PUTNEY — The Agency of Transportation continues with its very-long-term terrible plan to build four rotaries between the Marina and the current, poorly functioning rotary at Exit 3 on I-91. This plan has been in the works for decades, as the AOT has purchased expensive land for right of ways for these rotaries.
The first dirt has not been extracted for this project, yet as long ago as three years, AOT Secretary Joe Flynn told me that it is too late to change this plan.
One of the main justifications for these rotaries is traffic calming - far from needed with the slow traffic on Putney Road. They are also supposed to lessen tailpipe emissions - however, the state has a policy of moving toward electric vehicles, and by the time this long-delayed project ever gets off the ground, what will the percentage of EVs be?
Many of us have been eagerly awaiting what is really needed on Putney Road: complete sidewalks and sheltered bike lanes. This would be far cheaper, more useful to those many who are forced to walk in the road or bike over dangerous areas on it.
The current bike lanes are so bad that I feel like I have a target on my back every time I bike - and I commute to Brattleboro by bike seven months a year.
Please call the AOT and the governor if you think this project is wasteful and if you would prefer complete sidewalks and bike lanes as soon as possible.