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Greenwich Forms Task Force to Address Arch Street Safety

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 18:58 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

GREENWICH, CT - February 4th, 2026 - The Town of Greenwich is taking proactive steps to address long-standing safety and traffic issues plaguing Arch Street. A newly formed task force, comprised of residents, business owners, and town officials, will hold its inaugural meeting on February 8th, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Town Hall. This initiative signals a significant commitment to improving conditions on a corridor that has, for years, presented challenges for both pedestrians and drivers.

Arch Street, a vital connector in downtown Greenwich, has garnered increasing attention due to a rising number of near misses and reported incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. While specific data isn't immediately available, anecdotal evidence gathered from residents and local businesses paints a picture of a street struggling to accommodate increasing traffic volume alongside a growing pedestrian presence. Factors contributing to these issues include limited visibility, inadequate crosswalks, and a lack of dedicated pedestrian space, particularly during peak hours.

The creation of this task force represents a departure from previous, more reactive approaches. Instead of addressing incidents as they occur, the town aims to proactively identify and mitigate risks before they result in accidents. The inclusive nature of the task force - bringing together residents who experience the street's challenges daily, business owners impacted by traffic flow, and town officials responsible for infrastructure and safety - is expected to foster a collaborative and effective solution.

"We've heard the concerns of the community loud and clear," stated First Selectperson, Tricia Donovan, in a press release earlier today. "Arch Street is a crucial part of our downtown area, and we need to ensure it's safe and accessible for everyone. This task force is the first step towards a comprehensive plan that addresses these concerns and creates a better experience for all."

The scope of the task force's review is broad. Beyond immediate safety concerns, the group is expected to analyze traffic patterns, pedestrian flow, and the overall streetscape. Potential recommendations could range from simple modifications like improved signage and crosswalk markings to more substantial infrastructure changes such as wider sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, or even traffic calming measures like speed bumps or raised crosswalks. The task force will also likely explore options for better synchronization of traffic signals and the potential implementation of pedestrian-activated signals.

Local businesses along Arch Street are cautiously optimistic about the task force. While acknowledging the need for safety improvements, many express concerns about potential disruptions to traffic flow and access for customers. "We want a solution that benefits everyone," said Mark Thompson, owner of Thompson's Books on Arch Street. "Safety is paramount, of course, but we also need to ensure that customers can still easily reach our store. Finding that balance will be key."

The public is strongly encouraged to attend the February 8th meeting and share their perspectives. The town has created a dedicated page on its website (www.greenwichct.gov/archstreet) with meeting details, background information on the issues, and a form for submitting comments and suggestions. This online portal is intended to facilitate broader community involvement beyond the task force meetings. The town is also exploring the possibility of hosting a virtual town hall meeting to accommodate residents who are unable to attend in person.

The formation of the Arch Street Task Force is part of a larger trend in Greenwich towards prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety. Recent investments in sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings throughout the town demonstrate a growing commitment to creating a more walkable and bikeable community. This initiative aligns with broader state and national goals to reduce traffic fatalities and promote sustainable transportation options. The success of the Arch Street Task Force could serve as a model for addressing similar challenges on other streets throughout Greenwich and beyond.

Residents eager to delve deeper into previous traffic studies in Greenwich can find reports on the town's planning and zoning department website: [ https://www.greenwichct.gov/614/Planning-Zoning ]. Furthermore, information on Connecticut's Safe Streets program, which provides funding for pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements, is available at [ https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Programs/Safe-Streets ].