Crime & Safety

Crosswalk to be Installed on West Main Street at Alps Road

A pedestrian request makes it to the top.

There’s not doubt that West Main Street in Branford is busy. After passing through the often-congested “the pretzel” and then the exit 53, I-95 ramps, drivers have to contend with construction obstruction from the and then the light at the top of the hill at the intersection of Short Beach Road and West Main Street. Then, if you make it there, it’s on to battling the stop-go attempts to drive straight or make a left into the . It’s tough to be a driver in this section of town and we’re not even touching upon maneuvering through the shopping plaza parking lot.

But what about the pedestrians who have to cross West Main Street in this vicinity? Imagine trying to cross the street in a wheelchair or on foot to catch a bus?

One Branford resident has gone straight to the top to help fellow pedestrians who frequent this area and is requesting a crosswalk at West Main Street and Alps Road.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Chief Kevin Halloran, Catherine Watras, a Transportation engineer for the CT Department of Transportation contacted him in January regarding a citizen request for a crosswalk at the intersection of Alps Road and West Main Street. The request came through Governor Malloy’s office he detailed.

The chaired by Robert Gott, discussed this item at their regular meeting on Monday. Because West Main Street is a state road, the Police Commission has no jurisdiction over approving or denying this requested crosswalk but Gott said he hoped to inform the committee and the public.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The state, according to Gott and Halloran, will be approving the crosswalk but it will not be installed until 2013 budget funds become available.

Halloran commented that the citizen requesting the crosswalk expressed that the high volume of vehicle traffic makes it difficult for pedestrians in this area to use the bus stops on either side of West Main Street. Additionally, a regular bus rider who is wheelchair-bound, firmed-up the case that a painted crosswalk is needed.

Currently there are two push-button traffic controls at this intersection for pedestrians to use. The signal at the entrance/exit of ’s and ’s parking lots is currently propped up against to the telephone pole with a metal tie. It appears to be in average condition. Patch called the DOT to find out if the signals would be replaced or modified in any way but have not heard back. There is also no word on how much it costs to install the requested crosswalk and when it will occur.

Given the current existence of push-button signals in this intersection, one would surmise that traffic patterns should not be affected for vehicles.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.