Town Seeks to Ease Traffic Flow on 106 at Weed

Drivers who prevent other motorists from turning left off of Route 106 and onto Weed Street when traffic is backed up on the state road—especially in the mornings—may soon face more than a withering look and beeping horn for their lack of consideration.

Town officials are asking for Connecticut Department of Transportation approval on a “Do Not Block the Box” signage and striping in the busy road.

According to Tiger Mann, assistant director of public works and senior engineer with the New Canaan Department of Public Works, the light at Jeliff Mill Road often backs up southbound traffic past the intersection of Weed Street as scores of drivers make for the Merritt Parkway or Talmadge Hill train station.

“Anybody coming north on 106 who wants to take the left on Weed Street cannot, so we had wanted to just put in a ‘Do Not Block the Intersection’ sign right there for traffic heading southbound, so they would know,” Mann said.

However, state regulations require the formal striping in the road as well as signage, and Mann now says he’s seeking DOT approval for the “Do Not Block the Box” striping and sign for southbound traffic.

Asked whether the striping could trigger a traffic ticket for violators, Mann said, “Yes, at that point if you were stuck in the box then police could enforce it.”

Other articles on traffic-calming:

• New Canaan Seeks to Ease Tough Left Turn Downtown [VIDEO]