Crosswalk Urged for E. Dudley at Prospect

The Town Council was urged Tuesday to place a crosswalk on East Dudley Avenue at the intersection with Prospect Street.

Sharon Stockwell, the head of We Care, said that the intersection, which already has a crossing guard in place, needs a crosswalk because of the high traffic flow along East Dudley. There are currently crosswalks in place on Prospect Street and the street serves as a primary way to walk to nearby Franklin School.

"That is a very dangerous intersection," Stockwell said. "On Friday afternoon there was a bad car accident there."

Stockwell's comments came during a Council discussion on crosswalk policy. The town currently has a contractor placing new thermoplastic crosswalks throughout town at all current locations. There are almost 500 crosswalks in Westfield. Stockwell said that this would be the best time to have a crosswalk put in place at the location since the contractor is in town this month.

The issue will be referred to the Council's public safety, transportation and parking committee for study. Mayor Andy Skibitsky said he thinks it is valid for the committee to discuss a crosswalk at this intersection.

"It makes sense if there is a crossing guard," Skibitsky said.