EASTHAMPTON — After years of contentious discussion over the danger of the area, the city will convert the four-way intersection at Loudville Road, West Street, Glendale Street and Pomeroy Meadow Road from a two-way to a four-way stop.
The intersection has been a topic of discussion for over a decade, with many community members hoping to see safety improvements implemented. Several accidents have occurred at the spot over the years, including in December 2023 when a Southampton man died.
The City Council responded at its Aug. 6 meeting, agreeing in a unanimous vote to convert the intersection into a four-way stop. The decision followed a public hearing at which several people showed up to voice support behind the idea.
“I travel that intersection most often. Many, many, many times a day and I’ve been waiting for this day. It is long and coming, we all recognize that,” said Interim City Council President James “JP” Kwiecinski.
There is currently a stop sign on West Street and Pomeroy Meadow Road. Two more stop signs will be added on Loudville Road and Glendale Street. The project will be funded by the state.
While there was support in favor of the conversion from five of the six residents who spoke at the public hearing, a strong desire for even further safety regulations was voiced. Residents pitched ideas to incorporate speed bumps, sidewalks and new speed enforcement regulations.
“That intersection causes me great angst and is one of the most dangerous intersections I’ve ever had to come across on a routine basis,” said resident Bruce Bowman, who passes the intersection daily to see his grandchildren. “I applaud the installation of a four-way stop sign. My fear of that is that’s not enough.”
Bowman suggested the installation of a speed bump on Loudville Road to help residents slow down approaching the intersection. Loudville Road was a topic of concern for multiple speakers, since there is a hill before the intersection that blocks the sight of motorists.
“If there are people coming at 35 miles per hour or more, because people go fast on that road, I will frankly avoid that intersection if it feels like it’s a crowded time of day if its a four-way stop sign because I would be concerned I would be rear-ended,” said resident Alison Curphey, noting how tricky the intersection is to navigate.
A traffic study completed at the intersection by Greenman-Pedersen Inc. suggests the four-way stop conversion, with support from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The study reported eight “angle crashes” that occurred between Jan. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31 2021, that could have potentially been prevented by all-way stop control.
“I’m very pleased that a four-way stop has been approved,” said resident Mary Brown. “Like everyone else has said, that intersection is very dangerous.”
Brown, who lives near the intersection, recounted an instance where she saw a biker get hit by a turning car. She hopes to see the creation of crosswalks for the many bikers and runners who pass by. Additionally, she voiced concern over people failing to stop coming from Loudville Road, with the new traffic pattern.
With the stop signs, there will be “stop sign ahead” signs to warn motorists at the intersection. Temporary signs will be made indicating drivers of a new traffic pattern, for at least a week after the construction.
The proposal for a four-way stop was put in front of the council by the Department of Public Works and the decision saw unanimous support from the Public Safety Committee.
According to the Greg Nuttleman, director of the Department of Public Works, materials for the project should be acquired by the end of the month and he hopes to begin work as soon as possible.
Sam Ferland can be reached at sferland@gazettenet.com
