To the Editor:

I read with interest the article in The Bee (2/6), “Police Commission Presses Flagpole Intersection Discussion.” Since 1987, I have lived in The Borough off Currituck Road, one half mile from the flagpole. I have traversed the flagpole thousands of times without incident. Any attention must be in a thoughtful manner, which honors the character of Main Street Center.

When I access Main Street from Currituck, there is often traffic, including tractor-tailor and wide-load flatbed trucks, making the intersection especially challenging. I side with Ms Zukowski, as quoted in the article, and support controlling traffic flow on Main Street.  A traffic signal at Currituck/Main to create gaps in traffic flow is a splendid suggestion.  Neither traffic circles nor speed bumps deal with the culprits’ … excessive personal auto and heavy-duty commercial traffic and the need to direct traffic away from the flagpole as much as feasible. 

Considerations:

No large commercial truck traffic on Route 25 between Route 6 intersection in Hawleyville and Wasserman Way intersection (except local deliveries). This will eliminate tractor-trailer and wide-load flat beds invading The Borough. The Wasserman Way by-pass road, to/from I84, must be a mandated detour around Main Street for all large commercial vehicle traffic flowing through Newtown, with the exception of local deliveries.

No left turn allowed from Church Hill Road at the Flagpole, onto Route 25 South.  Post signage at eastbound Church Hill Road and Queen Street intersection to that effect. Direct traffic to make a left on Queen Street, taking Glover or Queen Street/Wasserman Way to Route 25 South, or turning north on Main Street to access the library, or other locations south of the flagpole on Main Street.

Keep the “historical jewel” – flagpole – in the forefront of discussions, and think outside any “speed bumps” in the road.

Sincerely,

Richard A. English

3 Curry Drive, Newtown                    February 11, 2015