HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-14-TSAC-min#0310
TO: Jeanne Kreiger, Chair
Board of Selectmen
DATE: 12/5/01
FROM: David T. Carbonneau, P.E. SUBJECT: TSAC Meeting 1/14/01
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Committee Attendees: David Carbonneau, Chair; Lieutenant Steven Corr; Peter Chalpin
Agenda Items:
Massachusetts Avenue "Bump- Outs"
Ephraim Weiss presented his request for curb "bump outs" in front of the Post Office and
opposite side of Massachusetts Avenue to improve pedestrian safety. While TSAC feels
the proposal has merit, it does not come under its jurisdiction. The Design Committee and
Center Committee address all modifications to Lexington Center. It was recommended
that Mr. Weiss forward his written statement to the aforementioned committees.
Webster Avenue "Go Slow Children Signs"
Marie Stocki presented her concern for the safety of children on Webster Avenue forced
to play in the street given the absence of sidewalks. She requested signs to alert drivers
to the presence of children. David Carbonneau conducted a site visit and found nothing
to distinguish Webster Avenue from the surrounding streets. It was noted that a "Go Slow
Children Sign" is posted when entering the area from Pleasant Street. Since the warrants
for "CAUTION CHILDREN" are not satisfied, a sign is not recommended. Lieutenant
Corr will alert police patrols to monitor the Webster Avenue area for compliance to
traffic e safety.
Audible Traffic Signal Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street and Posting of
Pedestrian Crossing at Woburn Street at Fletcher Avenue
Richard Landau, a legally blind resident, requested audible traffic signals, in particular at
the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street. This site is extremely
problematic because the traffic signal is not timed consistently which prevents him from
learning a system to cross safely. Peter Chalpin responded that an adaptation to the
existing signal mechanism is not technically possible and that a new traffic signal is
scheduled for the coming year. An audible signal will be researched in the purchasing
process by the DPW staff. Mr. Chalpin noted that the Center Committee would also need
to review an audible signal at Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street.
Mr. Landau also presented a concern at the Fletcher Avenue/ Woburn Street intersection.
A recently painted crosswalk path has improved his ability to cross the street, but
pedestrian signs were also requested. Pedestrian crosswalk signs will be assessed.
Douglas Road "Caution Signs"
Tienyong Hua presented his safety concerns regarding conditions on his street, Douglas
Road. Vehicles approaching Douglas Road do not anticipate a 90- degree turn at the
junction of Douglas and Fulton Roads. Vehicular traffic and speed increase during
commute hours when this roadway is used as a shortcut from Lowell Street to East Street.
David Carbonneau conducted a site visit and felt a sign on Fulton Road alerting drivers to
the upcoming sharp turn was warranted. The sign is estimated to cost $60. Lieutenant
Corr will alert police patrols to monitor the Douglas /Fulton area for compliance to traffic
safety.