Police Commission Plans Discussion On Copse Road/Green Hill Road Intersection

Following a request by town residents that the intersection of Copse Road and Green Hill Roads be evaluated, the town's traffic commission plans to take up the issue Thursday during its regular meeting. 

Madison's Police Commission is its traffic authority. The Police Commission has its regular meeting Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Police Department's community room. The Police Department is located at 9 Campus Drive, off of Duck Hole Road. 

"Ultimately, the decision [about whether any changes are needed at the intersection] will be based on the input from the Town Engineer and the Police Department, so I would like to defer a response until the Commission has specifics," said Madison Police Commissioner Thom Cartledge.

Cartledge said in a response to residents who asked about the intersection that the recent accident involving a car and skateboarder has "been documented and logged into our traffic log." Some parents have said they were particularly concerned about the accident and about congestion in that area before and after school. The intersection is near the town's high school, middle school, and one of its elementary schools. A private school is nearby as well. 

The practice of logging the accident is "a process that this Commission started so that ALL traffic related issues and concerns become part of a permanent record. The process involves a review of the incident with all the facts pertaining to it, a submission to the Town engineer, a review by the Police Commission in conjunction with recommendations from the Police Department, and finally a resolution," Cartledge said. 

"At the same time, we ask that the Madison residents understand that this is a process, and it takes time. We do not want to make a decision that has not been given the proper evaluation," he said. 

"We would also request that the public remind themselves of the responsibilities of being a pedestrian, a driver, a skateboarder, etc. ALL roads in proximity to our schools should be areas where more caution is routinely exercised," Cartledge said. "The amount of traffic in these areas during the start and close of school hours is dramatically increased. Slower speeds and closer attention is always recommended." 

In addition to Cartledge, Madison's five-member Police Commission includes Edward Dowling, Garry Gyneizs, Marietta Lee and Chairman Eric Thornburg.