As Ridgefield residents we are concerned about traffic safety on Route 116 near the intersection with Route 35.  We would like to request a public hearing with the CT Department of Transportation to air our concerns.

This already congested area of Route 116 is the proposed site for a 16 unit affordable housing unit at 7&9 North Salem Road.

We have conducted a detailed traffic study and sight distance analysis at the site.

The analysis showed that even at the posted speed limit of 30mph, the applicant is unable to obtain a clear sight triangle without encroaching onto the neighboring property and removing the existing 36" diameter maple tree.  We are extremely concerned that as neighbors the actual speed at which vehicles are traveling does not appear to be taken into account as part of your review.

The applicant has measured an 85^th percentile speed at the location of the proposed driveway of approximately 30 mph for cars traveling south.  However, this speed is measured after cars have already decelerated for the approaching intersection.  In fact, our engineer and Mr. Hilson, the applicants former traffic engineer, both performed speed studies approximately 100 feet north of the proposed driveway as that is a more representative speed of vehicles before they begin to decelerate for the coming intersection.   

It was found that the 85^th percentile speed measured for vehicles traveling south was 37 mph by Howland and 36 mph by Hilson.  At those speeds, the applicant is unable to obtain a clear sight triangle without encroaching onto three neighboring properties and removing numerous trees.