New Speed Limit for Central Middle School Neighborhood

A resident's concern for the safety of young student pedstrians from Central Middle School has prompted the Board of Selectmen to approve a speed reduction in the neighborhood.

Motorists using Indian Rock Lane between Stanwich Road and Orchard Street will need to slow down with the OK to reduce the speed limit from 25 to 20 mph. The unanimous decision last week came after the Greenwich Department of Public Works Traffic Division investigated the request submitted by Indian Rock Lane resident Warren Silver.

In a letter to the Traffic Division, Silver said that as a parent of two youngsters "it is disturbing how fast cars drive in this school zone." He also said that many motorists do not show respect for traffic rules as they "yield" at stop signs.

Traffic Operations Coordinator Melissa Evans said imposing the 20 mph speed limit would bring the neighborhood school into compliance of the speed limits set at all other schools in town.

"This would be a school zone like most other school zones in town," Evans said.  "Central Middle School is the only school in town where there is not a 20 mph zone. It doesn’t have an overhead sign" warning motorists they most other school zones do, according to Evans.

Given the narrowness of the road, it will be nearly impossible to erect the overhead warning signs, Evans said. However, "we are looking at erecting standing sign (on the roadsides) to let people know of the 20 mph during school hours," she added. The only markings notifying drivers of the school zone are painted 'school zone' warnings on the roadways.

The imposition of the new speed zone must be approved by the Connecticut state Traffic Authority, Evans said.