Weston committee directs designer to study islands and beacon at Route 117 and Merriam

WESTON — March 20, 2024 — Weston Traffic and Sidewalk Committee sets design direction for Route 117 at Merriam Street. Chair Jay Doyle told residents Wednesday the town engineer is finalizing scope and budget to re-engage the 2019 study's consultant on raised islands, a possible overhead flashing beacon or full signal, and a new pedestrian crossing connecting the Merriam Street sidewalk to Old North Avenue. Member Linda Nelson pushed for a full signal, saying "that intersection truly needs a light," while resident Pat Fitzsimmons of 340 Merriam Street compared waiting for a signal to "waiting for global warming" and backed curbed islands modeled on Route 117 at Drumlin Farm. Weston Police Capt. Kelly said rear-end crashes dominate the data but north-south crossing crashes have been "more violent" in his 24 years responding. The committee separately voted unanimously to recommend "Do Not Enter" signs and centerline striping at the Buckskin Drive landscape island.