HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-12-06-TSAC-min
Town of Lexington Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
MEMORANDUM
#0310
TO: Leo McSweeney, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
FROM: David T. Carbonneau, P.E.,
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
DATE: 12/23/02
SUBJECT: TSAC Minutes from December 6, 2002
The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee met on December 6, 2002 to discuss the following
issues brought before us:
Bicycle/Pedestrian Lane on Concord Avenue, West of Waltham Street
Natalie Riffin represented several neighbors in attendance. She explained the dangers of biking
and walking on Concord Avenue, West of Waltham Street. Ms. Riffin explained that regional
bicycle maps list Concord Avenue as a bike route which is the case on Concord Avenue in
Belmont. However, the Lexington section has no designated bike lane. It was noted that there
are sidewalks on Concord Avenue, East of Waltham Street. However, residents West of
Waltham Street are not in favor of sidewalks. Road lining was presented as a primary method in
restricting traffic. Posting of speed limits was also noted as a traffic calming measure.
The width of Concord Avenue, West of Waltham Street, ranges from 27 feet to 29 feet. Given
the standard 11 feet per driving lane, a standard 4 foot bike path is not possible. Concord
Avenue was recently resurfaced under the capital funds paving project and lining has yet to be
completed.
Recommendation:
A 2 to 3 foot line measured from roads edge on both sides of Concord
Avenue, both East and West of Waltham Street, would channel cars to drive within the lines and
thus, provide some protection for bicyclists and pedestrians. Lining costs will be allocated from
the capital funds resurfacing project.
Pedestrian Crosswalk on Wood Street near the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Entrance
Philip Backstrom, Project Manger MIT Lincoln Laboratory, made the request, but was not
present. In a letter dated October 28, 2002, Mr. Backstrom presented the benefits of a crosswalk
at this location promoting pedestrian safety on Wood Street. He emphasized access to sidewalks
and a MBTA bus stop. MIT Lincoln Laboratory offered to install the crosswalk in accordance
with Town regulations.
Recommendation:
Acrosswalk in this location would enhance pedestrian safety. The
proposed location will be evaluated that it is placed at the optimum area for sight lines. As
proposed, MIT Lincoln Laboratory will incur the cost of installation.
Crosswalk Policy
Criteria is needed to evaluate the growing requests for crosswalk installations. The volume of
pedestrians and cost of installation are constant factors. Other points of consideration:
Sight distance must be greater than safe stopping distance, includes speed of roads.
Lighting.
Road configuration. Mid-block crosswalk is less safe than at an intersection.
Facilities to be served including present and projected safety needs.
Entrance/Exit conflicts.
Safe passages to connecting routes, i.e. school, athletic fields.
David Carbonneau developed a form to standardize crosswalk recommendations.
Recommendation:
Uniform criteria to assess crosswalk installation.
Dist: Richard J. White; Town Manager, William Hadley; DPW Director; Peter Chalpin; Town
Engineer; Gail Wagner Transportation Director.