City and state officials expressed concern that changing downtown Water Street to two-way traffic could make it harder for firetrucks to get through and make snow removal a challenge.
The findings of a traffic study by a consultant hired by the city to look into changing the one-way section of downtown Water Street, between Bridge and Winthrop streets, to two-way traffic, were presented to city councilors Thursday. The study determined it is possible to make the change, though doing so would cost about $75,000 and eliminate 12 to 16 parking spaces. Fire Chief Roger Audette, asked for his opinion by councilors, said he’s concerned the change could make it more difficult for firetrucks and rescue vehicles to get through downtown. Hartford Station, the Fire Department’s headquarters, is on Rines Hill, just above the southern end of downtown.