March 28, 2003 – Major changes are afoot at the Texaco gas station intersection, and the Public Works Department wants your input. A public meeting on the matter will be held Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Legislature building.
The plan calls for construction of new access ramps for the disabled, roadway construction and a new storm drain facility at the intersection of Centerline Road, Route 104, Boulon Center Road, and the road to Enighed Pond that runs past the Fire Station.
While Deputy Public Works Commissioner Ira Wade could not be reached for comment, he said some months ago that several options to improve traffic flow in the area were on the table.
The one with the most support involves constructing a circle, also called a roundabout, at the intersection. This would allow the big trucks that have the most difficulty making the turn from Centerline Road to Route 104 to flow into the intersection rather than having to "back and fill" to make the turn.
The traffic congestion is expected to increase when the long-awaited Enighed Pond commercial port opens. Construction work on that project is expected to start this year.
In order to build the circle, the Texaco station, the bandstand located at the eastern end of the Winston Wells Ballfield, and some of the Clarice Thomas annex's front yard will have to be removed. The Clarice Thomas annex houses Julius E. Sprauve School's lower grades.
Another option is to connect the road that passes between the Fire Station and the Motor Vehicle Bureau to the Boulon Center Road by going directly through the Texaco Station. This would cut off the V-part of the Texaco Station's property.
The last option was to do nothing, which would not solve any traffic problems.
The improvement will be a Federal Highway Administration project because all roads in question, including the road that runs from Enighed Pond to the intersection, are federal roads. Improvements to the Enighed Pond road, which is officially Route 105, will be necessary to facilitate traffic to the Enighed Pond commercial port. That project is expected to start this year.
Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood reminded the public that the Legislature building has a ramp to facilitate accessibility for people with mobility problems. He said that if anyone wants a sign language interpreter or needs to see visual materials used at the meeting in alternative forms, they should contact Aloy Nielsen at 773-1290 or Wystan Benjamin at 776-4844 ext. 263. Call five days in advance.
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