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MEMORANDUM
TO Allen E. Kenney, Chairman DATE 1/1.1174 PAGE.
Board of Selectmen
FROM John J. McSweeney, Chairman SUBJECT' Minuteman Associrtes
Traffic Safety Committee ^-sso7iation
At its meeting of 1/8/74, the Traffic Safety Connittee discussed the petition
of the minuteman 4s ne ates Association relative to a. Registry of motor Vehicles
study of Goffe Road, Dudley Road, Barrett Road, Philip Road -Ind 'Por. then Road
from Pleasant Street to the Bowman School. The Committee sees no problems in
the area. The streets mentioned are residential streets used almost exclusively
by neighborhood residents and those with children attending Bowman School. The
Committee found. that during 1973 only one accident oc^mmred in this enuire area,
and the accident could not be attributed to speed. At this time, the Committee
would like to take the onnortunity to elaborate on the procedure for determin-
inb posted speed limits. Tn order to determine the proper numerical value for
a speed zone on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, the
following factors should be considered
1. The 85-percentile speed and pace speed
2. Road surface characteristics, shoulder condition, grade, alignment
and sight distance
3. Roadside development and culture, qnd roadside friction
4. Safe speed for curves or hazardous locations within the zone
5. Parking practices and pedestrian activity
6. Reported accident experience for a recent 12-month period
Of these six factors, the most important and first considered is the 85-percentile
speed. The 85-percentile speed is defined as the speed at which or under which
85% of the vehicles clocked are travelling. The study is conducted by radar, in
an unmarked vehicle, at 1/8 mile intervals, on an unposted roadway, clocking 100
vehicles at each interval. Once this has been done, the results are tabulated and
the 85-percentile speed is calculated. It is not until this time that the other
five factors are considered. To set the speed limit, these factors are weighed
against the 85-percentile, and should they dictate, the 85-percentile is re-
duced, but only by 5 m.p.h.
In the area in question, it is most likely that the 85-percentile would be at
least 35 m.p.h. or more would stand. Also, and most important, should the
Registry find that the posted speed should be 35 m.p.h. or more, it will post
the area as such, with no alternatives allowed to the residents or the Town.
Those in attendance were.
Tohn J. McSweeney, Chairman
Chef Corr, Police Dept.
Kenneth Briggs, Planning Bd. Director
Peter Chalpin, Engineer
Copy to• Bd. Mem.
Tn. Mgr. 1/18/74
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