S'Bury Board considers creating four-way stop

SHAFTSBURY — The town Select Board discussed multiple issues with the town's roads at its Monday night meeting.

The board agreed to reconsider placing a four-way stop at Coulter Road, Cross Hill, Tinkham Road and Myers Road. Road foreman Ron Daniels had requested the board review its decision to place stop signs at that intersection.

The board had decided to create a four-way stop at that intersection after a road study conducted by Bennington County Regional Commission Regional Planner Jeffrey Mast revealed safety concerns. The results of the study, released in September of last year, showed that some drivers were traveling substantially above the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.

The stop signs have not yet been put up.

Board Chairman Lon McClintock said that several factors were worth re-examining.

"One of the things I remember was that there was some concern about the speed of vehicles traveling from Tinkham to Coulter, and there was some hope a stop sign would clear up those problems," McClintock said. "However, a recent brochure from the BCRC reminds us that stop signs should not be used to control speed."

"Another thing included

in Mast's report was shrubs that reduced visibility at the intersection," McClintock added. "It's my understanding that they have been cleared up."

Daniels confirmed McClintock's assessment, adding that the intersection met the minimum visibility requirements even before the shrubs were trimmed.

"For a 35 miles per hour intersection, it should not be a problem," Daniels said.

The concern was also expressed that the stop signs could create additional wear and tear on the roads. Board member Karen Mellinger said she did remember speed being a concern at the intersection.

"I was looking at Jeff (Mast's) memo, and he does indicate that stop signs are not meant to control speed," Mellinger said. "One thing I remember him mentioning was the possibility of having intersection warning signs."

"Personally, my primary concern is the speed of motorists coming up to that intersection," Mellinger said. Daniels said intersection warning signs were a possible solution, but said the signs would have to be maintained by the town.

Board member Cinda Morse, however, said the idea should be considered further. "We hired BCRC to take a look at this," Morse said. "I feel that we should have Jeff at the table looking at this, because he was the one we hired to look at it in the first place."

Other board members agreed, and the matter was tabled until the BCRC could be consulted.

Daniels also indicated that his department was considering taking on the town's roadside mowing duties, which have been contracted out previously. Morse questioned whether this was wise.

"The whole point of contracting out was to make sure the mowing got done when it needed to get done," Morse said. "What was happening was the road crew kept getting called out to higher priorities, and we would get a ton of complaints."

Mellinger agreed. "I remember when we had multiple people in these seats talking about the brush that needed to be cut," Mellinger said. "This was our way to get that off you plate, and let the crew do road maintenance, which is a constant thing."

Daniels said the change was being considered as a cost-saving measure. However, board members pointed out that the savings would be delayed, as the town would have to apply any money saved toward the purchase of new equipment.