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Dear Fairfielders,
A demonstration roundabout was set up in collaboration between Fairfield’s Engineering and Public Works Departments from Thursday July 25 through Monday July 29, at the intersection of Redding and Dunham Roads. Below are some reasons why these traffic demonstration projects are important.
A temporary, low-cost “demonstration project” can let a community test a roadway design for improving walking, biking and driving safety prior to making a larger, more permanent “complete streets” investment. Depending on the project, it may be a short-term demonstration (a few days) to spark community understanding and engagement, or longer term for extensive data collection. Projects often use cones, paint, spray chalk and traffic tape, plastic barriers and bollards, and much more.
A normal question to ask about a demonstration project is: “Why here when there are busier roads in Town than this particular one?” There may be several reasons for the choice of a location, but keep in mind that a less congested street may be more dangerous because drivers tend to get too comfortable, speed, and allow themselves to become distracted. Another reason may be the educational component of demonstration projects that let residents get used to a traffic design concept while giving Town employees the opportunity to observe and analyze public reaction.
Our first demonstration project was at the intersection of Redding Rd and Dunham Rd. Here's why: We have had two tragic deaths along Redding Road in the past few years caused by drivers striking pedestrians. The roundabout project tested this past weekend will be one of several traffic calming measures in this area aimed at slowing drivers down and keeping them focused on driving safely. If successful, these concepts will be rolled out in other appropriate areas around Fairfield.
Increasing safety for walkers, bikers and drivers is a growing priority in Fairfield, across Connecticut, and much of the world. Traffic enforcement (pulling drivers over and ticketing) is only one small part of a comprehensive approach because the police cannot be in enough places at any time to have a material and lasting impact on behavior. The Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device (ATESD) Program is new in Connecticut, is expected to be rolled out in Fairfield soon and should help in certain areas. (See more about the ATESD Program below). Education is another important component. However, street and sidewalk planning, infrastructure and “treatments” (e.g., rumble strips and painted lines) must be a large part of the effort.
Over the coming months and years, our vision is for Fairfielders to become familiar with the variety of complete streets possibilities for our town, observe what's effective in other towns, take the time to test our demonstration projects, and provide feedback before we put our resources into permanent installations.
Complete Streets are “streets designed and operated to enable safe use and support mobility for all users. Those include people of all ages and abilities, regardless of whether they are travelling as drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, or public transportation riders.” We have a long way to go, and it will take many years, but we are putting the foundation in place to successfully move this effort forward and transform Fairfield into a community with safe and livable streets for all.
You can learn more about demonstration projects and the Complete Streets approach at Smart Grown America.
Bill Gerber
First Selectman
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