ROAD SAFETY AUDIT. Auburn Street at Southbridge Street (Route 12) Town of Auburn. March Prepared For: Massachusetts Department of Transportation

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1 ROAD SAFETY AUDIT Auburn Street at Southbridge Street (Route 12) Town of Auburn March 2017 Prepared For: Massachusetts Department of Transportation Prepared By: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc Union Station Suite Washington Square Worcester, MA 01604

2 Prepared by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Table of Contents Background... 1 RSA Process... 1 Project Location and Description... 3 Relevant RSA Data... 5 Audit Observations and Potential Safety Enhancements... 8 Summary of Road Safety Audit List of Appendices Appendix A: RSA Meeting Agenda Appendix B: RSA Audit Team Contact List Appendix C: Detailed Crash Data Appendix D: Additional Information Appendix E: Road Safety Audit References List of Figures Figure 1. Locus Map... 4 List of Tables Table 1 - Participating Audit Team Members... 2 Table 2 - Traffic Volume Summary... 5 Table 3 Intersection Crash Rates... 6 Table 4 Intersection Crash Summary: January 2013 December Table 5: Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown Table 6: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary Table 6: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary (cont.) Page i

3 Background Defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as a formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team, a road safety audit (RSA) investigates safety issues and identifies potential safety improvements. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), requires an RSA for HSIP-eligible locations in order to receive safety-related funding. The outcome of an RSA can be evaluated and included as part of any future or current design process. Any short-term, low-cost potential improvements should be considered by the responsible agency for implementation prior to any significant reconstruction efforts. The intersection of Auburn Street at Southbridge Street (Route 12) has been identified as a high crash location for the years 2012 through 2014, which puts it within the top five percent of locations within the Central Massachusetts region and makes it eligible for HSIP funding. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has requested an RSA be performed at this location prior to the development of the 25% Design Submission. The crash cluster at this location included 26 crashes over the identified three-year period with an Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) score of 46. The Project is currently listed on the 2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO); however, safety improvements that are identified as a result of this RSA may be incorporated into the future design submissions. Both MassDOT and the Town s Department of Public Works could implement short-term, lower cost safety measures prior to any major re-construction efforts that would be included as part of the TIP project. RSA Process An RSA was conducted on Thursday, March 2, 2017 for this location with pre- and post-audit meetings held at the Auburn Fire Department. The specific agenda for the day can be found in Appendix A. In total, twelve (12) team members participated in the road safety audit, and as indicated in Table 1, representatives were present from State, Regional and Local agencies and included a cross-section of engineers, planners, operations, and enforcement expertise. A complete list of contact information for the participants may be found in Appendix B. Prior to the day of the RSA, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) compiled crash data for the intersection using Crash Reports from January 2013 through December 2015 obtained from the Town of Auburn. From this data, a collision diagram was prepared and the crash history was summarized in tabular and chart format. This material was distributed to all RSA invitees. A detailed discussion of crash history along the corridor is provided herein and all backup crash data are included in Appendix C. A pre-audit meeting was held at the Auburn Fire Department, located at 47 Auburn Street, on the morning of the RSA prior to the site walk with all participants to review the materials provided by VHB. Participants were reminded that the RSA was a collaborative effort to ensure a thorough understanding of the intersection deficiencies and safety concerns. As an active discussion, participants provided an initial list of specific issues and concerns. Page 1

4 Armed with this information, the audit team visited the intersection to review safety issues identified in the pre-meeting to identify additional concerns. Following the site walk, participants held a post-meeting to discuss potential short-term and intermediate/long-term countermeasures for each safety concern. It was discussed whether the intermediate/long-term countermeasures could be addressed in the current 25- percent design. Audit Team Member Bill Coyle Table 1 - Participating Audit Team Members Agency/Affiliation Auburn DPW Steve Anderson Jason Miglionico Auburn Fire Department Auburn Police Department Erin Kinahan MassDOT Highway Division, District 3 Alolade Campbell MassDOT Highway Division, District 3 Bonnie Polin Connor Keating Kush Bhagat Dan Daniska Andrew Spiliotis Erin Thompson Greg Russell MassDOT Highway Division Boston Traffic Safety MassDOT Highway Division Boston Traffic Safety MassDOT Highway Division Boston Traffic Safety Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission VHB VHB Page 2

