I think a one way might help but the whole intersection has to be rethought. We recently had a nationally known traffic calming expert look at the location within the context of a broader traffic calming plan for the area. The study and the process we went through got a lot of space in the New Haven Independent. Here is the article: http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/06/traffic_calming_1.php. We have a visual representation of exactly how the intersection could be re-engineered to make it more pedestrian friendly.

This intersection could use a couple of the NEW yield to pedestrian signs.
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/10/ped_sign_craze.php
What do we have to do to get them?

This intersection should have a roundabout installed with properly designed deflection islands to lower the travel speeds through this complicated intersection. The current design is frankly negligent with the curb cuts and cross walks not lining up, the misplaced stop signs, etc. This is a dense pedestrian area next to a playground and is very dangerous.

Speeds must be reduced to an absolute maximum of 20 miles per hour in this area, if people are ever going to feel completely comfortable walking in this neighborhood. In Greenwich, Darien, etc., numerous residential areas are posted with a top speed of 15 miles per hour, even on busier minor arterial streets such as Front Street. Reducing the speed limit here is an imperative. See: http://www.walkinginfo.org/enforcement/images/pedestrian-fatalities-vehicle.gif

Would anyone be willing to take photos of the issues described above ("curb cuts and cross walks not lining up, the misplaced stop signs, etc.") and upload them to SCF?
Thanks!

Hi Brian,

This area is a stone's throw from where the crosswalk is needed on Front Street. A neighborhood full of kids and fear that they can't play safely because the city won't put in "Yield to pedestrian" signs. Why are some neighborhoods getting them at every other intersection and we can't get one. Has East Rock eaten up the sign budget?

A raised crosswalk/speed bump is needed here too. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!

Traffic engineers in my home town of Vancouver, WA (across the Columbia River from Portland, OR) developed a type of traffic calming measure called "speed cushions." They're like speed bumps, but have troughs to allow emergency vehicles and buses to get through. I think they work pretty well, but a lot of people claim that they just make drivers speed even faster between bumps. It's possible they're right. I have no idea.

This issue has not been resolved and it is more important than ever now that the park has been redone with a focus on children.

Brian, sorry I missed your request for picktures. this is even better, here is link to the location on Google maps that gives you a 360 view:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lewis+street+and+Front+Street+New+Haven.+CT&sll=41.314806,-72.891774&sspn=0.006979,0.01354&ie=UTF8&ll=41.311843,-72.888992&spn=0.001745,0.003385&t=h&z=18&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=41.311901,-72.88892&panoid=gAW5wGExZScs9KZhHfRFdw&cbp=12,275.13,,0,28.39

Lee

Traffic is definitely still a problem. People fail to yield to stop signs in all directions at the intersection of Lewis and Front Streets, and people speed down Lewis Street, which is very short, thus, intensifying the danger; and Front Street, making both streets incredibly unsafe for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Speed bumps would be very helpful on Lewis Street, and I am sure all of the residents would appreciate it, including me.

What do we do next to get this fixed?

I live at the house directly across the street from the playground - my house number is 253 Front Street. Everyday I pull out of my driveway I see 90% of all cars going from the Grand Ave direction down Front Street at speeding levels. The majority of these cars goign in this direction NEVER seem to stop at the STOP SIGN! This is a dangerous intersection for all of us who live inthis neighborhood and the children who play in the newley developed playground. I would love to be a part of a neighborhood discussion with our alderperson and perhaps the City of New Haven traffic,parks & recreation and police department to address in a public town meeting this vital concern!

M. Rivera
253 Front Street
New Haven, CT 06513

No change, I was just there this weekend as a part of the Annual Chatham Square Neighborhood Association Clean up of Lewis Street Park and saw several instances of unsafe driving including cars not stopping for the stop sign on Lewis St. and heading north on Front Street. It is not practical to think that the city could maintain a police presents at this location so what is needed is traffic calming re-engineering of the intersection and the whole length of the park.

Interested area residents might want to consider posting flyers that can create by clicking "print flyer" at the top of this page and posting them around the park, summer is coming and parents who bring their kids to the park are a natural constituency for this issue. Also consider organizing a neighborhood meeting and inviting Jim Travers Deputy Director of Transportation, Traffic and Parking for the City. His number is 203-946-8077 and his email address is jtravers@newhavenct.net

Um, common sence would say look out for careless drivers.
It is like starting a post saying "watch out for the winter, it could be cold and kill you", LOL.

Do we really need a thread stating the obvious? Since the car almost hit you, does that mean we will all walk in front of a car like you did?
Sad

"get real," try a little compassion and understanding. The major keyword that you neglected to zero in on is "careless." People careen around our neighborhood at speeds that well exceed the posted limit, and they neglect to yield to stop signs. Many times you have no idea that a car is about to run you down unless you run until it is right on top of you. My young daughter was almost seriously hurt while we were bicycling on Front Street with all of us riding single file and hugging the right curb. The car was speeding and literally brushed her left foot. So, until you've experienced the scare of almost being run down when you are obeying all of the traffic laws, maybe you should think twice before posting.

A portable "yield to pedestrian" sign has been place on Front Street, this is a good first step. The intersection still needs to be redesigned and speed bumps added. As inconvenient as it might be for the residents of the condos it probable makes sense to make their drive a one way in from the intersection of Front with Lewis Street. This change would reduce the number of directions in which a pedestrian needs to look before attempting to cross this residential neighborhood street.

While attending the sailing of the Schooner Quinnipiak yesterday many if us observed a car going over 50 miles and hour, on Front. It is just a matter of time before another person kills himself or an innocent bystander.

No change in the past month. I thought Traffic and Parking had acknowledged this problem. What is the plan?

No change on this issue. If anything, with the dirt bikes and ATVs on the streets it has gotten more dangerous.

The solution is to reverse the traffic in the condo parking lot so cars enter at the current exit location and exit at the current entrance. This would give drivers a clear view of traffic from two direction. They would no longer have to watch for traffic from 3 directions, one of which is practically a blind curve.

Has a complete streets application been submitted to look at further speed reductions along this street?

I was told by Dick Miller that this stretch of Front is part of the Complete Streets Project. That is great. But still no action. I have been begging for speed bumps on this stretch for 10 years. So, I feel 90% frustrated and 10% hopeful. Every 3 - 4 months, I write a letter, send and email... I will continue to do that.

JC, Has the Aldermen met you to review the concern?

This issue was recategorized from Uncategorized to Traffic/Road Safety.

Still just as dangerous as ever.

Still not addressed, dangerous as ever.

We are trying to delineate issues that are current and need the city's attention to resolve and as a result a number of historical issues are being closed. If your issue remains and needs to be addressed by the city, please open as a new See Click Fix issue with updated information and details. Thank you.