A neighborhood effort that was years in the making now has visible proof that their voices have been heard.
Newtown Public Works employees constructed the first of two speed tables on Queen Street today. The one now in place is at the intersection of Lovells Lane and the second, which will be installed tomorrow, will be at the intersection of Burough Lane.
Queen Street -- and the speed with which vehicles travel on it -- has been the subject of several police commission meetings in recent years as residents sought to bring added safety to their neighborhood. The issue came to a head several years ago when a child who reportedly ran after a ball was struck by a vehicle driving on Queen Street, according to Sgt. Aaron Bahamonde of the
A 2006 study (attached as a PDF) found that the average rate of speed on Queen Street was 35 miles per hour -- 10 miles per hour faster than the posted speed limit. The speed tables are part of an overall effort to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the area, which is home to .
Residents can expect minor traffic delays on Queen Street on Tuesday as Newtown Public Works employees install the second speed table. Queen Street connects Mile Hill Road and Church Hill Road.
Bahamonde said the town will be collecting data based on how the new speed tables are working, including the effects on travel speed and pedestrian safety as well as any potential traffic impacts on adjacent streets.
