BRIDGEWATER - This town will consider fast-tracking the installation of traffic signals on North Street prior to the start of a major road upgrade.

 Town council passed a motion last week agreeing to consider traffic lights where Haven Drive and Seasons Drive meet North Street. The project will be discussed during capital budget talks.

 Haven Drive and Seasons Drive access the LaHave Heights and Eisenhauer Place residential developments.

 While it doesn't signify guaranteed installation, Mayor Carroll Publicover sympathizes with motorists who've idled at the intersection, waiting to make tough turns onto busy North Street.

 The cost for the traffic signals is expected to be in the $120,000 range.

 Town officials believe the measure will help solve some traffic issues, including those reported by residents of Winburn Avenue, which is located north of the Haven Drive and Seasons Drive intersection.

 Roughly 40 residents of Winburn Avenue signed a petition calling for traffic lights at the corner of Winburn Avenue and North Street.

 Bridgewater plans major road upgrades on the east side, which includes widening sections of Aberdeen Road and North Street to make room for additional vehicle lanes, sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

 New traffic signals and a roundabout are also planned.

 One of those sets of traffic lights is intended for the Haven Drive and Seasons Drive intersection but none are planned for Winburn Avenue. There's also no timeline associated with the overall upgrade project.

 Mayor Publicover suggested early installment of Haven Drive and Seasons Drive lights would make for a "very minor" disruption to the upgrade project.

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 Bob Richards, the developer of LaHave Heights and Eisenhauer Place, also wrote town council requesting the Haven Drive and Seasons Drive traffic signals be included in the upcoming budget.

posted on 01/26/10