NEW CANAAN, Conn. A tricky downtown intersection may soon be a little easier to navigate thanks to a new left-turn signal.
The Public Works Department plans to install the device at the intersection of Elm and Park streets. The Board of Selectmen approved a request to spend no more than $9,200 for the signal light.
Public Works Director Mike Pastore said the signal will allow westbound traffic on Elm Street to make left turns onto Park Street without interference from oncoming traffic turning right onto Park. The signal would only one direction of traffic to turn at a time. Elm is a one-way in the main shopping area, but becomes two ways heading west toward Weed Street. The problem with traffic congestion is particularly bad in the mornings when people go to the Metro-North Railroad station to park or drop off commuters.
People get confused over there, Pastore said. People want to turn left and not get hit by drivers turning right.
Members of the New Canaan Police Commission recommended the signal, Pastore said. There had been a signal in the past, but Pastore did not know why it was removed.
Selectman Nick Williams, himself a commuter, said the intersection can be dangerous with people trying to turn in the same direction. It is Russian Roulette. This is something that needs to be done, he said.
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