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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-25-TMG-minTMG Minutes August 25, 2009 1. Mass Avenue Corridor Study Dave gave a brief history of the project and introduced the consultant working on the project, William Paille of Weston & Sampson. Three intersections were studied by the consultants and was funded by TMG funds and approved by Town Meeting. The consultants collected data for seven days. They looked at: • Automated traffic • Manual traffic movements • Accident data from Lexington PD and Mass Highway A. Mass Ave and Marrett: Mr. Paille described the existing conditions and proposed conditions at Mass Ave and Marrett Road. Committee members were concerned about making sure the intersection would be designed for bicyclists and pedestrians. Design speed is used for land width and geometry (curves, etc.). A committee member asked if roundabouts had been studied? The consultant said if Mass Highway funded the project, then it will be studied at a later time. Richard thought part of the scope was to look at three intersections, but what about traffic calming? Is that being considered? Mr. Paille replied that this is the first step in the study. It is not on the TIP yet, but we need to get Mass Highway's attention. There have been 88 accidents so far in the area of these intersections. There is a strong need in the community to fix the intersections. The model takes into account geometry and pedestrian accidents and crossings. If you leave Mass Avenue /Marrett as a non - signalized intersection, it will get worse. Bill wants to get this on the TIP. Once the intersection improvements are on the TIP, then the town can focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety. With proposed conditions, Levels of Service improves on Marrett Road, although LOS decreases a bit on Mass Avenue. Dave Cannon mentioned that the town is paying for the design and hopes to get the project improvements funded by Mass Highway. The cost of improvements could total $5 million for all three intersections in 2009 dollars. B. Mass Avenue and Maple Street: Mr. Paille described the Levels of Service at this intersection, which are also detailed in the report. Level of Service A on Mass Ave in the morning and evening. There is a LOS F in the morning on Maple and LOS F in the evening. It is currently very difficult to go left onto Mass Ave from Maple. The consultants looked at 2009 numbers and projected out to 2029. A signalized intersection is proposed at Mass Ave and Maple. It was recommended that the pedestrian crossing be moved closer to the intersection. A bus stop along Mass Ave will be looked at in the design phase. C. Mass Ave /Pleasant Street: The consultants are proposing a granite- curbed island with a signalized intersection. When the design is considered, it's important to consider sidewalks as part of the overall construction. Mr. Canale asked what we are proposing to Mass Highway? A corridor project with intersection improvements. The goal is to get this on the TIP! Elaine asked if it makes sense to put Woburn Street /Mass Ave on the list of improvements? The group thought it would make it too complicated to add this intersection to the list. It was not part of the original scope. Process moving forward: Present the data and proposed improvements to Capital Expenditures Committee for approval; get capital project approved at Town Meeting in spring, 2010. Dave Cannon mentioned that all comments from TMG should be sent to Dave Cannon and he will send them along to the consultant. Move forward on this with the state. 2. Proposed Concord Avenue Sidewalk Between Waltham and Spring Street This was tabled because Jerry needed to leave the meeting early. 3. Traffic Calming Policy Planning Board is still discussing the changes proposed by Richard Canale and they have not come to consensus on the language yet. Some of the issues still outstanding are: Special Permits: how will these be handled? There are too many procedures; they need to be separated out in the policy. Planning Board will discuss it at their next meeting on September 9 and forward to the Board of Selectmen. 4. MOU's in CD Districts Richard Canale discussed the Memorandums of Understanding in CD Rezonings, which has not been finalized yet. He will report more when consensus is reached with the Planning Board members. 5. Updates Jeanne asked if there will be a crosswalk at Brookhaven anytime soon? Dave will look into it and get back to TMG. The charge of the committee needs to be revisited and discussed at the next meeting.