Anyone who goes over Turners Falls Road between Greenfield and Turners Falls knows how dangerous the road is for all users when there are pedestrians or cyclists trying to share the road with vehicles. The road has no shoulder, and weeds, brush, trees and debris have been allowed to take over the edges, further narrowing the road.
Because Turners Falls Road is in Greenfield, it’s up to them to apply for funding for a major road project. The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) has published its draft 2024 transportation plan, and improving Turners Falls Road is listed as a priority item in Chapter 15. The public comment period for the plan closes this Friday, June 16. Please look at the plan on FRCOG’s web page and register your comment to the Transportation Program Manager Beth Giannini at Giannini@frcog.org.
But Greenfield doesn’t need to wait for a major road improvement project to make the road safer. They could and should immediately reduce the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph, keep the sides of the road cleared, and install safe passing signs that are required under the new Department of Transportation’s “Vulnerable Road Users Law.” Please write to the mayor of Greenfield voicing your opinion and copy your letter to both of our state representatives to help make this a priority before a tragedy occurs.
Greenfield
Nik Perry, Sadie’s Bikes
Turners Falls
Mike Szteliga
Turners Falls