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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-28-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: 5/30/03 SUBJECT: TSAC Minutes from May 28. 2003 The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee met on May 28, 2003 to discuss the following issues brought before us: Speed Hump Policy Residents have expressed significant interest in the installation of speed humps as a traffic calming measure. TSAC has compiled a list of 20 streets that have requested this intervention. David Carbonneau has developed a speed hump criteria to assist in evaluating locations. It was noted that most streets on the list do not meet the suggested criteria and that speed reduction does not extended beyond a distance of 200 feet from the site of a speed hump. Thus, for maximum effect as a traffic calming measure, a sequence of speed humps, positioned approximately 750 feet apart, is indicated. Installation costs would be significant if a town policy was adopted. Speed hump requests are largely abutter issues. Bob Huebscher, a Solomon Pierce resident, has pursued speed humps for his street for the past two years and was present for the discussion. He inquired if residents could pay for speed humps. In 2001, a pilot speed hump was installed on Middleby Road. It has not been an obstacle for emergency vehicles, has slowed traffic at the site, but has not impacted traffic beyond the immediate area of installation. Recommendation: Speed hump policies in adjacent towns will be reviewed. Speed hump requests to date will be charted on a Town map to provide an understanding of the impact on Lexington streets. The Selectmen will be asked to assess the merits of adopting a Town speed hump policy in light of the mounting number of residents’ requests. Turn Signal / Delayed Green at Intersection of Waltham Street and Concord Avenue Safety concerns regarding left turns from Waltham Street (heading North) onto Concord Avenue were raised in a petition signed by 57 parents and staff affiliated with Bright Horizons Day Care. Two parents, Erica Monko and Ed Soltesz, described the dangers at this intersection that is impacted by restricted visibility, speed and volume. Accident data from the past two years did not support an acute problem. However, traffic counts on Waltham Street (heading South) and turning left onto Concord are very high. This traffic flow pattern creates difficulty for those turning left from the opposite direction as presented by the petitioners. The South Lexington Civic Association has previously raised safety concerns regarding this intersection. Recommendation: The controller mechanism for the traffic signal at the intersection of Waltham Street and Concord Avenue will be examined to see if the timing can be adjusted. A timing adjustment would cost approximately $1,000. A new controller mechanism was estimated to cost between $5,000 and $10,000. This item is continued pending examination of the controller mechanism. Stop Sign Corner of Asbury and Balfour Streets Ed Tallent of Hamblen Street initiated this request. No one was in attendance to elaborate on the issue. The request did not specify stop sign placement, but it was assumed that it would be at the Public Way side of Balfour Street where it intersects with Asbury Street. It was noted that the area in general is lightly traveled. Recommendation: Based on general knowledge of the area and no additional compelling information, this request is not supported. Traffic Signal Mass Ave and Maple Street This issue came before TSAC last year. As a result, a warrant analysis was conducted by Mass Highway to determine eligibility for signal installation. Mass Highway found Mass Ave at both Maple Street and Pleasant Street meet warrant standards for traffic signals. Nine residents were present all reporting dangerous encounters at this intersection and the need for safety intervention. Residents stated this intersection has been an issue for over 30 years. Points raised included the impact of Pleasant Street traffic, especially generated by Wilson Farms, sight obstruction by a utility pole in the Maple Street traffic island, and coordination of signals in regard to the East Lexington fire station. Residents felt immediate measures such as marking of traffic lanes, improved pedestrian access, and signage should be addressed. Resident comments were made by: Sam and Phyllis Silverman , Steve Tauber, and David Wolfman all of Ingleside Road and Roberta Perlmutter of Carnegie Place. David Carbonneau acknowledged this would be a major design project with a cost in the range of $250,000. Given the magnitude, Town Meeting would ultimately need to give approval. Mr. Silverman asked if Chapter 90 funds were available for such projects. Mr. Carbonneau stated that Chapter 90 was applicable, but would require reallocation of projects given the annual sum or $450,000 in Chapter 90 funds. Recommendation: TSAC supports moving ahead with a feasibility study for a traffic signal at Mass Ave at Maple Street that would include Pleasant Street at Mass Ave, given the interrelationship of these two intersections. Immediate steps are supported at Mass Ave and Maple Street, such as review of signage and lane striping to channel traffic. Dist: Richard J. White; Town Manager, William Hadley; DPW Director; Peter Chalpin; Town Engineer; Gail Wagner Transportation Services Coordinator.