Police, Fire Chiefs say Bristol Ferry Road Diet is Working

After about a month-and-a-half of the so-called "road diet" for Bristol Ferry Road, town officials — including both the police and fire chief — are throwing their support behind making the lane reduction permanent.

Portsmouth Police Chief Thomas F. Lee told the Town Council on Monday that he didn't have any scientific data to present to the council, but he said it is clear that traffic has slowed down on the road and officers responded to just one accident on the street so far.

Officers parked a cruiser during rush hour several times to observe traffic flow and "didn't notice anything unusual."

Portsmouth Fire Chief Michael O'Brien concurred, saying his department has observed slower traffic and fewer accidents and he pointed to East Main Road as an example of how reducing the total number of lanes on the road from 4 to 2 will save lives.

"There, we saw a significant decrease in car accidents," O'Brien said, noting that he personally responded to three fatal accidents in just the last few years, so he takes the issue "personally."

Steve Bursala of the state Department of Transportation said when the department makes mistakes, residents don't hesitate to let them know. And in the case of the road diet for Bristol Ferry Road, they've heard little other than support.

Bursala, responding to several comments that a lane split to allow turning onto Boyd's Lane was expected to be further back, said the placement of the split was because of access issues for a nearby landowner, though the split could be pushed back if the town wishes.

Every member of the council said they supported the road diet and those that drive it every day said they haven't seen any major slowdowns or traffic except for instances that work is being performed on the Mount Hope Bridge.

"People have stopped me saying it has made a difference," said Portsmouth Town Councilor Molly Magee.

Councilor Keith Hamilton said as you walk the sidewalk, you feel safer.

"Cars are further from the road. They're a few feet away and I do feel the road has gotten slower," he said. "It has calmed down and we have not experienced any major tie ups except when doing work on the bridge."

Other council members said if the police and fire chiefs support the road diet becoming permanent, so do they.

The DOT is expected to provide details of the road study soon.