BCAT News

Department of Public Works Director Brian White and Assistant Town Engineer Meghan Cavalier were before the Select Board at a recent meeting to discuss the implementation of a four-way stop at the intersection of Donald Road and Hart Street. There are currently only stop signs on the Donald Road portion.

Changes to the intersection have been on the department agenda but concerns from residents have moved the project up, as Cavalier explained.

“It’s a fairly dangerous intersection that we think would be improved by adding a four-way stop. This proposal has been moved forward due to resident concerns. They are requesting speed tables on Hart Street. Hart Street currently does meet the criteria but we would like to implement this stop sign first and see what that does.”

This is the first step in a plan to reconfigure and tighten the intersection in a few years time, with the addition of a sidewalk on Donald Road. 

The Select Board were all in support of the project, but also expressed concerns regarding enforcing the stop, the visibility of the signs, and the intersection’s proximity to Fox Hill Elementary. 

Cavalier said they will be initially installing stop signs with flashing lights to catch drivers’ attention, and then conduct a speed study once school resumes in the fall to see the effects. She also explained the sidewalks are on hold until construction of Fox Hill is underway, and they may be able to secure additional funding through Safe Routes to School. 

“This is not a complete fix but something that we do believe will help make that intersection safer as fast as possible.”

Select Board Jim Tigges suggested additionally adding “Stop Ahead” signs to further enforce the four-way stop. 

The Select Board voted unanimously in favor of the new stop signs at Donald Road and Hart Street. You can watch their full discussion on the intersection here. Don’t forget to subscribe to BCAT’s Government Coverage Youtube to stay on top of all our live meeting coverage.