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APRIL 19'"
Town of Lexington Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
MEMORANDUM
TO: Hank Manz, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
FROM: Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
DATE: 12/2/10
SUBJECT: TSAC Minutes from November 17, 2010
TSAC members present: Sudhir Murthy, Chair, David Cannon, Asst. Town Engineering,
Police Captain Manuel Ferro, Stefan Schatzki, and Gail Wagner, Transportation Services.
The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee met on November 17, 2010 to discuss the following
issue brought before us:
Approval of Minutes
With noted edits, TSAC minutes from October 20, 2010 were voted on and approved.
Mass Avenue Crosswalk at Taft Avenue
David Cannon and Captain Ferro conducted a site inspection with DPW Highway
Superintendant, Marc Valenti. To improve pedestrian safety and sight lines, it was
recommended that the crosswalk be moved from current east location to west side of Taft
Avenue. It was brought to motion for a vote and approved.
Waltham Street Crosswalk
There has been a longstanding request for a mid -block crosswalk on Waltham Street near the
Waltham line. Efforts to work cooperatively with the City of Waltham have not been fruitful.
At this time, Police and Engineering are recommending a pedestrian activated, high visibility
flasher as installed on Spring Street. The cost is estimated at $40,000.
Prior to releasing a bid package, David Cannon will coordinate a meeting with residents of
Brookhaven, strongest proponents of crosswalk, and the South Lexington Civic Association. City
of Waltham will be informed of design plans. It was brought to motion for a vote and approved.
Safe Mass Ave Committee's Pedestrian Crossing Flags Program
Safe Mass Ave Committee (SMAC) sent a letter dated October 28 responding to discussion with
TSAC at the October 20 meeting. The letter affirmed SMAC's intent to expand their Pedestrian
Crossing Flag Program from the original three (3) to seven crosswalks (7) in East Lexington.
While TSAC supports SMAC's efforts to improve crosswalk safety and promote pedestrian
education, it does not endorse expanding the crosswalk flag program.
Current Federal Highway Administration guidelines as described in the Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices does not recognize the pedestrian crossing flags as a traffic control
device nor does current guidelines and practices by the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation. In addition, Police accident data does not reflect a reduction in East Lexington
pedestrian accidents since initiation of the flag crossing program.
It was brought to motion for a vote and approved that Sudhir would send a letter to SMAC in
response to their plans.
Note: A draft letter was circulated among all the TSAC members for comments, and a final letter
mailed to the SMAC on 11129110.