HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-09-17-TSC-rpt.pdf (i°
SUBJECT Lincoln St Traffic
FROM Alexander V Zaleski, Chmn , Traffic Committee
TO Robert Cataldo, Chairman, Board of Selectmen
DATE September 17, 1970
The petition of a number of residents of Lincoln St and adjacent streets has
been given careful consideration by this Committee, including a review of
traffic conditions, accident records, physical conditions and several on-site
surveys It has been found that Lincoln St pavement is 30 ft or more in
width there is a sidewalk for its entire length between Marrett and Worthen
roads, sight distances along the street are generally adequate, there are
30 mph signs near the Hayden center and 35 mph elsewhere, as well as "Slow
Children" and other signs The accident record for this area is not unusually
high and consists of minor accidents at intdrsections with Lincoln Terrace
and Middleby Rd The 24-hr traffic volume is only 2500 cars (1968) Numer-
ous observations indicate that drivers generally stay within the speed limits
In the light of these observations, our recommendations regarding the specific
items in the petition are as follows
1 The Town cannot impose arbitrary speed limits, as suggested by the
petitioners The existing speed limits have been established after a careful
study in accordance with G L Chapter 90, Section 18 and there is no reason
to change them or to assume that any change would be approved by the State DPW
2 The State DPW generally does not permit the exclusion of trucks from
public streets Where an exception is made, it must be first shown that
special conditions warrant this and that (a) an equally suitable alternate
route be available and (b) heavy trucks constitute not less than 10% of the
total traffic Neither condition can be met in this instance
3 The old disposal area is not being used for recreation at this time
AN the future development and use of this land may warrant, suitable signs
will be recommended by this committee to the Selectmen
4 According to the latest data available, Lincoln St and Worthen Rd
do not meet the State warrants for a pedestrian light The traffic conditions
on Worthen Rd are under a continuing study and traffic control devices will
be recommended when warranted
5 The Traffic Committee will investigate whether the conditions at
Middleby Rd junction meet state requirements for the erection of a stop sign
and make appropriate recommendations to the Selectmen in the near future
6 As a part of an overall traffic safety campaign, we submit for con-
sideration by the Board of Selectmen the erection in the Five Forks area of a
non-standard and non-state regulated sign alerting the incoming motorists in
a language similar to the following
"You are now entering a residential area of Lexington Please drive
carefully and watch for children, particularly in the vicinity of
schools and playgrounds "
If this innovation is effective and the reaction is favorable, similar signs
could be erected at other principal entrances into Lexington
ar
Lincoln St Traffic (continued) -2
The section of Lincoln St between Marrett and Worthen roads has been desig-
nated as eligible for traffic improvements under the federal TOPICS program
for which the studies are now in progress Any improvements, such as traffic
control devises, signs, intersection redesign etc , found to be necessary will
be undertaken at no cost to the Town
cc Town Manager
Copy to Mrs. Westerman
253 Lincoln Street