Flashing Crosswalk Signs, Added Lights Among Needed Safety Improvements In Tolland, Officials Say

TOLLAND, CT — Flashing crosswalk signs in high pedestrian traffic areas are some of the items Tolland Public Safety Director John Littell has been advocating for over the past few months.

Town Manager Brian Foley said in his latest report to the town council that Littell has been meeting regularly with the Capitol Region Council of Governments and other town staff members to push for "several traffic and safety improvements in Tolland."

Key items under discussion include:

• A traffic light at the intersection of Route 30 & Browns Bridge Road, along with sight line improvements.
• A traffic light at the intersection of Route 195 and Baxter Street.
• The addition of turn lanes before the Walbridge Hill Road and the Norwegian Woods area, as well as improved signage and lighting to help reduce the frequency of accidents in the corridor
• For the area of Route 74 at Exit 69 Exit Ramp, Littell has requested a review of the exit design and signage in the area and how the interchange interacts with a new healthcare facility's exit/entrance design. He said the combination of the grade and curvature of Route 74 in this area, the speed at which motorists are traveling, and the recent addition of a new business entrance and exit has raised safety concerns.
• LIttell has requested installation of flashing crosswalk signs on Route 195, and near the schools, "to improve safety for pedestrians."

E bikes aer also being addressed.

Said Foley, "On Sept. 30, Director Littell participated in the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities' webinar entitled 'E-Bikes in Connecticut Overview.' Since towns and cities have seen an increase in e-bikes and motor-scooters on their roads and streets, this CCM webinar covered pertinent laws and trends regarding these vehicles, in particular best practices on how to educate the community about what is legal and what is safe, including partnerships with local schools."