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 85th 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 85th 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.
By signing this petition we understand that obtaining a clear sight triangle is essential in ensuring the safety of residents entering and leaving the proposed development, as well as for people traveling by car and by foot on the 116. We urge the Department of Transportation to consider the safety of the public traveling on this road and not issue this permit that could be the cause of potential accidents.Updates
November 15, 2011
The feedback I have received from neighbors highlights a shared anxiety about the realities of daily traffic flow near the proposed site. I am currently spending time reviewing our technical findings to ensure they are presented clearly when we finally sit down with the department.
November 15, 2011
Seeing this conversation grow confirms how many of us share the same unease about the safety of our roads. It is heartening to know that so many neighbors are paying close attention to the technical details of this proposal.
Reached 100 supporters
November 15, 2011
6 Comments
RIDICULOUS. how are people supposed to turn out safely? the town needs to listen to us for once.
Leave the tree alone and fix the road first. So sick of these developers trying to shove stuff in where it clearly doesnt fit.
I been driving that stretch for 20 years and it gets worse every year. Someone is gonna get hurt.
That intersection is a death trap. I try to avoid it at rush hour every single day.
traffic is already a nightmare right there. adding more cars is just asking for a bad accident.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
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 85th 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 85th 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.
By signing this petition we understand that obtaining a clear sight triangle is essential in ensuring the safety of residents entering and leaving the proposed development, as well as for people traveling by car and by foot on the 116. We urge the Department of Transportation to consider the safety of the public traveling on this road and not issue this permit that could be the cause of potential accidents.Updates
November 15, 2011
The feedback I have received from neighbors highlights a shared anxiety about the realities of daily traffic flow near the proposed site. I am currently spending time reviewing our technical findings to ensure they are presented clearly when we finally sit down with the department.
November 15, 2011
Seeing this conversation grow confirms how many of us share the same unease about the safety of our roads. It is heartening to know that so many neighbors are paying close attention to the technical details of this proposal.
Reached 100 supporters
November 15, 2011
6 Comments
please look at the facts before approving this. that sight line is dangerous.
RIDICULOUS. how are people supposed to turn out safely? the town needs to listen to us for once.
Leave the tree alone and fix the road first. So sick of these developers trying to shove stuff in where it clearly doesnt fit.
I been driving that stretch for 20 years and it gets worse every year. Someone is gonna get hurt.
That intersection is a death trap. I try to avoid it at rush hour every single day.
traffic is already a nightmare right there. adding more cars is just asking for a bad accident.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
please look at the facts before approving this. that sight line is dangerous.