pedestrian that was struck leaving her work and is under investigation. Anyone with information may call the Milford Police Department, Traffic Division (203) 878-5244.

"We had the unfortunate experience of having two pedestrians struck on Bridgeport Avenue just a few weeks ago, within days of each other, and a family was killed several years ago, which prompted me to request the traffic statistics for that area,” Rose said in a news release.

The report Rose reviewed revealed 17 pedestrian versus vehicle accidents occurred from Exit 34 along Bridgeport Avenue to Rivercliff Drive, including 4 fatalities between 2006 and 2016.

Rose said, “Upon reviewing the statistics that I requested, it became clear to me that this is one of the most dangerous stretches of road for pedestrians in Milford. I had a productive, in-depth conversation with Milford’s Police Chief, Keith L. Mello, who informed me that he has stepped up patrols in the area in an effort to discourage speeding and DUI’s, reaffirming his utmost commitment to the safety of our residents. I am also in communication with the DOT looking at ways to improve safety to help reduce these tragic accidents.”

Some ideas that Rose will be exploring, as communication with the DOT progresses, is how to make crosswalks more visible, re-painting the crosswalks, determining if adjusting the timing of traffic/crossing lights will make a difference and possibly making the lighting brighter along Bridgeport Avenue, according to a news release.

"Safety for our pedestrians is a priority of all of us and I look forward to working together to make improvements," Rose said.

“This past session the legislature voted to increase penalties for failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks which will become effective October 1,” Rose said in a statement. “As with any new law, enforcement is critical for compliance. In the meantime, I urge motorists and pedestrians to use extreme caution and encourage families to discuss pedestrian safety measures with young ones.”