Traffic Commission in Brief

The Traffic Commission at its Thursday morning meeting heard a variety of recommendations for traffic safety improvements to intersections and streets. 

Below is a summary of those recommendations and the actions taken by the Traffic Commission on March 20:

Curb extension and relocation of crosswalk approved

The Traffic Commission approved relocating the crosswalk in front of the Arthur J. Clark apartments at 48 Pine St. The apartments are federally subsidized and house elderly residents and residents with disabilities. 

Ward 9 Councilor Robert G. Logan petitioned the Traffic Commission for changes to the crosswalk following safety concerns from residents.

Michael Garvin, the city’s senior traffic engineer, recommended that the city relocate the crosswalk to the intersection of Pine and Hall streets. 

“A crosswalk at an intersection is generally safer than a mid-block crossing since drivers are more likely to expect a crosswalk at an intersection,” he said.

Garvin also said a curb extension at the southwest corner of the intersection would reduce the length of the crosswalk for pedestrians and increase their visibility to drivers.

The Traffic Commission approved both changes.

In other news, the commission

• Tabled the discussion of potential improvements to the intersection of Moody and Maple streets and agreed to conduct a site visit to observe the intersection before the next Traffic Commission meeting on April 17.
• Directed Garvin to conduct a detailed study of the intersection of Bacon Street, Plympton Street and Athletic Field Road that would provide the Traffic Commission with different options to increase traffic safety.
• Approved changes to the intersection of Lexington and Beaver streets following a presentation of an intersection study by Garvin. Vehicles traveling southbound on Lexington Street will only be able to make left turns once northbound traffic clears the intersection. Currently, southbound drivers are given a green arrow and then northbound traffic is able to travel through the intersection. The study found that the intersection had a crash rate of 0.94 crashes per million cars traveling through the intersection. Garvin said that this is higher than the statewide crash rate for signalized intersections of 0.78. The commission also directed Garvin to work with the Purchasing Department for funding for additional intersection improvements.
• Tabled discussion of a study on a signal at the intersection of Main and Appleton streets.
• Approved a charity bike ride for the National Brain Tumor Society on May 18.
• Approved the use of 30 parking spaces at the Embassy parking garage for the STEM Education Festival on May 10.