ESSEX — After hearing a Main Street neighbor’s worries about traffic flow, speed and safety along the town thoroughfare, selectmen have acted to slow vehicles’ roll.
“My concerns are being fueled by the increase in the current building projects, as well as the projected projects in the Main Street area,” Catherine Cummings of 151 Main St. wrote to selectmen.
“Main Street is utilized as a primary route to access the inland areas surrounding Essex, with large construction and large delivery vehicles utilized by the residents of the town of Essex to access homes and businesses.”
Michael Cummings said the couple is not against development, but more concerned about safety on Main Street that is also Route 133.
“More than a fair number of drivers drive at a high speed,” he said. “There are lots of children and families. All you need is for one kid to step out and somebody’s going to get hurt.”
Selectmen decided to ask the Essex Police Department to use speeding signboards to slow traffic and conduct a survey to determine traffic patterns and speeds along the road.
One of the projects cited by Catherine Cummings is the proposed development of a condominium complex at 44 Main St. that was recently the subject of a demolition delay hearing.
The Essex Historical Commission voted unanimously in March to deem the 140-year-old, Second Empire-style building on the property “preferably preserved,” staving off its planned demolition for three months.
Such projects, she said, will contribute to Main Street traffic.
In the meantime, Cummings pointed to Main Street’s use as a path for pet walkers, bicycles, motorcycles, and as a school bus routes. She said there are about “50 entrances and exits” within three-tenths of a mile on the downtown portion of Main Street.
“But most important, users are children,” she wrote. “There are children on bikes and scooters, walking, running, playing, crossing the road and just being children, with all that implies.”
In her letter, sent to town officials and the Police Department, Cummings offered to work to improve Main Street signs.
“Cars and trucks are trying to back in and out on the road,” she said. “In what way can we help to educate the impatient drivers making their way through our beautiful downtown?”
Selectman Alva Ingaharro said she often sees vehicles speeding along Main Street during her frequent walks downtown.
“What I see, especially walking every morning, are the 18-wheelers,” she said. “There are times when I jump off further into somebody’s yard.”
Police Chief Tom Shamshak, who was present for the discussion, said the posted speed limit on the downtown stretch of Route 133 is 25 mph. Currently, a flashing speed sign is located westbound along the road toward Ipswich.
“We actually could explore adding a flashing sign eastbound towards Gloucester,” he said. “We could put our own signs down there and probably start a study just to get ballpark figure of the speeds. There is ample speed signage there. It’s an enforcement issue but it is also an awareness issue.”
Selectmen Ruth Pereen said Shamshak’s suggestion for slowing traffic along the road is warranted.
“I think that’s a great first step,” she said.
A recent survey found some traffic signs in town were large enough to be potential hazards to drivers and pedestrians, Pereen said.
“It was determined the signs were so huge that they would actually be intrusive and create more obstructing views.”
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.