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` MEMORANDUM p'"'�'� F ,,
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Margery M. Battin, Chairman a �� `� f -')
rO: Board of Selectmen DATE: 12/20/77 PAGE:, 4,
FROM: John J McSweeney, Chairman suBJEcr Metric Signs � `III
Traffic Safety Committee
At its meeting of December 7, 1977, the Traffic Safety Committee
discussed the enclosed letter, forwarded to us by the Town Manager,
from Mr Leonard DiFranco on behalf of Muzzey Junior High students re-
questing permission to erect metric speed limit, distance and elevation
markers along Massachusetts Avenue
At the request of the Committee, the Engineering Division contacted
Mass D.P W , the permit granting authority for regulatory signs, to in-
quire as to their policy regarding metric signing We were informed that
Mass D P W has adopted a policy of not permitting such signs, maintaining
that they create confusion in the motoring public at this time
In his letter, Mr DiFranco states that the students would like to
place the metric signs below the standard signs As you may know, the
mounting heights for roadway signs are specified by the Manual On Uniform
Traffic Control Devices so as to prevent injuries to pedestrians, cyclists,
etc. This fact would make it impossible to mount any metric or other
signs below our existing signs, and would necessitate the installation of
new and separate sign posts
Further, in an article in this month's issue of "American City and
County" magazine, it was stated that, due to the volume of negative com-
ments concerning conversion of the MUTCD to metrics, the Federal Highway
Administration has postponed the conversion indefinitely
Based on the State's policy against metric signs and the FHWA post-
ponement, the committee recommends that Mr DiFranco's request be denied.
Those in Attendance
John J McSweeney
Peter M. Chalpin (J
Chief Corr � L I/
Elaine Dratch /
John Blackwell \ i di
PMC/kjo 1 C�
cc Town Manager
Enclosure
COPY TO Board Members
Town Manager
Town Counsel
12-27-77 DEC 2 2 1977
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