1984-11-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Selectmen's-Meeting •� -7 - November 19, 1984 With ref erence to the HATS /CTPS Preliminary Hanscom. Area Traffic Study, Mr. 'Cook reported that the plans for North Lex - ington are considered to be compatible with its recommendations for access into Hanscom. In response to citizen comment regarding lack of direct access to Eldred Street and circuitous route necessary to reach it from Bedford Street, Mr. Cook referred to FHWA design criteria which would preclude a more direct turn and noted that since the project will be funded by the State and Federal Government, its requirements must be complied with.. He felt that discussion of that aspect of the plan_ for another year would not be fruitful and advised that this eventuality be - accepted so that the project can go forward Mr. Cook informed Mrs. Barabush, in answer to questions about the plan, that no breakdown lane had been provided since it would have widened the 6 -lane highway by 16 feet. He added that Bedford had no plans for widening Bedford Street beyond Hartwell Avenue at this time but he felt that any problems will be alleviated by design. Mr. Wheaton felt that the funnel-effect created by the narrow roadway in Bedford would offset the advantage of a 6 -"lane highway in Lexington, Mr: Cook responded that studies show that most of the traffic f low will be moving onto Hartwell Avenue and that Great Road im- provements are not needed at this time. He responded to Mr. Wheaton' s question about the placement of the overpass that the half way point chosen had been cons id eyed the best location-, Mr. Schmickly expressed concern that nothing has been done for the residents of Eldred Street. Mr. Cook projected, in answer to Mr. Schmickly, that if all goes well, the improvement project could begin by early 1986. Mr. Cook pointed out that the Town had tried hard for traffic sig- nals at Bedf ord Street but could not get approval and advised that proceeding with this plan would allow f or the much needed improve- ment to traffic conditions on Bedford Street. He urged taking the plan as it is with the only other choice being to leave the situa- tion the way it is. In light of the 40% traf f is increase expected over the next 4 years, he added that problems will only get worse. He pointed out that suggesting an alternative to the plan exists is erroneous Mr. Cook was asked about FHWA reaction to the pedestrian overpass proposed and what the chances f or implementation appear to be. He an8wered that data is. now being gathered to justify that ins to l la ti on . Mr. Tonaszuck told Mrs. Wheaton that the emergency access to Eldred Street (depression in the median strip) will not be plowed but would b..e accessible for emergency vehicles. Mrs . Wheaton said that the plan presented that evening ap- peared to -be no dif f erent f rom the one shown at the 1984, at which time a Resolution was adopted which stressed area opposi- tions to any plan which cuts off access to and from Eldred Street. +� She questioned why this expression of the Town Meeting had not been taken into consideration.