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Newsbreak for Walpole
The Week – Nov. 17
The Year – 2003
Seek Alternate Route
The signs loom up and warn motorists of the continuing roadwork on route
27. The sign suggests we find an alternate route.
But, we need to proceed to route 1 and we need to do our shopping in the
plaza at the intersection of route 1 and route 27.
So, we proceed with caution and move along to our destination.
Back home we wonder what the future traffic patterns on route 27 (High
Plain Street) will be when the roadwork finally is completed.
Then, we notice that the roadwork might be a longer-term event.
Why?
The Walpole YMCA has a proposal on the table to construct a new facility
near the intersection of route 27 and Washington Street – also near the
Bird Middle School.
So, the congestion that exists now on High Plain Street (Route 27) from
Washington Street to route 1 would appear to be on the rise again.
Consider the following.
The stretch of road on High Plain Street from Washington Street to Route
1 spans ¾ of mile.
Currently, as motorists approach the Washington Street intersection,
they will encounter four traffic lights over this short piece of road
until they stop at route 1.
The traffic is a consequence of the need to cross route 1 to go to
Sharon, the need to reach the plaza for shopping, and the need to enter
Route 1 to go south or to go North toward the Walpole Mall.
The proposal to construct a new YMCA facility will be advantageous for
citizens who utilize the recreational resources at the Y. The YMCA is an
asset for our town.
What is problematic is the increasing potential for traffic bottlenecks
as this small road takes on additional motorists.
The question might be this
Will the orange signs alerting motorists to seek an alternate route be
there indefinitely? |
