Traffic problems linger on Warren and Beaver streets – but may be easing

By CHRISTIAN MAITRE
Waltham Times Contributing Writer

Delays at the Warren and Beaver streets intersection have been an ongoing problem for years, as many commuters along the busy streets know, yet the area is still plagued by congestion – even after the recent installation of a traffic light meant to improve the flow of vehicles. 

The traffic problems along those streets have been on the city’s radar for a decade, as Waltham’s 2015 Master Transportation Plan identified the intersection as in need of attention. The plan recommended that the city install traffic signals and redesign the intersection accordingly. 

That work was done about two months ago.

The lights do not seem to be having much of a positive impact, according to multiple reports from the public, elected officials and commuters.

In fact, some said traffic is now worse.

“I think just signal-timing adjustments are needed to resolve the issue here, and whether that be totally removing the flashing yellow and putting in a protected left, a short protected left, or anything else,” said Waltham resident Adrian Ayala, who commutes through the intersection.

Waltham traffic engineer Micheal Garvin gave an update on the intersection’s traffic conditions at a Traffic Commission hearing held last week and identified two key reasons for increased traffic.

Garvin said detours for Trapelo Road construction are forcing more traffic through the intersection.

And he said the flashing yellow light at the intersection is creating difficulties for drivers turning onto Beaver Street from Warren Street.

“We quickly realized what the remedy was,” he said. “Now the phasing includes a green left arrow, which is a protected left turn, and then it goes to the flashing yellow arrow.”

He also said the Trapelo Road detour has since been removed.

With both those changes happening in the past week, Garvin said he received reports that traffic has improved.

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