Straightaway no more — two stop signs could be coming to Maple Avenue.

At their recent meeting, members of the Barrington Town Council introduced an ordinance that calls for the installation of two new stop signs on Maple Avenue at the intersection with West Street — one facing east-bound traffic on Maple and the other facing west-bound traffic. There is already a stop sign on West Street as it approaches Maple Avenue, so the two new stop signs would create a three-way stop.

Members of the council voted 5-0 to introduce the ordinance. There will be a public hearing on the proposed stop signs at next month’s council meeting. 

The idea of adding the stop signs came from Barrington residents Alan Flam and Judy Semonoff. 

The two wrote a letter to the council: “This intersection is highly trafficked in the midst of a densely populated residential neighborhood that is also a neighborhood business zone. Pedestrian traffic is significant at this intersection because it is a primary route to the YMCA, a location for school bus stops and the location of a number of small businesses.”

Mr. Flam and Ms. Semenoff wrote that it is dangerous and difficult for cars that have parked at Vienna Bakery.

“People of all ages need to cross this intersection and the current situation, without any stop sign or crosswalk signage is hazardous,” stated the letter. 

Mr. Flam and Ms. Semenoff further explained that the fast-moving traffic along Maple Avenue seems to run counter to the town’s intentions to create a more walkable village area.

“With no traffic control on Maple Avenue between County Road and Middle Highway, our observation is that cars often travel well over the posted speed limit,” they wrote. “The town did install a brick crosswalk at this intersection in the recent upgrade of this area, but it is not highly visible and is largely ignored. 

“A three-way-stop at this intersection would both increase public safety for pedestrians and, in our opinion, help the flow of traffic in a neighborhood business zone.”

The additional stop signs on Maple Avenue drew the endorsement of Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia. He said Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey brought the issue to his attention, and he took time to examine the intersection.

“I surveyed the intersection and wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Flam…” Chief Correia wrote in a letter to the town council.

The chief said police department records show that there were 15 accidents on Maple Avenue and two accidents on West Street in 2021. He wrote that the two additional stop signs on Maple Avenue will enhance public safety. 

Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed traffic change at the public hearing at the March council meeting.