Traffic Authority Addresses Speeding Complaints

At the Feb. 14 Police Commission meeting, in addition to reporting recent numbers, the North Branford Police Department’s Traffic Authority reviewed a letter it recently received from Jim Dwyer regarding traffic concerns.

The first issue in Dwyer’s letter was speeding vehicles on Route 80 in the area of Twin Lakes Road.

Lieutenant David D’Ancicco reported that he did traffic research in the area going back three years and found there were no accidents at that intersection in which speed was a factor.

“There have been some minor incidents there, but nothing regarding speed,” said D’Ancicco.

Dwyer’s letter also suggested the stretch of Route 80 between Jerome Harrison Elementary School and North Branford Intermediate School should not be set as a 45 mile per hour zone.

“It’s not a school zone because it’s too far in between schools,” said D’Ancicco. “But it is 25 at Doral Farms Road and we did have a crosswalk installed there.”

D’Ancicco went on to explain that, in his research, he found no accidents in the area. He also spoke with Dattco, whose managers interviewed drivers. Dattco reported back that the drivers had no concerns about speeding vehicles near the schools. D’Ancicco also contacted the Superintendent’s office, which also reported no complaints.

“We gave a patrol notice for the officers that we received a complaint for speed,” said D’Ancicco.

In addition to addressing Dwyer’s letter, the Traffic Authority also reported a bus stop change at the request of the Superintendent’s Office.

“They had complaints about the bus stop at Augur Road Extension and Totoket Road­–it’s very narrow there with no shoulder and on a hill,” said D’Ancicco.

He reported that the bus stop was moved to a piece of town-owned land across from Neubig’s Farm where Public Works cleared an area so parents can pull off of the road and wait with their children.

The Commission then approved the request to install a bus stop warning sign to further enhance safety.