The days of the dangerous left turns that take place at the intersection of Route 1 and George Street have come to end.
On November 6, 2017 MassDOT gave the intersection a much needed face-lift and began installing temporary curbing and islands at the dangerous intersection following demands from the town of Plainville and its residents following several deadly accidents at the intersection.
The work began two months after the recent September 17, 2017 crash at the intersection which claimed the life of 35-year-old Aaron Hahn of Sharon. Hahn was killed while traveling on his Suzuki motorcycle on Route 1 when he collided with a vehicle at the intersection that was attempting to cross over Route 1.
Along with the curbing and islands that were installed MassDOT also installed temporary barriers, also known as Qwick Kurbs, prohibiting drivers from making left turns from Route 1 and George Street and as well as proceeding straight across Route 1.
Plainville Town Administrator, Jennifer Thompson said, “ The town is pleased with the expediency that MassDOT has shown in installing short term improvements to the Route 1 and George Street intersection.”
Detailed plans for the temporary fix at the intersection were presented before the town’s Board of Selectmen back in mid-October which the Selectmen approved and endorsed, while a long-term plan for the intersection is still in the works.
Plainville resident Mary Centofanti, who lives and travels this stretch of road each day says, “I know many people will dislike me for saying this, but I love that you can’t take a left onto or cross over george! It’s going to take a while for me to get use to it but I’m happy! A big thanks Dawn Lague Denizkurt for all the work you did!”
Dawn Lague Denizkurt, is a member of the Town of Plainville planning board and activist who started the petition for the improvements at the intersection.
“We may not prevent all of the accidents there, but we may prevent those types of very serious accidents,” says Plainville Chief of Police, James Alfred.
Along with the physical improvements to the intersection, Alfred added that the Plainville Police Department has petitioned the state to decrease the speed limit going past the George Street intersection from 55 to 45 mph.
Between 2010 and 2017 there have been a total of 33 accidents at the intersection. According to MassDOT, the expectation is currently that a permanent plan will be in place at the dangerous intersection by 2021 and survey work as already begun.
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