HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-09-17-TSC-rpt-lincoln.pdf � -
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�"� SUBJECT: Lincoln St. Traffic
FROM . Alexander V. Zaleski, Chnm. , Traffic Committee
TO . Robert Cataldo, Chairman, P,oard of Sel.ectmen
DATE° . September 17, 1970
The petition of a number of residents of Lincoln St. and adjacent streets has
been �iven careful consideration by this Corimittee, includin� a review of
traf.fic conditions, accident records, physical conditions and several on-site
surveys. It has been found that Lincoln St. pavement is 30 ft. or more in
wiclth, there is a sidewalk for its entire len�th between Marrett and k�orthen
roads, si,�ht distances along the street are �enerally adequate, there are
30 mph signs near the Flayden center and 35 mph elsewhere, as well as "Slow
Children" and other signs. The accident record for this area is not unusually
high ancl consists of minor accidents at int�rsections witti Lincoln Terrace
and Nfiddleby Rd. The 24-hr. traffic volume is only Z500 cars (1963) . Nurler-
ous observations indicate that drivers generally stay within ttie speed limits.
In the light of these observations, our recon�mendations regarding the specific
items in the petition are as follows :
1. The Town cannot impose arbitrary speed l.imits, 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 chanpe them or to assume that any change would be approved by the State DPLv.
2. The State DPW generally does not permit the exclusion of trucks from
public streets. LJtiere an exception is made, it must be first stiown 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 traff.ic. Neither condition can be met in this instance.
3. The old disposal area is noC bein� used for recreation at this time.
A� the future development and use of this land may warrant, suitable signs
will be recommended by this committee to the Selectmen.
4. Accordin� to the latest data available, T.incoln St. and t�;orthen Rd.
do not meet the State warrants for a pedestrian light. The traffic conditions
on Worthen Rd. are under a continuinn stuc]y and traffic control devices will
be recommended when warranted..
5. The Traffic Committee will invesY_iflate whether the conditions at
�liddleby Rd, junction meet state requirements for the erection of a stop si;;n
and make appropriate recommendations to the Selectmen in the near future.
6. As a part of an overall traffic safety campai�;n, 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 sian a]_ertinQ the incomin�; motorists in
a lannuage similar to the followinr;:
"You are now enterinP a residenkial area of Lexi?lgton. Please drive
carefully and watch for children, �articula.rl.y in the vicinity of
schools and playgrounds."
If. this innovation is effective and tYie reaction is favorable, similar si�ns
co�_�1c? be erect_ed at ot}ier }-�rinci��]_ en*�-a��.ces i��to I,eYinRton.
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� 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 progran
for which the studies are no�•7 in progress. Any ir:iprovements, auch as traffic
control devises, si�ns, intersection redesi�n etc. , found to be necessary will
be undertaken at no cost to the Town.
cc: Town Manager
Copy to Mrs. Westerman
253 Lincoln Street