Report: Town Should Reconsider Roundabout for Grist Mill Intersection

Reconstruction of Seekonk's dangerous y-shaped intersection next to  into a t-shaped connection with a traffic signal is expected to start in 2015, but a report released this week suggests another option should get a second look. 

"The town may wish to reconsider the roundabout option following the fire at the Old Grist Mill," states the report prepared by Norwood-based Beta Engineering for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Preparation of the intersection audit (which is attached) began long before the June 23 fire that destroyed the historic restaurant. A few bolded statements were added to the report that refer to the fire.

The document calls the point where Arcade Avenue, Fall River Avenue (Route 114A) and Mill Road meet as a "high-crash location" where 49 vehicle collisions were reported from January 2009 to December 2011, with 65 percent blamed on the angled shape of the intersection. Other safety hazards, including view obstructions, are also cited in the document.

The fire started after a banana-carrying truck turned over after moving through the intersection and collided with a gas line and electrical service. State police are investigating the incident.

Approximately 70 percent of the building survived the fire, said owner Greg Esmay, who  the historic structure that has stood since the mid-18th century. A variance hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals is expected to take place July 16. Officials from Columbia Gas, to the building during the fire, are expected to appear at the July 11 Board of Selectmen meeting.