SWAMPSCOTT — The Select Board voted unanimously to change the traffic pattern of Redington Street from a one-way street to a two-way street.
The street was first changed to a one-way route in 2022 to accommodate the former Hadley and Blaney schools. According to Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald, leaders from the public works, police, and fire departments all supported the move to revert it back to its original format of allowing cars to travel in both directions.
“We’re all in agreement that a two-way is absolutely acceptable,” Officer Brian Wilson said. “We see an influx of foot traffic down there with more things we’re putting in with a hotel… if we can make some safety advances before that even happens that’s the best way to go about it.”
Some of the safety advances Wilson referenced include implementing a “no turn on red” sign on the turn off the street to protect residents using the crosswalk, as well as forbidding parking on the corner of Redington Street and Humphrey Street.
“New no parking signs to prevent parking near the corner of those areas, as well as maintaining the no parking in front of the Hadley as it is now is still going to maintain a safe and sufficient traffic flow,” Officer Kevin Reen said.
Wilson anticipates the change being completed within a month’s time. He alluded to having a temporary police presence on the street in order to inform people and facilitate the traffic.
“Just as much effort as we put into changing it to a one-way, we’re willing to put in the effort to revert it back to a two-way,” Reen said.
