HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-03-31-TSC-min-lowell.pdf (iIntnn of ` .lexingtnn, Ainssztchusetts
SELECTMEN'
API.? MEMORANDUM
A' 83
TO: James F. Crain, Chairman DATE: 3/31/83 PAGE:
Board of Selectmen
FROM: Peter M. Chalpin, Chairma SUBJECT: Traffic
Traffic Safety Committee Lowell St. & Woburn St.
Marrett Rd. & Waltham St.
The Traffic Safety Committee and Police Department have
conducted a study of accident statistics at the above
locations. This study has revealed that most of the reported
accidents from 1978 through 1982 occurred when left turns
were made in the path of on-coming traffic. Both of these
locations are signalized, and the majority of these accidents
occurred during, or shortly after a change in the signals.
Within the period under study, 187 accidents were reported,
178 of which involved left turns and resulted in either an
angle or rearend collision. The rearend collisions occur when
the driver attempting to turn left, suddenly decides not to
complete the movement due to on-coming traffic. Of these 178
accidents, 119 took place when vehicles on the major streets ,
i.e. , Lowell Street and Waltham Street, attempted to enter the
minor streets.
It is our recommendation therefore that Mass . DPW be
requested to consider providing advanced left turn signals on
at least the major streets. We believe this addition will
greatly reduce accident frequency. We have taken the liberty
of enclosing a draft letter and back-up data to Mass. DPW
should the Board approve our recommendation.
pmc/w
enclosure
cc : Traffic Safety Committee
Walter J. Tonaszuck, Director of P.W./Eng.
Francis X. Fields, Town Engineer
Robert M. Hutchinson, Town Manager
)(1 1\1\\V
F-TM-1 MP-2M