Politics & Government

Officials Mull Traffic Options at Thacher and Rathburn-Willard

The intersection is being looked at by the traffic study committee.

A new traffic light at the corner of Thacher St. and Rathburn-Willard Dr. may not be the answer to a backlog of traffic in the area, particularly during school drop-off and dismissal hours.

According to City Councilor Walter Thibodeau, who heads the transportation and traffic committee and sits on the traffic study committee, a new light could create more problems than it solves.

"There are too many negatives," he told city councilors last week.

Thibodeau said members of the traffic study committee, which includes liasons from Attleboro's public safety departments, showed limited support for the idea, citing what could be an increased backup on Thacher St.

City Councilor Mark Cooper introduced the idea last month.

Cooper suggested removing the current traffic signal on Snell St. as a possible way to mitigate backup caused by a new Rathburn-Willard signal. Thibodeau, however, said removing that light could "put more kids in danger" who are attempting to cross the road.

"I don't see the support there for that traffic light at all," Thibodeau said. "Especially at the expense of the other traffic light."

Thibodeau said the committee will continue to look for solutions for traffic in the area.



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