2009-02-12-LBAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. Crosswalks along Spring Street at the intersections with Grasslands, Hudson, and Underwood, with: a) a textured or painted surface as well as hatched crossing lines on each crosswalk; b) combined vehicle speed limit and actual vehicle speed displays on a post at roadside in at least one location; c) Appropriate signs of warning approach and at actual crosswalk locations. 4. White sideline striping along both sides of Spring Street indicating the outside edge of the travel lane at 10 feet from the centerline. This would serve to calm traffic and provide a safe lane for cyclists. With respect to the widening of Marrett Road as another aspect of the Spring Street plan, Abe said he thought the problems on 2A are an example of what can happen when widening and striping isn’t properly planned. If there are two lanes for traffic, he said, bike lanes need to be provided so that there is at least 3 feet inside the stripe. The committee proceeded to have a general discussion with guests Dave Cannon and Sue Yanofsky about sideline striping on Spring Street. Dave Cannon said that the town conforms to Mass Highway guidelines; 11 foot lanes conform with those policy standards, since the road is classified as a minor arterial. Lexington will not recommend 10 foot lanes, he said. Sue Yanofsky added that the town engineers would not narrow lanes to 10 feet unless town authorities changed general policies. Richard Canale said that the town needs to look at context and on “what roads should look like.” The Planning Board is key, he said, and used the Hartwell Avenue rezoning as an example of general examination of traffic calming. This is an extremely important policy issue, he said: how do you ensure equitable treatment of different modes of traffic on our streets and roads? Dave Cannon said that, if the town deviates from current policy, it will want to justify that departure. He then asked the committee for advice on a specific issue on Spring Street related to saving several oak trees: in order to save the trees, the town will want to narrow the roadway from 24 feet to 22 feet of pavement (allowing 10 foot lanes at a short stretch). Committee members had several suggestions, including leaving more space on the uphill side of the street. Other discussion focused on bike lanes on the sidewalks, “share the street” signs, other visual cues to show that bikes would be forced closer to the traffic, etc. Peggy said she would email members and remind them to take a look at the area being discussed and provide feedback to Dave.