This letter to the editor was submitted by Michael Lombardo, Wiltons chief of police. The Daily Wilton welcomes the opinions of its readers.
Now that the winter is finally behind us and with the warmer weather approaching, I feel it is timely to write about how the Wilton Police Department maintains road signage and striping of local roads.
Throughout the year the department consistently receives calls for placement of new signage at various locations in Wilton and the replacement of signs that have been taken or damaged on local roads. In Wilton, as in most towns throughout the state of Connecticut, there is a local traffic authority that is responsible for approving new signage on the roads directing traffic. This may come in the form of stop signs, pedestrian crosswalks and the many other types of signs that assist us as we traverse throughout town. The local traffic authority has control over signage only on local roads. State roads such as Route 7 and Route 33 are maintained and controlled by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This also includes intersections with state roads. However, many times the police department works hand-in-hand with the state DOT officials and will make recommendations for improvements to these roads in Wilton.
The Route 7 widening project was a perfect example of a long-term commitment by the police department to work cooperatively with state officials so that the project had as little effect as possible on the residents and the multitude of local concerns were addressed. In this particular instance, a lieutenant was assigned to coordinate with state DOT officials on a regular basis for a smooth, well- organized, functioning transition with the many complex issues involved on such a large-scale project.
When a resident brings a matter to our attention that needs state DOT approval, we generally conduct a survey of the area in question to determine if anything can be done to improve the situation. Our research will generally involve traffic volume counts, along with speed and vehicle size. We also examine sightline and pedestrian issues and how any changes may impact the area. A perfect example of this is the recently erected "No Turn On Red" sign existing on Olmstead Hill Road onto Route 7. This signage was approved by the state DOT along with the entire Route 7 project. Therefore, it falls under state authority and engineering guidelines for placement. We have studied the impact the prohibition has had on the local traffic and spoken with and met with State DOT officials several times to address the concerns of the community. A change that has been implemented at this intersection was to lengthen the time the light stays green for Olmstead Hill Road vehicles at particular times of day. This adjustment allows vehicles more time to exit onto Route 7. As with any traffic related changes or improvements, specific requirements must be met prior to making a change.
Road striping can only be done during certain times throughout the year, as weather permits. The Wilton Police Department maintains a list of all local roadways, pedestrian crosswalks and speed bump locations that require periodic striping. Again, any state road is striped by the state DOT, which is responsible for its maintenance.
Since road signage and striping are traffic safety measures, I will also take this opportunity to ask each driver in Wilton to avoid using their cell phone while driving. I also ask that each operator be cognizant of their surroundings while driving and be aware of school buses that are stopped with flashing lights and emergency vehicles that are responding to a call for aid with lights and siren. There has been more than one occasion when these vehicles are trying to get to a call and are slowed because a vehicle does not yield. Response time to many of these calls is critical to the sick or injured person.
It is our goal to strive for improvement on all of Wilton's roadways and to protect each motorist to the best of our ability.
Chief of Police
Wilton, Conn.
How do you think the signage and striping is in Wilton. Please leave comments below.
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