Dangerous intersection in Enfield discussed at public hearing - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Dangerous intersection in Enfield discussed at public hearing

Residents in one section of Enfield said it's just a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed at a dangerous intersection.

On Monday night, the town's Public Works Department and officials from the state Department of Transportation listened to their concerns and suggestions as to what should be done during a public hearing in the Town Council Chambers located at Town Hall.

Homeowners near the intersection of Broad Brook and Abbe roads said "something" has to be done before a life is lost. The state said all options are open, but they need input first before moving forward.

Dozens of concerned residents, such as Mario Johnson, told the state DOT that something better than a flashing red light and stop signs has to be done to improve the intersection in question.

The state said speed is a problem at the intersection right near the East Windsor town line. Neighbors say they take their lives in their own hands when they exit their driveway.

"Someone's going to get killed there," Johnson said. "I don't want it to be my kids, I don't want it to be your kids."

Eyewitness News has learned that between 2008 and 2011, the intersection has been the scene of 22 crashes - 11 with injuries and 64 percent were angled collisions.

Joe Willett of the DOT offered options, such as the construction of a roundabout, which would cost property owners land or construct T-shaped intersections.

"The thought process here is to eliminate the crossing over the direct back and forth here," he said.

Other options include improving site lines, removing poles, closing off the east side of Abbe Road or even doing nothing. Willett said every option depends on available funding.

A roundabout could cost Chris Carleen his house. He, like many of his neighbors, suggests a cheaper option, which is a traditional traffic light with line of site improvements or a plain  four-way stop sign.

"No matter what option we end up with its always a three- to five-year time period potentially," Carleen said. "I think a T-intersection is a good solution."

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.