Route 1 Lane Reduction Pilot Examined for Greenwich

Town Considers ‘Road Diet’ to Enhance Pedestrian Safety

Greenwich’s Board of Selectmen will consider a novel three-month pilot program this Thursday, July 24, aimed at reducing traffic lanes on Route 1 near the New York state line. The initiative, dubbed a “road diet,” seeks to improve pedestrian safety and traffic calming in the bustling area.

Proposal Details and Objectives

The Greenwich Department of Public Works (DPW) Engineering Division has proposed the trial for Route 1 between Byram Road and Pemberwick Road. If approved, the pilot would begin in August, temporarily reducing the roadway from two vehicular travel lanes to one in each direction. This change aims to assess the feasibility of such a reconfiguration from a traffic operations standpoint.

The initial phase will not include pedestrian enhancements like new crosswalks or sidewalks. However, data from the past five years shows the intersection of Route 1 and Byram Road as a high-crash location. Michael Kiselak from the DPW noted in a memo to the selectmen that resident feedback and safety analyses highlight the urgent need for improvements.

“The trial would provide both DPW and CTDOT with valuable information as we work on developing a permanent solution for this location,” Kiselak wrote. He also confirmed preliminary discussions with the CT Department of Transportation indicate openness to the trial, with final approval pending. New York State and the Village of Port Chester have also been consulted due to the cross-border nature of the markings.

Examining Safety and Traffic Flow

The core idea behind the road diet is to reduce the distance pedestrians must cross and to serve as a traffic calming measure. Currently, CT Transit bus stops are present on both sides of Route 1, but a safe, designated crossing is lacking. The project is designed to be reversible, allowing for quick removal if necessary before its October 31 conclusion.

This initiative aligns with the state DOT’s allowance for temporary and reversible traffic projects, which can include various “quick-build complete streets” elements. The DPW plans to meticulously collect traffic data, conduct observations, and gather community feedback throughout the trial period.

The success of this pilot could pave the way for a permanent plan, potentially incorporating features such as striped crosswalks, rapid flashing beacons, curb extensions, and sidewalks. The plan also aims to reduce the complexity for both drivers and pedestrians navigating the area. For perspective, cities like Salt Lake City have reported significant reductions in crashes after implementing similar road diet strategies, with one study by the Federal Highway Administration showing an average 40% reduction in crashes after such a change (FHWA, “Road Diet”).