For some time now, the junction of Route 8 and Route 34 has been an intersection of disorder.
However, during the last month or so, the number of complaints to the Derby Police Commissioners has decreased — thanks to the Commission forwarding a citizen’s complaint to the state Department of Transportation.
The DOT made some adjustments to the traffic lights on Route 34 and the Route 8 ramps.
That part of Route 34, known locally as Main Street, often crawls to a halt during rush hour.
Robert Hughes said part of the problem is that motorists get stuck in the intersection when the lights change. Gridlock ensues.
“For about a year now I have been asking the state to install a sign asking patrons not to block the intersection,” Hughes said.
The DOT recently adjusted the timing of the lights to improve traffic flow.
Lt. Scott R. Todd, in charge of the Derby Police Department’s Traffic Patrol Division, said there have been no complaints from residents about the junction since the DOT adjustment.
Route 34 is on tap for a major widening and rebuild — one that is going to address the maddening lane shift that happens on Route 34 west under the Route 8 bridge.
