Improving Traffic, Pedestrian Safety in Cos Cob

To improve pedestrian safety, especially with the increase of traffic expected when the Cos Cob Park opens later this year, the Greenwich Board of Selectmen has approved the installation of all-way stop signs at two key Cos Cob intersections.

Following the recommendations of traffic officials from the Department of Public Works, the selectmen unanimously endorsed the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersections where currently there are stop signs for only two of the three roads feeding into each intersection.

A stop sign will be installed on Strickland Road at its intersection of Sound Shore Drive and Station Place, adjacent to the Cos Cob train station. A second stop sign will be installed on River Road at the three-way intersection of Strickland Road — near the historic Bush-Holley House, where currently traffic exiting River Road have the right-of-way. The sign installation is supported by the Cos Cob Neighborhood Association, according to Jim Michel, chief engineer.

"We figured with train station there, the new Cos Cob Park opening up in fall/winter, it would make for a safer intersection. There's a little bit of a sight distance issue with vehicles coming out from the Metro-North overpass," Michel explained. He added, "There is a lot of pedestrian traffic in the area."
 
Michel said there were similar safety concerns for the River and Strickland roads intersection.

"We certainly recognize the necessity of what is proposed," said First Selectman Peter Tesei.

Selectman Dave Theis said he would support the stop sign installations if the Traffic Division would investigate the feasibility of installing a turn lane on Indian Field Road at the northbound on-ramp of I-95 at Exit 4. Theis said he has received many requests from residents that a turning lane be included in the intersection to alleviate traffic backups.

The board unanimously approved the sign installations with the Indian Field Road caveat.

The board also unanimously approved the annual request from St. Roch Parish for partial closure of St. Roch Place and Hamilton Avenue during evening hours Aug. 6 through Aug. 9 for the church's annual St. Roch Feast.