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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-30-TSAC-min1775 r 7� m k_ G n W a p W Z V � a APRIL 19'" Town of Lexington Traffic Safety Advisory Committee MEMORANDUM TO: Hank Manz, Chairman DRAFT Board of Selectmen FROM: Traffic Safety Advisory Committee DATE: 4/4/11 SUBJECT: TSAC Minutes from March 30, 2011 TSAC members present: Sudhir Murthy, Chair, Stefan Shatzki, David Cannon, Asst. Town Engineering, Police Captain Manuel Ferro, Gail Wagner, Transportation Services. Senior Staff: Bill Hadley, DPW Director Staff: John Livsey, Town Engineer Public Presence: Selectmen Meeting Room was at seating capacity, approximately 40. Intersection Marrett Road at Lincoln Street Reconfiguration Bill Hadley explained that the Town Manager tasked the Police to review intersections, crosswalks, and corresponding lighting to enhance pubic safety. With the repaving of Lincoln Street from the playing fields to Weston St, the intersection at Marrett Road and Lincoln St was reviewed by the Police and Engineering. Preliminary ideas were discussed with several abutters. The plan presented today was the result of staff efforts and will continue to be refined with abutters' input. Planning will follow standard "Lexington process" that incorporates citizens' review and comments throughout plan development. A safer intersection is the obj ective. David Cannon explained that current configuration has 36 to 40 design conflicts. The proposed plan reduces conflicts by half Captain Ferro reported that Marrett/ Lincoln intersection has a lengthy history of minor traffic accidents with three involving bicyclists in the past five years. The meeting was opened to public comments and questions: Todd Burger, 386 Lincoln St Plan not suited to bicyclists. Mid -block crosswalk problematic. Has a traffic signal been considered? Traffic island houses several utilities which would need to be moved. A project of this magnitude would require special funding as the total cost would approach a million dollars. Carol Cacciamani, Coppesmyth Way Has a traffic study been conducted? While a formal traffic study has not, Town Engineering and Police have studied various geometric, traffic and safety issues. She favors a traffic light. Mark Maguire, 249 Lincoln St Plan would double traffic cue on Lincoln St. Accidents occur on Marrett Rd. He suggested speed bumps, increased enforcement and reduced speed limits. Dean Curtin, 578 Marrett Rd — owner of abutting office buildings Mr. Curtin introduced an architect, Andrew DeFrancesco, who suggested a T intersection as at Mass Ave and Waltham St. Intersection would be to the eastside of the island with west side closed to traffic. Entrance to Higgins Realty would be via Lincoln at northwest tip of island. Beverly Aker, 242 Lincoln St Favors three lane intersection configuration. Inquired if Lincoln St intersection was part of current Marrett Rd repaving? It is not Gloria McMenimen, 264 Lincoln St Does this plan incorporate emergency vehicles? Police have reviewed. Fire Dept. has yet to review. Timothy Kelly, 263 Lincoln St Speed is an issue and favors speed bumps to slow traffic. Leo McSweeney, 435 Lincoln St Adult daughter avoids intersection as she feels unsafe. Speed on Marrett is a big factor. With Shire expansion, concerns that Shade St onto Lincoln will be used as a cut through. Richard Canale, 29 Shade St Shire expansion will increase traffic. South Lexington Transportation Study will include this area and hopefully integrate solutions. Colin Britton, 17 Pheasant Lane Difficult intersection for both bicyclists and drivers. He suggested improved sight lines and reduced speed. Dave Eagle, Arlex Oil, abutting gas station Driveways for property were subject to many planning meetings to gain approval. Farthest driveway on Lincoln is blocked by trucks during oil and vendor deliveries. He is unable to control oil delivery times. Trucks exit onto Lincoln St and would find it difficult to make the turn as presented in the proposed plan. He supports Marrett Road bump outs and crosswalk on Lincoln St. Margaret Coppe, 12 Barrymeade Drive Where can additional comments be directed? Emails to David Cannon or Captain Ferro. Jeanne Canale 29 Shade St Next step? Input reviewed, plans updated, TSAC review, and recommendation to Selectmen. Unidentified Speaker Is saving money the basis of the proposed plan? Safety is the primary concern. TSAC will review any plan modifications made by Engineering with Police input. TSAC will review and vote before sending their recommendations along with citizen's comments to the Board of Selectmen for a final decision. Worthen Rd Crosswalk - Bedford St to Militia Way Study conducted by consultants. Bedford/ Worthen intersection will be updated to include phasing of traffic signal. Given high volume of pedestrian crossing south of intersection on Worthen Rd and recent safety issues, a crosswalk is proposed from Walgreen's to south side of Stop & Shop driveway. This was selected after reviewing several other options. By TSAC vote, this proposal was supported. Worthen Rd Bike Lanes - Bedford St to Mass Ave "Share the Road" pavement markings commonly called "sharrows" are an additional option to designated bike lane. While a designated bike lane could be accommodated Bedford St to Mass Ave due to a wide road, it would end east of Mass Ave due to reduced road surface. Police voiced concern that designated bike lanes would give cyclists a false sense of security, especially adjacent to a curbside parking. Peggy Enders, Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair, was present and supported sharrows. She assessed that Lexington lags behind other towns in use of Sharrows. By TSAC vote, sharrows were supported for Worthen Rd between Waltham St and Mass Ave. However, TSAC was unable to choose between a designated bike lane versus sharrows on Worthen Rd between Mass Ave and Bedford St. The Town Engineer suggested further review of the safety implications of the two options before adopting an option. Dist: Carl Valente, Town Manager; Mark Corr, Police Chief William Hadley; DPW Director; John Livsey; Town Engineer.