Goshen Legislators, Local Officials Address Traffic Circle Improvements

GOSHEN – State Representatives Jay Case (R-Winsted), Brian Ohler (R-Canaan), and State Senator Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) recently met with Goshen First Selectman, Bob Valentine, and representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to discuss improvements to the traffic circle where Routes 4 and 63 intersect. Such improvements include additional signage and updated graphics to existing sign locations leading to the traffic circle in order to clearly indicate the intended flow of traffic.

According to First Selectman Valentine, the traffic circle permit was approved by the state back in 1931. However, nearly a century later, the volume of present day traffic that passes through the traffic circle does not mirror the flow of traffic that it had originally been constructed for.

“Currently, the number of signs in the traffic circle is less than what was placed there in 1931. Installing additional signs in the circle, as well as adding updated signs leading into the circle, will help the motoring public understand how to navigate it and make it safer,” Valentine said.

“Despite the fact Goshen is a smaller town, there are many community events hosted here that draw large crowds and it is important that our state roads are safe enough to handle the influx of visitors to the Northwest Corner. There have been several avoidable incidences around the traffic circle in recent years and its common-sense to update existing signs and add markings to help drivers understand the traffic patterns within the circle,” stated Rep. Case.

State Rep Brian Ohler explained, “From a public safety perspective, it’s important to alert motorists to changing traffic patterns to the best of our ability. Updating the signage and promoting awareness of the traffic circle are two quality short-term solutions. I look forward to working with all of the stakeholders in the future to come up with a long-term plan that will ensure safe travel through Goshen.”

“I’m optimistic that the state DOT will find a way to improve the signage beyond what the town is willing to do without adding more signs, poles, and clutter which homeowners need to mow around,” said Sen. Miner. “Yesterday was a good start. I’m sure there’s a way to make use of that intersection safer.”

As a result of Wednesday’s meeting, the town placed additional “GO RIGHT” signs in the traffic circle and will continue to work with the Goshen Delegation and DOT to create a safer intersection of the state routes.

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