5 Project Location and Description Auburn is a Massachusetts municipality with a population of approximately 16,200 (2010 US Census) located in Worcester County approximately 5 miles south of Worcester. Auburn Street and Southbridge Street (Route 12) both provide vital connections through the community and connecting to other major arterials including Interstate 290 and Route 20. Southbridge Street, which is under MassDOT s jurisdiction, is primarily a commercial corridor with numerous large shopping plazas along its length. Auburn Street varies from residential uses west of the I-290 interchange to small-scale local commercial and retail uses near the intersection. The Auburn Mall is located at the easterly end of the project limits at the intersection of Auburn Street with Brotherton Way. Auburn High School is located in the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Auburn Street and Southbridge Street, with access available via each roadway. Both Southbridge Street and Auburn Street, west of its intersection with Southbridge Street, are classified as Urban Minor Arterials. East of Southbridge Street, Auburn Street changes to an Urban Collector. Southbridge Street is under the jurisdiction of MassDOT, while Auburn Street is Town-owned and maintained. The intersection is maintained by MassDOT. The posted speed limit on Southbridge Street is 35 mph within the audit area, while the posted speed limit on Auburn Street is 30 mph. Page 3

6 \\vhb\proj\worcester\ \gis\project\street_reconstruction.mxd PERRY STREET AUBURN STREET 290 WALSH AVENUE!( ") Study Intersection Emergency Signal «12 BURNAP STREET SOUTHBRIDGE COURT RSA Location VINE STREET Auburn High School!( SWANSON ROAD HOWESTREET SOUTHBRIDGE STREET PAULA ") Auburn Fire Department BROTHERTON WAY!( Project Area HARRISONAVENUE PAKACHOAG STREET 290 KELLOGG STREET «12 N « Feet 90 Auburn Mall CENTRAL STREET 90 MILLBURYSTREET Figure 1 Auburn Street Reconstruction Auburn, Massachusetts

7 The roadway cross section of Auburn Street generally consists of one lane in each direction. At the intersection, the eastbound Auburn Street approach consists of a designated left-turn lane and shared thru/right-turn lane, while the westbound approach consists of a shared left-turn/thru lane and a shared thru/right-turn lane. Southbridge Street consists of two lanes in each direction south of the intersection before widening out to accommodate a northbound left-turn lane and channelized right-turn lane, along with two thru lanes. The southbound approach consists of a designated left-turn lane, a thru lane and a shared thru/right-turn lane. Shoulder widths vary from 2- to 4-feet on each approach. There are sidewalks and crosswalks on all approaches to the intersection; however, no connection is provided to the sidewalk on the southeast corner beyond the traffic island. The current traffic signal is actuated with exclusive pedestrian phasing. This traffic signal is not coordinated with any other intersections. All approaches to the intersection except the westbound Auburn Street approach operate with protected-permissive left-turn phasing; the westbound approach operates as permissive-only. All approaches have a minimum of two signal heads mounted overhead on mast arms, with a supplemental post-mounted head provided for the eastbound Auburn Street approach. All vehicular traffic signal heads have 12 indications and are equipped with LED modules. Signal heads with flashing yellow arrows were installed in the summer of 2016, which is not reflected in the crash data presented as part of this audit. Wheelchair ramps are provided on all corners of the intersection; however, the crossings are not ADA-compliant as none of the ramps have detectable warning panels and the pedestrian signals do not have accessible pedestrian signals (APS). This location is equipped with emergency vehicle pre-emption capabilities. Relevant RSA Data Traffic Volumes Traffic volume data was collected in 2016 and is detailed in Table 2. Auburn Street carries approximately 10,300 vehicles per day, however the peak hour volumes are lower than would be typically expected for a road of this type, suggesting that volumes are relatively consistent throughout the day. Location Auburn Street, east of Southbridge Street Table 2 - Traffic Volume Summary Average Weekday Daily Traffic Volume 1 10,300 Peak Hour Peak Hour Traffic Volume 2 K-Factor 3 Directional Distribution AM % 55% Eastbound PM % 51% Eastbound 1 Average Weekday Daily Traffic (AWDT) volume in vehicles per day (vpd). 2 Peak hour traffic volumes in vehicles per hour (vph). 3 K-Factor is the percent of daily traffic occurring during the peak hour: expressed as a percentage. Traffic Patterns This intersection serves as a critical intersection node in the Town s roadway network, with Auburn Street providing a connection to Interstate 290 and the primary retail area of the Town. Southbridge Street Page 5

