GILL — The state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is currently exploring options to reduce damage to guardrails at the intersection leading into Turners Falls from Route 2.
According to Gill Police Chief Christopher Redmond, MassDOT made modifications to the traffic pattern at the intersection on Tuesday in hopes that the changes might reduce collisions. Large tractor trailers have been identified as the primary type of vehicle experiencing problems navigating the turn.
“Yesterday, what they did was remove a turn on the green arrow signal on the bridge,” Redmond said on Wednesday.
This change affects the ability for vehicles to make a right turn. Redmond said vehicles may still turn right on a red light at the intersection. The hope is that shifting the dynamic of traffic to be somewhat more limiting might better regulate its flow and allow more space for tractor trailers to make uncontested turns.
Redmond said he’ll have to wait and see how traffic responds to this change, but that the narrow width of the road will likely still perpetuate the issue. He cites the detour implemented for the General Pierce Bridge closure as a potential guide for how to move forward, should the Route 2 intersection modifications fall short of fixing the problem.
“They did some widening (of the shoulder) for the General Pierce detour,” Redmond said. He also noted that implementations like lights, new pavement and new markings likely helped.
Redmond said the Gill Police Department has no decision-making power regarding response to recent modifications, but plans to monitor the area alongside MassDOT to best ensure the integrity of guardrails.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or
jmendoza@recorder.com.