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DARIEN, Conn. Relief may be on the way for Darien drivers and pedestrians frustrated by Route 1. A comprehensive study of the Post Road suggests a series of projects that could improve traffic conditions and safety.
The Darien Route 1 Corridor Study was conducted by town officials, the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Southwestern Regional Planning Agency, along with Clough Harbor and Associates design firm. Through studies of traffic patterns, travel times and land use, they have come up with 22 measures that could be implemented.
Jeff Parker of Clough Harbor and Associates presented the recommended changes at a community meeting held at the Darien Library on Wednesday. The recommendations were divided among the southern part of the corridor between Nearwater Lane and the I-95 underpass; the downtown section; and the northern portion from Brookside Road to Old Kings Highway North.
One change proposed for the southern portion would be to reduce the number of lanes in some sections from four to two. This would increase shoulder space for bicycles and pedestrians while also preventing cars from speeding up and passing other vehicles, Parker said.
Left turn lanes would also be added in several locations, including at Noroton Avenue, Rings End Road, Old Kings Highway South and Renshaw Road.
In the downtown section, curb extensions and crosswalks would be added to increase pedestrian safety. Major changes could include consolidating the entrance and exit to the Darien train station's parking lot at Center Street and removing the stop light at Tokeneke Road. This could greatly improve traffic flow, Parker said.
Changes to the northern section of Route 1 would include creating a two-way left turn lane as well as adding new sidewalks.
The study classifies the 22 suggestions in terms of how quickly they can be completed, how much they would cost and how big a priority they are in improving safety. The public can email their comments to Prosi@swrpa.org by June 20 before the team publishes its final report this summer, Parker said.
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