HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-22-TMG-minMinutes for Traffic Mitimation Group Meeting
January 22, 2008
Present: Richard Canale, David Cannon, Elaine Dratch, Jeanne Krieger, Sudhir Murthy, Jerry Van Hook,
Christine McVay, Gail Wagner, Susan Yanofsky. Guests: John Dreyer, Terry Gleason
Hartwell Avenue Monitoring
➢ Email feedback runs 2/3 negative and 1/3 positive. Extended commute primary dissatisfaction.
➢ Police continue to support changes as it reduces speed and improves safety.
➢ Year monitoring period is proposed ending in October 2008.
➢ Cut through traffic comprises half of all vehicles.
➢ Town statement to be developed for email site and newspapers.
➢ Susan reported that Hartwell businesses are unhappy with the striping changes.
➢ John Dreyer, Lexington resident and base employee, reported that it takes 20 minutes to exit the base
onto Hartwell. The evening commute is the main issue. He suggested posting a "No Right Turn, 3 to
6pm" on Hartwell at Wood Street to divert base employees to exit on Wood Street via Lincoln Labs.
TIP Projects
➢ Lexington's priorities on the TIP "wish" list supported by TMG are Marrett at Waltham intersection and
Hartwell Ave intersections.
➢ Federal funding is stalled till the State increases funding and bridge program.
➢ Mass Highway is the listed proponent for Marrett at Waltham St, but it would be more advantageous for
the Town of Lexington to take the lead. Paperwork is due 2/21 and hearings 4/17. Political support is
needed to move projects.
Harrington Rd at Bedford St Intersection
➢ Accident data for 2007 reflects 12 incidents. Not considered a major problem spot.
➢ No traffic calming measures were identified by Police and Engineering.
➢ Police and Engineering view signalization as the prime alternative, but seen as incompatible with the
historic Common.
➢ DCR study for traffic around the Common is recommended as the main option.
Woburn St at Mass Ave Intersection
➢ Accident data does not indicate a major problem spot.
➢ Extending the island into Mass Ave would curtail left hand turns onto Winthrop Rd and channel traffic
to flow westerly onto Mass Ave.
➢ Transportation Comprehensive Plan 2002 (Planning Bd) recommended "pavement reduction.
➢ Historical Society would need to approve any modification.
TMG Project Proposals
➢ TMG FY09 appropriated funds and remaining FY08 TMG funds (approximately $20,000) will be
targeted for a traffic study of the corridor from Marrett Rd to the Pleasant St rotary. A funding proposal
will be made at Town Meeting.
➢ Sudhir will develop a RFP for the traffic study.
Waltham's Proposed Development along Route 128
➢ Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham and Weston will collaborate in reviewing Waltham's commercial proposal
that will add 100,000 trips per day. Rt128 will be maxed out even if widened and ramps reconfigured.
➢ TDM ideas: relocating Weston train station at Rt 128 with connecting bus system, designated HV lane
and a long term goal (approximately 25 years) to extend the MBTA Red Line to Route 495.
➢ Weston hired a consultant to request a 45 -day extension to the Environmental Impact Statement due
2/18/08. TMG voted to request the Lexington Selectmen to support this extension. Chris will review
Environmental report.
Next meeting, February 26, 2008, Rm 111
Minutes submitted by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services, Jan 28, 2008