In light of the tragic death of SHS student Karina Tinajero-Arreguin November 5, Stamford mayor David Martin sat down with members of his staff and The Round Table’s editorial board for an exclusive debriefing regarding future pedestrian safety improvements set for Strawberry Hill Ave.  

City of Stamford Traffic Engineer Robert Zaitooni detailed the city’s  plans to institute a mid-block crosswalk by the end of the week, complete with a stanchion and crossing guard stationed there during the start and end of the school day. This walk is set to span from the stairs directly in front of the high school to the southbound side of Strawberry Hill Avenue. There will also be additional advanced warning signs for the approaching crosswalk, as well as speed-tracking signals, common at many Stamford schools. One of the most time-sensitive improvements is the laying of thermoplastic traffic marking paint to warn drivers that they are approaching a school zone. Colder temperatures do not allow for this specialized paint to adhere well to the pavement; therefore, it must be finished in the coming days. Zaitooni said he expects all of the above safety measures to be completed by the end of next week.

City officials said that this problematic span of throughway has been on the city’s docket for some 20 years. Mayor Martin discussed the long and tedious process of instituting new traffic features resulting from the need to obtain funding, state permission and employees to complete the job. This process has been underway for some time; Saturday’s event merely acted as a catalyst to spur the city into immediate action to resolve years of pedestrian traffic accidents.

In years past, there had been a crosswalk where the new one will be placed. This original crosswalk, now removed, was deemed unsafe, as it only consisted of the painted lines without any warnings or flashing signals to alert drivers they were approaching a pedestrian crossing.

City officials said there are also definite plans to incorporate more long-term solutions, possibly including a student activated signal that will set off a flashing light suspended above the street.

While the mayor’s office realizes that these solutions alone may not be completely sufficient to end all accidents on this main road, the office is confident that the modifications will nonetheless produce a safer environment for pedestrians from SHS as well as the surrounding community.

The mayor will hold a press conference at Stamford High School at 1:00 p.m. November 10 to formally announce the plan.