Deskripsyon
This intersection needs major work. Narrowing the travel lanes by reducing pedestrian crossing distances would be one of the most effective ways to permanently reduce speeds. The city could also consider raised intersections and roundabouts, as they have in other neighborhoods.
Chris Heitmann wrote:
Cars don’t look like that when crashing at 25mph, which is what the posted speed limit is here and throughout New Haven. On neighborhood streets like Central and Willard, it arguably should be slower, more like 20mph. While the NHPD has done an excellent job of stepping up traffic enforcement in the neighborhood, enforcement will only get us so far. Similarly with education: it’s needed, but will have a very limited impact (no pun intended). The third “E” - Engineering - is where the city can really improve safety here. As Pedro suggests, this intersection is an excellent candidate for a small roundabout (not as big as on West Park, for which there’s no room here). Other alternatives would be bumping out the sidewalk at all four corners, thus narrowing the street and reducing crossing distances, raised crosswalks, and/or pedestrian refuges/planted medians leading into the intersection. The city needs to really study what the BEST solution would be here, and to consult with neighbors throughout. My concern with the idea of another traffic light is that cars would arguably speed more in order to make the light. The solution needs to SLOW PEOPLE DOWN, which would make this safer for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and the kids who cross and wait here for the school bus every morning.
Thank goodness no one was seriously hurt yesterday and that no pedestrians or cyclists without 3000 pounds of steel to product them were in the intersection when this happened. A big thank you to the NHFD for a job well done and to the Independent for bringing attention to this sadly ongoing yet preventable issue.
A few other residents wrote:
- I live a few houses down on Willard, and that intersection is horrible. You have to pull out almost into the middle of Central to see past the street parking, and people fly up and down Central. It’s the only big intersection in the area without a 4 way stop.
- I was almost involved in a serious accident in high school right at this intersection. A guy in a Camaro was flying down central, and I pulled out from willard not seeing him (since he was so far down the street) and he slammed his brakes hard and just missed me. While I was the “cause” of him stopping, it was the fact that he was going about 60 down central that would have caused the accident.
- Central is a nice long straight run through Westville and people use it as a speedway to cross over New Haven all the time since it links Rt 34 to Whalley. The minimal cost of stop signs at all of the unsignaled intersections would greatly reduce the speeds on this street.
- Thank God no one was killed last night. That is without question one of THE WORST intersections in New Haven. Speed on Central Ave combined with poor visibility from Willard is a recipe for casualties.
See http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/grand_am/
48 Komentos
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
s (Panauhin)
Auguste Fortin (Panauhin)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Rehistradong User)
I hope we can work on a solution for this intersection and others city-wide.
I would like to add though that lights and signs are not the solution alone. There was recently the first significant accident at Alden & Edgewood where there is a virtually brand-new full traffic light.
I'm not a traffic engineer but I like the idea of Crossing Islands. There is an example of what I mean in the City's new Complete Streets Manual in the appendix.
E (Rehistradong User)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
More comments:
-- In 2003, my car was rear-ended and crushed into the car in front of mine in a serious accident at the corner of Central Ave./E.G. Boulevard while sitting in my car waiting for the red light to change. This is not to say that a traffic light is a bad idea; just that it is not a perfect solution, either. The traffic light at Alden/Edgewood was certainly helpful. Until people start to drive responsibly again, we will continue to have these accidents and near-misses every day. A state-wide driver education program (TV, Billboard, Newspaper) as well as STRICT enforcement of stop light & stop sign infractions is long overdue. We need to make public bad driving as unacceptable as public smoking has become. I know that camera ticketing is controversial; but being killed or crippled by a maniac driver is not acceptable, either. ‘Right Turn on Red’ seemed like a good idea, once; but it seems to have removed everyone’s inhibitions about all traffic regulations. I’m not sure that ‘traffic calming’ impediments and circles are a great idea. They seem to be obstacles waiting to be hit, and an obstruction to snowplows - but I guess research shows otherwise. I always take a deep breath & pray before entering a traffic circle - hoping I will get through the melee safely. I do feel the 4-way stop at West Elm & Central has been a great improvement, and would certainly help here, as well. It is an inexpensive and effective action to take both here and at Alden/Willard. Meanwhile, please think of SAFETY when you are hurrying to your destination & especially when approaching an intersection. The speed limit really is 25 mph - don’t curse at those who observe it. Follow their example. Remember our children are watching us drive & learning from us (especially those cuss words) We need to plan enough time to get to our destinations while observing the traffic laws; not running red & yellow lights and doing 45-50 (or more) in a 25mph zone. The way we drive can save lives or end them. I apologize for the sermon, but I am still in pain after 7 years. I am lucky to be alive.
