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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-05-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: 3/6/03 SUBJECT: TSAC Minutes from March 5, 2003 The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee met on March 5, 2003 to discuss the following issues brought before us: Banning Trucks on Walnut Street Thomas DeNoto,representing the South Lexington Civic Association, explained the dangers of driving, walking of biking on Walnut Street due to the narrow span of roadway, which prohibits passage of a truck and car traveling in opposite directions. This condition is exacerbated by the lack of road shoulders due to adjacent plant growth and stones fences. Obstructed views and excessive speed were also noted as factors in making this request. Photos were presented to illustrate street conditions. It was emphasized that trucks travel on Walnut Street as a shortcut; major arteries are available. Additional comments were made in support of truck exclusion on Walnut Street by Jacqueline Davison, Shirley Frawley, William Frawley, and Gill Garber. Mr. Garber stated that TSAC was petitioned ten years ago to post Walnut Street as a one-way road. Traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, were also raised. Concerns were voiced over proposed development in the area that would result in added trucks on Walnut Street. TSAC committee member responses established that banning trucks on Walnut Street would directly impact traffic in Waltham and to a lesser degree in Belmont. State Highway Department criteria for truck exclusion requires surrounding towns impacted to give approval. Also, a truck travel usage of 5% to 8% on the proposed street must be established. The initial response of Waltham’s Transportation Director, Frank Ching, was to oppose any road changes that would increase traffic in Waltham. David Crbonneau spoke with Mr. Ching prior to the meeting. Speed bump assessment must be based on comparison with other similar Lexington roads. TSAC has received numerous requests for speed bumps throughout Lexington. A uniform standard must be applied. Recommendation: The geometry of Walnut Street will be evaluated and compared to similar Lexington roads. It is hoped that this exercise will result in the formulation of a town policy to address truck exclusion. If Walnut Street fits the town criteria, TSAC will recommend truck exclusion on Walnut Street and seek state approval. No U-Turn Waltham Street at Hayden Avenue Within the past year a No U-Turn sign was removed at the median strip on Waltham Street (north) at Hayden Avenue. The absence of a No U-Turn sign puts drivers making a left from Hayden Avenue on a collision course with drivers making a U-Turn. Both the Police Department and LEXPRESS drivers requested restoration of the sign. Waltham Street at Hayden Avenue is a state road. Recommendation: It is recommended that David Carbonneau write a letter to the state Highway Department requesting a No U-Turn sign be restored at Waltham Street (north) at Hayden Avenue. PedestrianCrosswalk Worthen Road at Douglass Funeral Home Due to heavy pedestrian travel between Douglass Funeral Home and parking across the street, the Police Department requests a crosswalk be installed. Police details are often posted at this location. Given prior fatal accidents on this road, improved lighting was previously evaluated. Recommendation: It is recommended that a crosswalk be installed on Worthen Road at Douglass Funeral Home. The location will be coordinated with the Police Department. Administration Eric Zanin accepted TSAC Chair and was approved by the committee. David Carbonneau, acting chair, was commended for his leadership and technical expertise over the past two years. Mr. Carbonneau will remain on the TSAC committee as the DPW designated representative. An amendment to the TSAC charter will be made to request a second DPW representative. Gail Wagner, Transportation Services Coordinator, will be nominated for this post given her ongoing TSAC involvement. The committee reiterated its intent to track recommendations approved by the Selectmen through the work order process. Restoration of previously approved signs will go directly to work order status. . Dist: Richard J. White; Town Manager, William Hadley; DPW Director; Peter Chalpin; Town Engineer; Gail Wagner Transportation Services Coordinator.