Link back to Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes
Police Chief Taylor A.B. Mills, Chairman
Sgt. David Horte, Representative for Chief Mills
Lt. John Haley, Representative for Chief Mark Duff
Harry Sylvester, DPW
Paul K. Healey, Planning Board
Leslie Kehoe
Harold Goldstein
Scott Peterson
James Costello
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Chief Taylor Mills
RE: Minutes of November 17, 2010 – Traffic Committee Meeting
DATE: November 18, 2010
PRESENT: John Haley, Lieutenant, Hingham Fire Department
David Horte, Sergeant, Hingham Police Department
Harry Sylvester, Hingham DPW
Paul K. Healey, Hingham Planning Board
Leslie Kehoe
Harold Goldstein
Scott Peterson, Esquire
James Costello
Sgt. Horte called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
A motion was made by Paul Healey, seconded by Leslie Kehoe, to accept the minutes as written of the previous meeting on 10/27/10. Unanimous vote in favor.
I. Downer/Thaxter/3A/Lincoln Streets
Daley Road resident Cynde Carley suggested that the lights on the sides of Downer Ave. and Thaxter street be equipped with left turn arrows in order to allow more vehicles to pass through the intersection during the light cycle. The fact that traffic backs up on Thaxter and Downer Avenue was cited, especially at peak traffic times and on weekday mornings at approximately 8:30 am. due to Foster School traffic. Another issue raised by Susan Murphy of Planters Field Lane was one of the safety of pedestrians crossing since the length of the pedestrian crossing signal isn't sufficient in relation to the size of the intersection. Sgt. Horte commented that this is a 5 way intersection which would create further backups on Rte. 3A if left turn arrows are installed. Another problem with this would be that dedicated left turn lanes would need to be created. Leslie Kehoe observed that traffic flow always appears to be fine at Lincoln Street and cars manage to get through each light cycle. The problem could be solved by adjusting the timing points for the traffic signal and adjusting the length of the pedestrian "walk" signal. Susan Murphy stated that she contacted Senator Hedlund who told her that he would be happy to assist the Committee in rectifying the problem at this intersection. Due to the fact that Rte. 3A is a State road, a recommendation would need to be sent to Mass. Highway-Dept. of Transportation. Harry Sylvester suggested doing our own study first. Sgt. Horte will conduct a study of light cycles, traffic volume, length of light for pedestrian crossings and compile the accident history of the intersection. The findings will be reported at next month's meeting.
II. Main/Cushing/South Pleasant Street Intersection
The Committee reviewed the report received from Coler & Colantonio. The report assessed traffic volume and data compiled by both C&C and HPD this Fall. C&C recommends that a traffic control measure be installed such as a traffic signal or a roundabout. Paul Healey asked each of the Committee members to give their opinion on how each felt that the Town should proceed. John Haley (Fire Department) said that it doesn't appear to be needed based on traffic data and accident statistics. Harry Sylvester (DPW) stated that there is no reason to invest money in traffic control devices or reconfigurations when the problem isn't there. He felt that no action should be taken at this time and the situation should be monitored relative to whether there is an increase in accidents at the location. If so, the issue could be revisited in two years. Scott Peterson agreed that action is not warranted based on the statistics. James Costello said that he reviewed the 2003-2004 Study completed by the Traffic Committee for Main, Free and High Streets and reviewed current data as well. He concurred that he doesn't see the urgency in the situation based upon accident analysis.
Sgt. Horte (Police) reported that there have only been 3 minor accidents at the location this year. Sgt. Horte stated that in his opinion, a roundabout would be a good idea for traffic flow. Paul Healey (Planning Board) said that would not be a good option due to Main Street traffic and the fact that it would create backups on Main Street which is currently a Level of Service A. Harry Sylvester said that we have nothing to compare our situation to and that more study would be needed of the potential impact on Main Street. Harold Goldstein recommended comparing traffic counts on Rte. 3A to which Harry Sylvester pointed out that 3A is a four lane highway.
The Committee sought the opinion of Retired traffic engineer Richard Cook in regards to this issue. He indicated that Route 3A was not a comparable roadway to the Main Street, Cushing Street and South Pleasant Street intersection due to the fact that Route 3A is a four lane highway. Additionally, there are many side streets on Main Street which affect and are affected by the traffic flow. Mr. Cook said that there has been no increase in accidents and the traffic volume has not increased in any appreciable manner since the previous study seven years ago. To install a traffic signal at Main and Cushing Streets would be problematic due to the fact that the intersection doesn't line up correctly as well as the fact that traffic would back up on Main Street which would create additional delays for both Main Street traffic as well as side street traffic. Mr. Cook reiterated that per the 2003-2004 Report, we need to show a safety problem before proceeding with the installation of any traffic control devices.
In terms of a roundabout, Mr. Cook stated that this would slow traffic in all directions with deceleration, acceleration, air quality issues from traffic stopping, braking etc. As for a traffic signal, this would mainly benefit Cushing Street traffic. There is more traffic volume on Main Street which would result in delays and backups for Main Street traffic. Paul Healey asked if a reconfiguration of South Pleasant Street would be possible in order to facilitate a traffic signal. There are existing rights of way would affect abutters and might require land-taking. Mr. Cook observed that any cost estimates shown on the C&C report in all likelihood are low in that projects always end up costing more than estimated. In sum, Mr. Cook concurred that no evidence of need based upon current traffic volume and the number of accidents at the intersection exists to justify the installation of a traffic control signal at this intersection.
Harry Sylvester made a motion that, based on the information provided, no action be taken by the Board of Selectmen for a design change, including the installation of a traffic control signal at the Main Street, Cushing Street and South Pleasant Street intersection. The motion was seconded by Leslie Kehoe. Paul Healey said that a letter will be drafted to the BOS setting forth the basis for the Traffic Committee's position per the town meeting vote of 2010.
In substance, it will set forth that a traffic signal, based on the statistics relative to volume, the accident rate and accident statistics there coupled with the projected costs make a traffic light something the Committee is not willing to recommend for what appears to be essentially an issue of convenience. John Haley agreed that the issue is one of convenience for Cushing Street traffic and Harry Sylvester stated that people do have other options available to them.
Ted Alexiades, the interim Town Administrator was in attendance at the meeting at the request of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Alexiades requested that a detailed report from the Traffic Committee be submitted to the Board of Selectmen which would include all traffic data, accident information as well as the information gathered by Coler & Colantonio. Paul Healey stated that we will work on composing the letter/report and will have a Draft ready to be presented to the Committee at the next meeting which is scheduled for 12/22/10. Harry Sylvester made a motion for the above, John Haley seconded with all in favor with the exception of Harold Goldstein.
A motion was made by John Haley to adjourn which was seconded by Leslie Kehoe.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jan Jacobson
Administrative Assistant
Hingham Police Department