WASHINGTON — Several residents attended the July 10 Board of Selectmen’s meeting to raise the issue of traffic problems on Wykeham Road, a chronic problem in this area. The selectmen have heard complaints previously about motorists who speed on the road and surrounding areas, but now the prospect of a new inn and resort at 101 Wykeham looms on the horizon, currently before the town’s land use boards, and residents are worried that will compound the problem.
Valerie Cooper of Old Litchfield Road referenced three accidents that have occurred on Wykeham in the last three years and more on Old Litchfield and Route 109. She noted that this has been discussed many times with the selectmen and the police department and said residents believe that more needs to be done to slow traffic down. Ms. Cooper and several others in attendance voiced their concern that the Wykeham Rise project would increase traffic and add to the problem.
First Selectman Mark Lyon thanked the group for bringing the matter to the board’s attention, but reminded them that the selectmen have no jurisdiction over land use applications. He explained that each land use commission must follow the regulations as they pertain to that board and judge the application accordingly. “We have no oversight of the [land use] commissions, nor do we want it,” he stressed. “Our commissions work very well on their own under the rules and regulations. Each application and special permit request must be considered and will receive a fair review.”
He promised to investigate compliance with the “No Through Truck” regulations and the lack of speed limit enforcement. Mr. Lyon pointed out that Wykeham Road was designated by the state as a “rural minor collector” road when state money was used to improve it several years ago.
Selectman Nicholas Solley explained that these funds not only repaved the road, but brought it up to safer standards. He noted that trucks have the right to travel small town roads to make deliveries but, if it is determined that they are using the roads as short cuts, the trucking company can be contacted and advised to take a different route.
By Ann Compton – Voices News