West Tisbury rejects state fix for intersection
West Tisbury selectmen rejected two different Mass Highway plans that would reconfigure the hazardous intersection of Old County and State roads. Town leaders said Wednesday they prefer to develop their own plan to reconfigure the intersection.
Selectmen agreed at their August 12 meeting that neither state developed design meets their requirements, in terms of safety, use of space, and loss of green space, particularly in the triangular area at the intersection that is slated to be blacktopped in state plans.
Alternative B shows a painted separation lane to divide cars making right-hand turns. Traveling west, the plan shows a centered left turn lane. The selectmen restated their views Wednesday evening, at a meeting of non-voting residents, after several residents complained about the intersection.
"I drive the intersection all the time. It's very scary," said one resident, who asked whether the town had a consensus for a solution.
Selectman Dianne Powers said that the police and fire departments have been asked for advice.
Police Chief Beth Toomey attended the residents' meeting and immediately weighed in. "The plans don't take sightline problems into account. You can move the road any way you want, but you are still going to have accidents unless sightlines are addressed," she said. "The good news is we don't need an off ramp or a tunnel there."
Executive secretary Jen Rand noted that the town is asking residents for comments and suggestions on its website. Selectmen agreed to hold a public meeting in the future to review state plans and alternatives.
