Highway Safety Committee — September 3, 2025
Sunapee residents got no advance notice before their Highway Safety Committee discussed a permanent four-way stop on Bradford Road — and a separate DOT policy shift that could make such changes routine.
The meeting was substantively engaged and occasionally tense — particularly around the Route 11 four-way stop where a community member directly challenged the committee's direction — but was tempered by the committee's willingness to pivot toward alternatives and the absence of any split votes.
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SUNAPEE HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMITTEE — September 3, 2025 Meeting Recap
Two significant traffic proposals were discussed at last Wednesday's Highway Safety Committee meeting that were not listed on the public agenda — meaning residents had no specific notice to attend and engage.
First: the committee chair raised the idea of a four-way stop at Bradford Road and Nutting Road. The supporting data is real — 68,000 vehicles counted on that corridor, average speeds of 38 mph in a posted 30 mph zone, and Bradford Road accounting for 16–22% of all quarterly police traffic stops in town. But Bradford Road residents were given no advance notice this would be on the table. A four-way stop would permanently alter traffic flow on their street, and the state DOT made clear at the same meeting that four-way stops are irreversible — once installed, the only escalation options are a traffic signal or a roundabout.
Second: that irreversibility point came from a broader DOT policy presentation — also not on the public agenda — describing a new approach to implementing four-way stops proactively rather than reactively. This is a policy shift that could affect how Sunapee makes traffic infrastructure decisions going forward. Businesses, freight operators, and commuters on Route 11 and elsewhere had no notice this direction was being presented and discussed. On the Route 11/Lower Main Street intersection specifically, a community member with 40 years of local experience pointed out that only 5 accidents have occurred there in 10 years — and said she has never personally found it dangerous. The committee acknowledged the low crash history and, to their credit, pivoted toward exploring traffic calming alternatives and a temporary demonstration project rather than committing to a four-way stop immediately.
Also decided at the meeting: the Fenton Landing crosswalk — a pedestrian safety project near the harbor — was unanimously tabled until at least March 2026. The reason is that ADA compliance requirements were discovered after the project was already underway, and the associated costs weren't accounted for in the original scope. No public cost estimate has been released yet. Residents who were expecting that improvement, particularly those with mobility challenges accessing the harbor, are now waiting at least another six months.
The Bradford Road four-way stop and rural centerline painting issues have been formally added to the December 4 agenda (9:00 AM, moved to Thursday). If you live on Bradford Road or use Route 11 regularly, that is the meeting to attend.
Public impact
High-traffic corridor (7,300 AADT); any permanent change such as a four-way stop would be irreversible and affect daily travel patterns, business access, and freight logistics
Pedestrian safety improvement deferred at least 6 months; ADA compliance costs not yet quantified publicly but described as significant enough to require budget season consideration
Average speeds 27% above the posted limit (38 mph in 30 mph zone); a four-way stop would alter traffic flow for a road accounting for up to 22% of quarterly police traffic stops
Topics discussed
Chief Ted Tilson introduced as new Highway Safety Committee member. June 4th meeting minutes reviewed with amendments regarding ADA compliance comments and truck deadheading clarifications.
Forward Centipede group presented 18 months of work on Route 11/Lower Main Street intersection improvements, focusing on safety, accessibility, and connectivity. State DOT representatives provided expert input.
DOT presented new approach to implementing four-way stops as proactive safety measure rather than last resort, citing successful examples in Delaware and North Carolina with significant crash reductions.
Discussion of Route 11 traffic volumes (7,300 AADT), crash history analysis showing only 5 accidents in 10 years at the intersection, and concerns about truck traffic backup with proposed four-way stop.
Discussion of center turn lanes, gateway features, parallel parking, and visual traffic calming measures as alternatives to four-way stop implementation.
Discussion of visual traffic calming methods including parallel parking, bump-outs, and crosswalks to slow traffic. a speaker explained how wide shoulders make drivers feel they can go fast, while restricted areas with parking and crosswalks force slower speeds.
Details on how to implement parallel parking and bump-out projects, including coordination with DOT, engineering requirements, and maintenance responsibilities. Discussion of paint versus capital project approaches.
Discussion of pedestrian crossing challenges at Route 11, lack of ADA-compliant access to harbor area, and the effectiveness of rectangular rapid flashing beacons versus regular crosswalks.
Proposal for temporary traffic calming demonstration using bollards and temporary striping to test concepts before permanent implementation. Would involve coordination with North Country Council and DOT approval.
Project manager Chris provided update on upcoming road safety audit, noting consultant contract nearly complete and field audit expected within next couple months involving local stakeholders.
Updates on current resurfacing project (completion by end of September), Muzzy Hill Route 11 project (starting fall 2025), and referral to highway director for Georges Mills Bridge maintenance.
Committee decided to table crosswalk project until after budget season due to newly discovered ADA compliance requirements and associated costs that were previously unknown.
Committee member raised concern about inconsistent yellow center line painting on rural residential roads, suggesting it could improve safety by slowing traffic and keeping vehicles in proper lanes.
Chair suggested considering four-way stop at Bradford Road/Nutting Road intersection to address speeding issues, noting 68,000 cars counted with average speed of 38 mph in 30 mph zone.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Route 11/Lower Main Street Four-Way Stop Proposal
Fenton Landing Crosswalk Postponement Due to Undisclosed ADA Costs
Bradford Road Four-Way Stop Proposal (Off-Agenda)
DOT All-Way Stop Paradigm Shift Applied Locally (Off-Agenda)
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Accountability flags
Agenda items not discussed
Topics discussed — not on agenda
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