HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-29-TSAC-min#0310
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Town of Lexington Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
MEMORANDUM
Dawn McKenna, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
Eric /Zanin, Chairman Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
TSAC
The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee met on April 29th to discuss the following issues brought
before us:
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Request:
Petitioner:
Wood Street - Stop LightlLower Speed Limit /Access Restrictions
Mark Hanson
MIT Lincoln Lab.
244 Wood Street
Lexington, MA
Thomas Wright
8 Chestnut Lane
Lexington, MA
C -157
Reason for Request:
The high volume and speed of traffic on Wood Street makes it hazardous for bicycles to
commute on this street. A stop light at the intersection of Wood Street and Mass. Ave. would
improve traffic flow. Preventing left turns from Mass. Ave. to Wood Street in the morning and
right turns from Wood Street to Mass. Ave in the evening would improve safety. Setting a lower
speed limit on Wood Street would make the street less hazardous for cyclist.
Recommendation:
Request a 30 mph speed zone for Wood Street from the State. Request an opening of a recently
closed gate leading out directly to Route 2A as a means of reducing the volume on Wood Street.
Reason for Recommendation:
The historic setting , the fact traffic signal warrants are not likely to be met at this intersection,
and financial considerations make a signal at this location unlikely. Access restrictions are not
considered feasible because Wood Street is a major commuting route. The town does not set
speed limits but can request a posting provided the request is accompanied by an engineering
study that justifies the request.
Request: 143 Cedar Street — Remove Guardrail
Petitioner: Stella Parsons
143 Cedar Street
Lexington, MA 02421
Ms. Parsons requested permission to remove a portion of guardrail in front of her property at 143
Cedar Street. The guardrail was interfering with access to her property and creating an eyesore.
Recommendation:
Grant permission to remove the guardrail.
Reason for Recommendation: TSAC could find no compelling reason for the guardrail being
there to begin with. A similar request was granted to neighbor a few years ago.
Request: Spring at Marrett — Pedestrian Crossing
Reason for Request:
There is no marked crosswalk at this intersection which sees significant pedestrian and cyclist
volume. The speed and volume of traffic as well as the geometry of the intersection make
crossing very difficult.
Recommendation: No Action at this time.
Reason for Recommendation:
TSAC is aware of the crossing difficulties at this intersection and recently recommended
crosswalks on Spring at Grassland and on Marrett at Downing in an attempt to improve the
situation. TSAC does not believe that a safe crosswalk can be located at this intersection without
a pedestrian signal. It is hoped that the Patriot Properties funding for an evaluation of this
intersection will address this problem.