The Internal Traffic Committee met in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room, 2nd floor Town Hall at 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. At 10:00 AM the Committee called the meeting to order.
Present: Chief John Blood, Tony Marques, Chief Richard Braga, Jeff Wood and Jennifer Burke
Traffic Issues
Truck Exclusion Grove Street Area
The Committee discussed an alternate route to send to MADOT for the proposed truck exclusion.
Tony Marques, seconded by Chief Braga, made a motion to recommend that the Board of Selectmen ask MA DOT to consider a truck exclusion on Water, Summer, Winter, Spring and Loring Streets with the alternate route be Broad Street to Main Street to Villa do Porto to Grove Street or Technology Drive to Reed Road to Marlboro Street to Forest Avenue.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Route 85 Concerns
Present: Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development
Kerin Shea, Community and Economic Development Assistant
Suzanne & Lorraine Ladd, 275 & 277 Washington Street
Ms. Burke that the Ladds had sent an email expressing their concerns regarding the traffic on Rte. 85 and unsafe driving conditions. Suzanne Ladd, spoke about the difficulty of leaving her driveway because of its location in relation to the light. She has been hit at that point. She noted the increased speeds on Rte 85 and driver’s inability to stop on red lights. She feels that it is a safety issue because they can not exit the driveway.
Chief Braga stated that he looked at the site. He noted that Towns do not set speed limits. Addressing the suggestions in the Ladd’s email he stated that paintings on the road are not good for the flow of traffic and a Do Not Block Drive sign could be a problem because of the multiple lanes.
Mr. Marques said that the Town should ask MA Dot to review the speed limit in that area after the road project is complete. He said a No Right Turn on Red sign at the Wal-Mart drive would not eliminate enough traffic to make a difference for the Ladds. He also noted that a Do Not Block Driveway sign would have to be pushed so far back that it would remove the stacking ability. He did indicate that he would look at if any tree clearing would help.
Mr. Wood asked if a delayed green light on the northbound side would help. Ms. Ciccolo said that GPI could study the traffic signal to determine if that could help.
Kate Worthington, 2 Brigham Street
Dr. Worthington has concerns regarding the design of the Rte 85 and the installation of a light at Brigham Street. She feels from a daily view that a light is not needed. She agreed that MA DOT stated that the warrants for a signal were met at the intersection. She questioned when the traffic study was completed. She was told morning and evening rush hours. She is concerned that she will be stopped unnecessarily when no traffic is coming.
Chief Braga stated that the signals will be sensored.
Mr. Marques reviewed the details of the intersection study. In 2007 there was a 40 second delay at that intersection. In 2027 with no improvements there is anticipated to be a 3 minute delay.
Dr. Worthington stated that a right turning lane on Brigham Street might make more sense.
Ms. Ciccolo noted that the intersection is at a LOS E. The bike and pedestrian improvements that are planned as part of the road project will need a light. She also noted that all the traffic counts were taken in July when the traffic may have been lighter than the school year. She also said that the newer lights use cameras and can be adjusted rather easily.
Chief Blood said that for public safety reasons he would not recommend any changes to the design.
Mr. Marques said that at least 3 warrants for a traffic signal are met in this location. Primarily volume.
Cherry Street/Main Street Connection
Present: Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development
Kerin Shea, Community and Economic Development Assistant
Bill Steinberg, 54 Cherry Street
Justin Bartha, Encore Rentals
Bill Doherty, 78 Cherry Street
Ms. Ciccolo reviewed the history of the PWED grant and the previous opposition from the residents of Cherry Street.
Mr. Steinberg asked about dividing the street between residential and commercial with a gate. It was brought up the 51 Cherry Street would be stranded on the commercial side.
Mr. Bartha indicated that Encore is increasing business and increasing the truck traffic. They have received numerous complaints from residents regarding children and safety. He also noted that the construction of the ARRT made it more difficult to see his business from Main Street and cut down on walk in business.
Mr. Doherty stated that he is 100% in favor of the connection.
Chief Blood said he would not be in favor of a barrier of any kind. Mr. Marques asked if the committee supports the connection as a feasible option. They agree with no physical barrier.
Ms. Burke asked about bringing residents to an ITC meeting for discussion. It was decided ITC was not the right setting. The business owners with the help of Community Development will approach the residents.
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