On Argilla, go slow, go safely

Editor, Townsman:

Argilla Road is a well-used link between Lowell Street (Route 133) and Dascomb Road providing subsequent easy driving access to and from downtown.

As a long-time resident of Strawberry Hill Road and regular user of Argilla Road I have witnessed the increase in its traffic consistent with growth of the neighborhood and town. At the same time, however, I have also observed the increased use of this same thoroughfare by area residents for exercise and pet walking.

Argilla Road is a well-maintained, pleasant drive of about a mile, however it is one of the narrowest, winding roads in town. The road contains at least 10 significant curves making sight lines ahead quite limited. Even with posted speed limit and warning signs, traffic along Argilla can be brisk at times.

Additionally, the recent increase in popularity of this road for jogging and personal/pet walking, presents a growing danger to those inclined to use it for those purposes. Because the road is so narrow, with no safe space along the edges for pedestrian use, joggers and walkers use the travel lane. As a result, oncoming motorists often are forced to cross over the median strip to avoid injuring persons and pets. Likewise, pet owners who stop suddenly on the road to accommodate their pets' immediate needs present a special danger to themselves and to the pet.

To my neighbors and fellow residents who use Argilla Road for these purposes, I urge constant awareness of the dangers that jogging or walking presents both to you and to the motorist. Likewise, those of us who regularly commute or occasionally drive on Argilla must not only keep within posted speed limits but also expect to encounter joggers or walkers at the next bend in the road.

Philip LaTorre

17 Strawberry Hill Road