Agenda Text
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Traffic and Parking Director submitting responses to various Board Orders submitted 11/25/14.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
Agenda Item 198098
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a NOT A THRU WAY sign at the entrance of Cobble Hill Apartments on Washington Street.
A No Outlet sign will be installed at this location.
Agenda Item 198108
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a mid-block crosswalk with lights/signs at the North Street Veterans Playground, either at Hamilton Road or directly in front of the playground entrance.
Traffic and Parking has conducted a site review of North Street relative to the installation of a new crosswalk across North Street at the North Street Veterans Playground or at Hamilton Road.
When Traffic and Parking surveys a location for a new crosswalk several conditions are reviewed. These conditions include adequate sight distance and stopping sight distance for a crosswalk in both directions approaching a crosswalk. A need for a crosswalk at a particular location i.e. sufficient number of pedestrians crossing the street at a location, location of nearby crosswalks and the presence of American With Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps.
The reviewed location appeared to meet the criteria for sight distance and stopping sight distance for a crosswalk.
Traffic and Parking's recommendation is to not install mid-block crosswalks outside of Central Business Districts (CBD's). North Street at the Veterans Playground or at Hamilton Street would be considered a mid block location. Studies have shown that when crosswalks are installed in mid block locations pedestrian accidents increase. This phenomenon is caused by motorists not having proper perception reaction time to stop for a pedestrian at a location where generally a crosswalk is not expected.
In addition there must be a need for a crosswalk. Pedestrian crossings in an area must be apparent. Transportation Industry/Traffic Engineering Standards require either 20 pedestrian per hour or 60 pedestrians per four hour period for a new crosswalk. This figure must be documented by a valid survey.
Furthermore, a new crosswalk is mandated to comply with the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). These standards mandate ADA ramps (in compliance with the latest ADA ramp specifications) at each end of the crosswalk. There are no ADA ramps for a crosswalk across North Street at either location.
Based on all of the above Traffic and Parking does not support a new crosswalk at this location.
Agenda Item 198155
That the Director of Traffic and Parking implement a pedestrian safety plan for Webster Avenue at the Cambridge border, to support the residents on Webster Avenue and Norfolk Street.
Traffic and Parking will review the Webster Avenue area in the vicinity of the Cambridge border and propose pedestrian improvements where possible.
Please contact me with any questions.
Suzanne Rinfret
Director Traffic and Parking