Portsmouth asks state for traffic light at Glen Farm entrance

This intersection is notorious for accidents and multi-car pileups.”

Donna Boures, Oakland Farms resident

PORTSMOUTH — Agreeing with Police Chief Thomas Lee that the increased number of vehicles going in and out of town-owned Glen Farm has caused “dangerous traffic conditions,” the Town Council Monday night voted unanimously to ask the state to study the placement of a traffic control light at the intersection of East Main Road and Linden Lane.

“The town-owned fields at the Gardner Seveney Complex are used by thousands of residents on a weekly basis for soccer, baseball, lacrosse and other youth activities,” Chief Lee stated in a May 31 letter to Steven W. Pristawa, secretary of the State Traffic Commission. “In addition, professional sporting events such as Newport Polo and college rugby tournaments are held at the facility leading to an incredible amount of traffic volume in the area. Cars turning into the facility and attempting to exit are at risk of accident due to the lack of a traffic control light.”

Chief Lee said his department provides detail officers at major events, but can’t supply officers at all times.

Council President Keith Hamilton supported the idea but reminded the police chief the town had already asked the state for a light at the intersection. 

“They shot us down five years ago,” Mr. Hamilton said.

Chief Lee replied the volume of traffic in the area has increased since then. “We’ve had about five accidents year to date at the intersection. We had seven last year,” he said. “I think it’s worth looking at again.”

The council also heard from several residents of the Oakland Farms condominium development across the street. They also supported a traffic light to make it easier for them to access East Main Road safely.

“This intersection is notorious for accidents and multi-car pileups,” said Donna Bouressa, noting that one such accident sent a pregnant woman to the hospital. 

More and more young children have been using the Gardner Seveney Sports Complex at Glen Farm, she said, and Newport International Polo and other events have also added to the congestion. Many visitors are from out of state and are unfamiliar with local roads, she added.

Ms. Bouressa asked for a solution “before we have a tragic accident.”

‘Lump in our stomach’

Don Ramsbottom, another Oakland Farms resident, said he’s lived in numerous towns and has never seen a more unsafe intersection. Even his two grandchildren from Little Compton, who have used the sports complex on occasion, know how dangerous it is, he said.

“I can’t believe there’s nothing there,” Mr. Ramsbottom said. “It’s a horrendous accident waiting to happen.”

George Kassis of Oakland Farms also supported a traffic light. 

“Every time we try to get out of Oakland Farms, we have a lump in our stomach,” said Mr. Kassis, who also read a letter from a neighbor who was involved in an accident at the intersection.

Council member Kevin Aguiar, noting the state considers numerous criteria when considering a traffic light, said the fact that the safety issues at the intersection are mainly “seasonal” may hurt the town’s chances. However, he said the area is also populated with many elderly drivers who typically have slower reaction times, so that could bolster the town’s case.

Peter Roberts, who lives in Island Park, agreed that Glen Farm needs a light. However, he said the corner of East Main Road and Middle Road — right in front of Town Hall — is even more dangerous and should get higher priority.

Bargaining chip?

Council member David Gleason said the intersection of East Main and Glen Road further north isn’t nearly as busy as the entrance to Glen Farm, so perhaps the Glen Road traffic light could be used as a “bargaining chip” with the state.

As for why the light was approved for Glen Road in the first place? 

“That light went in for the school,” said council member Elizabeth Pedro, referring to Elmhurst School, which was closed in 2010 and torn down in 2014.