Town Seeks To Improve Traffic Flow With Crosswalk Changes

The Greenwich Board of Selectmen has approved changes in how pedestrians use crosswalks in 10 major intersections in town.

In an effort to improve traffic flow and operations along the Route 1 corridor, if approved by the state Traffic Commission, the changes will go into effect within three to six months, according to James Michel, Greenwich's chief engineer.

All of the town's intersections with pedestrian crossing phases, are exclusive—meaning all lights at intersection are red when a pedestrian is given the signal to cross. The issues is that many times pedestrians activitate the crosswalk signal but don't wait for it. In doing so, the pedestrian signal still goes through the cycle, causing traffic to wait the additional 36 seconds.

The town is seeking to transition certain high volume intersections to an concurrent pedestriian crossing phase, meaning that pedestrians will be able to cross with traffic during the green light phase—the same system used in New York City, Stamford, Port Chester and White Plains. Vehicles will still be required to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks.

• Route 1 and Western Junior Highway
• Route 1 and East Weaver Street/Holly Hill Lane
• Route 1 and Valley Drive
• Route 1 and Harold Avenue
• Route 1 and Taylor Drive/Cross Street
• Route 1 and Strickland Road
• Route 1 and Sinawoy Road
• Route 1 and Orchard Street/Mead Avenue
• Mill Street and North Water/South Street
• Mill Street and Delavan Avenue/Mead Avenue.

Michel said there will be an education effort for both motorist and drivers which will include installation of signs. Addressing Selectman Drew Marzullo's concern on whether crossing guards for school children would be eliminated, Michel said the guards would remained posted there.