The Tisbury board of selectmen discussed preparations for the upcoming Union Street traffic-reversal trial at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday. From Sunday, Sept. 13, until Monday, Oct. 12, traffic flow on the one-way street, which now flows from Main Street to Water Street and the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority (SSA) terminal, will be reversed.
Town administrator Jay Grande, Police Lieutenant Eerik Meisner, interim department of public works (DPW) director Paul Wohler, assistant DPW director Tom Mello, and Fire Chief John Schilling will oversee the trial.
Initially, it had been a two-week trial. “The reason they wanted to extend the timeframe was so people could become familiar with it, and so we could have a real test,” Mr. Grande said.
The trial was initially introduced per the recommendation of the traffic committee. At that time selectmen approved the temporary reversal as an experiment to gauge traffic flow, and to see if the redirection can improve traffic flow in the downtown area and relieve congestion at the Five Corners intersection. If successful, it may lead to a permanent change pending a hearing.
“The SSA reviewed the plans, and they don’t see any impact to their operations in terms of having to move any entrances or exits,” Mr. Grande said. “We will use the existing egress from the Steamship Authority, and we’ll have directional signs that will prohibit large trucks.”
He said the SSA will post public information regarding the change, and make it a part of the announcement on board ferries. Steamship Authority personnel and police traffic officers will be involved with implementing the change in traffic, he said.
Parking will remain on the south side on Union Street, Police Chief Dan Hanavan said.
There will be temporary signage to warn drivers traveling on Main Street that turning right down Union Street is not an option. Mr. Grande said changes will made during the trial if warranted.
“If problems come up during the test, they will make adjustments to respond to it,” he said.
Selectmen voted to have the Martha’s Vineyard Commission conduct traffic counts on Union Street and Five Corners during the course of the trial.
