Police seek solutions for deadly intersection

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Three deadly motorcycle crashes in less than two months at the same intersection has people in West Haven sounding off that something needs to be done.

Monday night, two motorcycles crashed into a truck, killing a 21-year-old New Haven man.

"Now I'm nervous it's going to be me," said senior Alyssa Maddern, "and I don't want it to be me."

When Maddern showed up at school Tuesday morning, sadly, she wasn't surprised to see another memorial for the latest victim at the intersection of Captain Thomas Boulevard and Dyke. It's an access road to the high school.

"Are people speeding," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"Usually and it scares everyone," said Maddern. "People go so fast, they don't look both ways and it's just nerve-wracking."

"I think this road should be shut down," said Judy Anderson. "It's only for the school to be let out."

Anderson witnessed Monday night's fatal crash. Police say two motorcycles slammed into a truck, knocking it up on two wheels. Both motorcycles were wedged under the pickup truck, killing 21-year-old Michael Cotto of New Haven.

"It was horrible and to know it's like within seven weeks...," said Anderson.

Two others, also on motorcycles, were killed in the same intersection earlier this summer.

"The whole city is concerned," said Sgt. Dave Tammaro, West Haven Police. "We're all concerned. It's something that shouldn't take place in that short amount of time. It's unheard of."

News 8 asked West Haven Police to show us the number of crashes in that spot over the last five years. There have been 13, including the three deaths.

"We're looking at the layout of the intersection, adding additional signage, overgrown vegetation, we're also looking at excessive speed and distracted driving," Sgt. Tammaro said.

"Yeah, all they have to do is get rid of those shrubs in front of Turk's because when you come to this stop sign and look left you can't see all the way down," said Alan Sharog, of West Haven. "I almost got clipped a couple times."

Sharog was glad to hear that two bushes in front of Turk's will be taken down. The owner spoke with police and said that's okay. He's also willing to cut more down if need be.

"Every one of them should be cut down and I think that will fix the problem," Sharog said.

Police say some of the shrubs will be down Wednesday. Drivers should expect to see more signage and more police as they continue their investigation and traffic study.