To the editor:

During the Town Council meeting at the high school on Dec. 11, although their attendance was requested, no representative of RIDOT was present to answer questions about the roundabout plan. However, a schematic of the plan was briefly displayed then as well as at the previous high school meeting. 

No attention was paid to the pedestrian crossings shown on the plan. Although much was mentioned about adding sidewalks from Anthony House to CVS, but only if it is part of the roundabout plan, how a pedestrian will be able to safely cross four lanes of traffic between CVS and Clements’ was not discussed. 

Although the roundabout plan showed four sets of crosswalks, unless the continuous flow of traffic (a touted feature of a roundabout) is stopped, no pedestrian would dare to step into any one of those crosswalks during rush hours, especially when it is also dark, unless he has a death wish. 

I expect each of the councilors who voted for the roundabout will demonstrate safely crossing at mid-week rush hour from CVS to Clements’ and back should that ill-advised plan be constructed. Of course, there is currently installed a traffic light-controlled crossing at CVS where a pedestrian can stop all traffic and safely get to the other side.

Craig Gardner

149 Canonchet Drive

Portsmouth