Identifying Dangerous Areas
There are a variety of areas in the Deerfield Valley that may be sometimes unpleasant to walk. Dangerous areas add to this unpleasantness a combination of five factors: traffic level, traffic speed, limited space for pedestrians apart from traffic, limited visibility, and higher accident level. Areas identified so far are shown on the map below. Descriptions follow.
Areas that we have identified as dangerous are:
West Dover Village Bridge:
High Traffic: On busiest stretch of road in Dover (2021 AADT, 4970 cars)
Moderately High Speed: 35mph traffic that often travels faster than 40mph
Very Limited Space: Among the narrowest shoulders on Route 100 in Dover with guardrails and a river on both sides
Moderately Limited Visibility: Located on most extreme corner of Route 100 in Dover other than Dunn's Curve.
Moderate Risk for Accidents: Accidents have been witnessed, although according to Randy Johnson at a town meeting, none have been recorded.
Dunn's Curve:
High Traffic: On busiest stretch of road in Dover (2021 AADT, 4970 cars)
Moderate High Speed: 30mph traffic that often travels faster than 35mph
Moderate Space: There are wide shoulders on either side of the road.
Moderately Limited Visibility: Located on the most extreme corner of Route 100 in Dover.
High Risk for Accidents: Many accidents have occurred from cars traveling too quickly or darting out in traffic, which even caused a fire truck to flip.
Fat City Curve:
High Traffic: On busiest stretch of Rt 100 apart from Route 9 (2021 AADT, 4970 cars)
Lower Speed: 25mph traffic that often travels faster than 30mph
Limited Space: Among the narrowest shoulders on Route 100 in Wilmington, rock wall on one side, guardrail
Very Limited Visibility: Located on a curve with a high wall on one side.
Moderate Risk for Accidents: Accidents have been recorded.
Section of Dover/Wilmington Town Line:
High Traffic: On busiest stretch of road in Dover (2021 AADT, 4970 cars)
High Speed: 50mph throughout
Moderately Limited Space: On the Eastern Side of Route 100 there is often little space between the guardrail and traffic.