SOUTHAMPTON — Town officials hope to hear from residents concerned about traffic safety at the intersection of Pomeroy Meadow Road and College Highway (Route 10) as they consider asking the state to install a traffic signal at the busy junction.
A hearing will be held by the Select Board at its meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Town Hall. Anyone with thoughts, concerns or questions about safety at the Route 10 intersection is invited to attend, said Town Administrator Heather Budrewciz.
“We’re getting a lot of concern from business owners and residents that it’s not really the safest intersection,” she said Monday. “We are looking into this and if anyone has any comments or concerns on it and would like to say something, (Tuesday’s) the time to do so.”
Because Route 10 is a state highway, it is up to the Department of Transportation to decide whether to install a traffic light at the intersection.
Budrewicz said the timing is good for such a request because the DOT in the near future will construct sidewalks on that area of Route 10 as part of the Safe Routes to School project.
“Once we get everything sorted out with that piece you’re likely to see even more foot traffic, which makes (safety) even more concerning,” she said.
The intersection of College Highway and Pomeroy Meadow Road is home to many of Southampton’s commercial properties and is down the street from the William E. Norris Elementary School.
Budrewicz said the owners of Opa Opa Steakhouse & Brewery, which is directly across from the intersection, are among those who have expressed concern about its safety.
There is now one traffic signal in Southampton – a flashing yellow light on Route 10 in front of Town Hall that turns red only when a pedestrian presses the crossing button.
Chris Lindahl can be reached at clindahl@gazettenet.com.