OLD LYME, CT — The Old Lyme Road and Public Safety Committee is looking at potential safety improvements at several local intersections, while moving ahead with plans for additional speed monitoring and considering ways to address roadside litter.
The committee discussed the issues during its Aug. 11 meeting at Town Hall. Chairperson Greg Futoma called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., with members Sophie Diamond, Ken Swaney, John Flood and Bradley Berry also present.
Committee members reviewed safety concerns at several intersections involving state highways, including Route 1 at Town Woods Road, Route 1 at Four Mile River Road, and the area of Mile Creek Road, Smith Neck Road and Route 156.
Because state highways are involved, improvements would require coordination with the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The committee suggested that Futoma, Swaney and First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker discuss possible safety improvements.
At Mile Creek Road, Smith Neck Road and Route 156, the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments, known as RiverCOG, reported that Department of Transportation recommends installing a pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon. The project is now in the planning phase.
The committee also reviewed the recently installed speed humps on Brighton Road. According to the minutes, resident feedback has been positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the traffic safety measures.
Members discussed installing two additional speed feedback signs on Town Woods Road and Route 156.
Flood also raised a problem with an existing sign on McCurdy Road, saying it had been installed at an incorrect angle, reducing its effectiveness. Members discussed moving it to another location on McCurdy Road that could also provide more sunlight for its solar battery.
The committee also plans to ask UConn's T2 Center to deploy temporary speed monitoring devices in town.
Potential locations identified in the minutes include Route 156 east of Ferry Road, Four Mile River Road and Grassy Hill Road.
Members also discussed automated traffic enforcement safety devices and developments involving traffic cameras in Connecticut.
Futoma noted that Gov. Ned Lamont had called on the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council to review municipalities' increased use of safety cameras and automated license plate reader technology.
Lamont is urging Connecticut municipalities to pause installation of new cameras and automated license plate readers until the council completes its guidance. The minutes do not record the committee taking a vote on camera installations.
Berry reported on a Town Waste & Recycling Committee meeting and said funding is not available for road cleanups.
Committee members discussed alternatives, including organizing volunteer cleanup efforts and asking local businesses to sponsor sections of roadway to help address litter. The minutes do not indicate that the committee approved a specific program.
Berry's report on road litter and bicycle safety had been added to the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. The addition was approved on a motion by Swaney, seconded by Flood.
Futoma also asked members to consider the committee's longer-term direction and priorities.
The discussion included the scope of the committee's responsibilities, issues it should prioritize and recruitment of new members with relevant expertise. The committee identified law enforcement and engineering as examples of backgrounds that could be useful.
Members also discussed maintaining active participation among current committee members and expectations for continued involvement.
No members of the public offered comments at the meeting. The committee unanimously approved its June 9 meeting minutes and adjourned at 7:02 p.m. after a motion by Flood, seconded by Swaney.
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