Dangerous intersection(s) need attention

8 years ago

Dangerous intersection(s) need attention

To the editor:
As a resident of Presque Isle now for 48 years and residing those years at our Dupont Street location, which is just a few short feet from the recent accident at the intersection of Cedar and Dudley streets, I wish to comment on the issues presented and high risk of accidents that intersection has seen over the years.

There is a great need for a flashing light or four-way stop to ensure motorists are alerted somehow that they need to stop and look both ways before proceeding into the intersection. The lettering in the roadway which indicates to stop is helpful but not enough in my opinion. There has to be something more visual in the motorists’ line of sight which is not always looking down to the road.
Over the years I have seen not only bad accidents but many near misses when it comes to being more aware of the stop sign.
I feel the City needs to take a more proactive role in providing a way to ensure no more lives are lost or injuries sustained due to there not being a more effective way of alerting motorists to recognize they need to stop and be more cautious at this intersection.
The other area of concern that directly affects the approach to this intersection via Cedar Street is the need for a speed bump where the bike path crosses from Dupont Street across Cedar to the other side. I watch daily from my front porch the numerous walkers, children on bikes crossing this street and the oncoming traffic up Cedar Street is sometimes far in excess of the 25 mph speed limit, thus compounding the issue of being able to stop if someone doesn’t stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Cedar and Dudley.
It is critical that these two areas be addressed to ensure any more safety issues or loss of life.
The comment was made by the City Manager that there are other areas in the city that are also high risk for accidents, which I’m sure is true but any area that is at higher risk of accidents should be addressed regardless of how many there are.

Cheryl Boulier
Presque Isle