Southwick traffic
options explored
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Staff writer
SOUTHWICK – Safety Officer Sgt. Kirk Sanders and Department of Public Works (DPW) Engineer Richard Grannells discussed traffic concerns with the Southwick Select Board this week.
Sanders and Grannells specifically addressed a longtime concern at the entrance to the high school. In 1999, and again in 2004, Sanders asked the DPW director (Arthur Chevalier in 1999 and Jeffrey Neece in 2004) to take up the issue.
Sanders and Grannells said this week that the problem still exists and has not been addressed. One option is a traffic light at the location.
“One of the things we talked about is maybe in off hours these lights go to flashing yellow,” said Grannells. “In Connecticut on Route 20 it is busy by day and at night the lights go to flashing yellow.”
Grannells said he believes he and Sanders are “on the same page” as the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
In 2004, Sanders recommended the creation of a 300-foot long, 12-foot wide turning lane into the high school driveway eastbound on Feeding Hills Road. He said the fence and sidewalk would have to be moved back, in addition to moving one telephone pole.
Sanders said the westbound lane should be widened by 12 feet as well, and after widening the intersection it should be properly marked on the road with turning arrows.
Sanders also recommended a traffic light be placed on the north side of Feeding Hills Road across from the high school driveway. He said the light should be flashing yellow for east/west traffic on Feeding Hills Road and flashing red to exit the school most of the time, but would be fully functional when needed in the morning and afternoon or for special events.
Sanders also suggested that buses leave the school after dropping off students through the back of the high school directly to Woodland School.
The board discussed the possibility that the high school access road could be closed with possible renovations to the school.
Grannells said Mass Highway is doing an analysis of the area and he suggested hearing their report before making any forward motion.
“I think we should let them complete it and let the facts be presented and base it on that,” said Grannells.
Hope Tremblay can be reached at [email protected]