-- An accident on a city street is no private matter. I think if more people saw this it might be a wake up call!!! I live on that corner and it’s a death trap. These folks were very lucky and the police and fire crew were very professional. We need a four way stop or a stop light and I’m going to keep fighting for it!!!!!!!!
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
Brian Tang (Rehistradong User)
Melissa (Panauhin)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
Kathy Ryzewski (Panauhin)
E (Rehistradong User)
red means go, yellow go faster... (Panauhin)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Rehistradong User)
Paving will not continue on Central up this far this year.
However, I have discussed with the relevant City depts to include this signalized intersection as part of the paving further south and skim-patching on Yale when assessing options from the City's Complete Streets Manual during this work.
City Engineer has said he'll visit this intersection as part of the nearby project.
Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
I'm very concerned about this intersection, as I live two blocks away and frequently accompany my son as he bikes through the neighborhood and across this intersection. Along with Yale Avenue, Central Avenue is among the more dangerous streets in Westville.
I appreciate Chris Heitman's and others' focus on re-engineering the street so as to facilitate pedestrian traffic and to calm and control vehicular traffic. The question is what will it take to convince the City to act?
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
Chris Heitmann (Rehistradong User)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
Chris Heitmann (Rehistradong User)
Guest (Panauhin)
Loyo (Panauhin)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Rehistradong User)
Rob Smuts (Rehistradong User)
Kinilala Engineering Department (Rehistradong User)
Please submit this issue through New Haven’s “Complete Streets” program. To do this, please visit the Engineering Department’s “Complete Streets” website. Link Below:
http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Engineering/completestreets.asp
There you will find a “Complete Streets Manual” and “Project Request Form”. The department has developed an entire program around improving New Haven’s streets in order to provide safer and more convenient access to a greater number of transportation modes. This issue is a good example of the types of ideas that fall under the “Complete Streets” scope.
A focal point of this program is to include feedback and ideas for street improvements from members of the community. You will also find previously submitted project requests from other community members.
Keren (Rehistradong User)
liz (Rehistradong User)
JD (Rehistradong User)
auguste.fortin (Rehistradong User)
LUIS VICTORI (Rehistradong User)
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
Email me at adammarchand25@gmail.com
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
No doubt, this intersection is a big problem. It is time for action. The question is, what can be done? Put another way, what solutions will the City's Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department support?
In response to public calls for action, and at my urging, TT&P Director Doug Hausladen instructed his senior traffic engineer to examine the crash data to see if the intersection meets the necessary criteria for a four-way stop. I will share the results of that analysis when I learn them. If the professional assessment supports a four-way stop, then great! If not, then we would have to make a strong case to the traffic commission in order for that body to override the professional recommendation. Not easy, but possible.
In the meantime, as we await the professional assessment, I say that we should submit a Complete Streets Application, which is the mechanism for residents to submit requests for traffic calming and other streetscape improvement measures. I have filled out these before and am happy to assist. I will reach out to a couple of neighbors soon to find a time this week or next to do this.
Stay tuned!
Adam Marchand
Alder, Ward 25
203-843-8102 cell”
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
JD (Rehistradong User)
auguste.fortin (Rehistradong User)
edonius (Rehistradong User)
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
Yes, Auguste deserves recognition for taking initiative and filling out the Complete Streets Application. I will gladly follow up with City staff.
Best, Adam.
Alder Adam Marchand, Ward 25
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
I followed up with TT&P Director Doug Hausladen yesterday. He is aware of our Complete Streets Application, and he has directed his staff to review our proposal. If the traffic professionals agree that a four-way stop is warranted, then a recommendation will be made to the Traffic Commission to approve the proposal. If they don't agree, then I will have to write the Traffic Commission to request that our proposal be put on their agenda.
Stay tuned.
Best, Adam.
JD (Rehistradong User)
Neighbor (Rehistradong User)
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
Hello everyone,
Last night another crash took place at this corner. I reached out to the TT&P leadership today to request that the professional analysis be expedited so that our Complete Streets Application for a four-way stop may be addressed as soon as possible.
Stay tuned, Adam.
Alder Adam Marchand (Rehistradong User)
auguste.fortin (Rehistradong User)
The Stop bar and "STOP" were painted Thursday night. This project seems to be complete. Thanks for all your support. The intersection is much quieter and safer.
Isinara Manager of Operations, Process Improvement - Transportation, Traffic, & Parking (Beripikadong Opisiyal)
Reopened auguste.fortin (Rehistradong User)
Manager of Operations, Process Improvement - Transportation, Traffic, & Parking (Beripikadong Opisiyal)
Isinara Manager of Operations, Process Improvement - Transportation, Traffic, & Parking (Beripikadong Opisiyal)