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Routes

As of late summer 2005, we're currently in the process of walking the sidewalks in neighborhoods adjacent to the Library. By paying careful attention to curb cuts and cross traffic at each intersection, we'd like to identify safe, direct routes between the Library and other places that seniors and children like to spend time.


www.pedbikeimages.org / Dan Burden
To begin with, we've identified six promising routes through the heart of Easton:

However, it's our goal to find ways to connect this network at its edges to other safe routes throughout the Town. As we identify problematic intersections which block otherwise promising routes, we'll publish them on this website, along with suggestions on how to make them safer.

The next time you're out for a ride or a stroll -- either on your favorite route or a new one -- keep your eyes open, and let us know what you find!

Sheridan/Day

Just over a mile long, this route runs along the west side of Sheridan Street, from Baltic Ave. up past the schools complex and then Frothingham Park. At the intersection with Day Street, you have to cross over to the east side of the Day Street for the short stretch up to Lincoln Street. From there you'd cross directly into the Library entrance.

Barrows

The shortest route on this list runs up the east side of Barrows Street from Frothingham Park past the YMCA and the senior housing complex to Lincoln Street. Crossing Barrows to the west, it continues along the south side of Lincoln to Day Street. From there you'd cross directly into the Library entrance.

NOTE: An alternative route would be to cross Lincoln at Barrows, but given the poor visibility at this intersection (road slope, acute angles), it's not recommended, especially heading in the opposite direction.

Lincoln

Eight tenths of a mile long, this route runs along the north side of Lincoln Street, from Aspen Hollow Drive past Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Between there and the Town Pool, it crosses over to the south side of Lincoln, where it continues all the way to Day Street. From there you'd cross directly into the Library entrance.

Center

The longest route on this list runs the full 2 miles all the way up Center Street from the Veteran's Memorial past the Covenant Congregational Church and St Mark's Episcopal Church to Main Street. Crossing Center onto the south side of Lincoln, it continues across Barrows all the way to Day Street. From there you'd cross directly into the Library entrance.

Unlike most sidewalks in town, this one is set back from the roadway for most of its length, and has very few cross streets. This is an ideal bike path.

Main

Just over a mile long, this route runs along the north side of Main Street from Washington Street, across the street from Sheep Pasture and continuing into the village. After Langwater Pond, a corresponding path begins on the south side of Main, continuing past Immaculate Conception Parish. The paths on both sides of Main continue to the intersection with Center.

It's probably worth designating a crossover point for bike riders either at Pond Street or Mechanic Street. The north sidewalk narrows considerably on the block between Mechanic and Central, whereas the south sidewalk actually widens there. However, people headed for the Children's Museum probably should stay on the north side. Past Central Street, the route continues along Lincoln as above.

Another alternative for people who stick to the north side is to continue along Main. However, work needs to be done to ensure a safer crossing of Main Street. Given the greater visibility, it's probably better to do the two-way crossing via the Rockery to Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, instead of continuing down the east side of Main and crossing right in front of the Library.

Elm/Main

The final route on our short list has a few more twists, turns, and road crossings, starting on the north side of Elm Street, and crossing over at Oliver Street.

From there one option is to continue along the south side of Elm past the YMCA to Main, crossing over at Unity Church, then heading south along the east side of Main to the Library. Another quieter and prettier alternative would be to loop around on Oliver instead, crossing Main further south.