8 provides a connection to Route 20, which provides access throughout the Town. Appendix D illustrates the 2016 Turning Movement Count (TMC) data for the weekday morning and evening peak hours. Crash History Crash data was obtained from the Auburn Police Department from January 2013 through December 2015 and are provided in Appendix C. As mentioned previously, this intersection is listed as a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) vehicle crash cluster based on MassDOT s 2012, 2013, and 2014 data the most recent MassDOT data available. A tool to measure the relative safety of an intersection is the comparison of a calculated crash rate with the State and District average. Using standard MassDOT formulas, Table 3 summarizes the crash rates, in the unit of crashes per million entering vehicles, calculated for the audit area intersections. The current official statewide crash rate is 0.77 for signalized intersections. The District 3 average (The MassDOT District designation for Auburn) crash rate for signalized intersections is As is shown in Table 3 below, the crash rate for audit intersection is above both the State and District averages. Intersection Table 3 Intersection Crash Rates Crash Rate Intersection Control Compared to State Rate Compared to District Rate Southbridge Street at Auburn Street 1.41 Traffic Signal Above Above Another means of analyzing the existing crash data is to develop a prediction of the number of crashes expected to occur at the intersection based on a Safety Performance Function (SPF). MassDOT has developed a model that predicts an average crash frequency (crashes/year) that would be expected to occur at an intersection. Based on this model, it would be expected that the intersection of Auburn Street and Southbridge Street would average 3.6 crashes per year (1.2 Fatal/Injury and 2.4 Property Damage Only). Currently, the intersection averages approximately three times what the model predicts (13 crashes/year with 3.3 Fatal/Injury crashes/year). Crash trends and contributing factors to the collisions can be identified through the analysis of the Crash Reports. The Collision Diagram VHB prepared prior to the RSA, and provided in Appendix C, was used to perform an in-depth analysis of the reported crashes. Table 4 summarizes the crashes by type, severity, time-of-day, pavement conditions and lighting conditions. Following the table is a breakdown of the crashes for trends and possible contributing factors. Page 6

9 Table 4 Intersection Crash Summary: January 2013 December 2015 Auburn Street at Southbridge Street Year Total 39 Collision Type Angle 21 Rear-end 12 Sideswipe, same direction 5 Single vehicle crash 1 Non-Motorist (Bike, Pedestrian) 0 Crash Severity Non-fatal injury 10 Property damage only (none injured) 29 Time of Day Weekday, 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM 3 Weekday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 6 Weekday, other time 24 Weekend, other time 6 Pavement Conditions Dry 33 Wet 5 Snow 1 Lighting Conditions Daylight 25 Dusk 1 Dark Lighted Roadway 13 From January 2013 to December 2015, there were thirty-nine (39) reported crashes at the signalized intersection of Auburn Street at Southbridge Street. The majority of crashes were angle collisions (21), followed by rear-end crashes (12), and sideswipes (5). There were no crashes within the audit area that involved bicyclists or pedestrians. Other notable summaries include: Page 7

10 Approximately 36% of crashes (14 out of 39) occurred at night or at dusk/dawn. Approximately 33% of crashes (13 out of 39) occurred between the hours of 2PM and 4PM. Audit Observations and Potential Safety Enhancements At the pre-audit meeting held prior to the site walk, materials provided by MassDOT were reviewed and participants provided an initial list of specific issues and concerns. Armed with issues, concerns and the Safety Review Prompt List, the audit team walked the area surrounding the intersection to point out the safety issues identified in the pre-meeting and expanded the list to include additional items. Safety Issue #1: Traffic Signal & Operations This traffic signal was initially installed in the late 1970s and was fully reconstructed in 2004; however, the intersection does not meet current MassDOT equipment standards (i.e. mast arms do not meet current standards). Some modifications have been made, including providing flashing-yellow left-turn arrows (2016) on all but the westbound Auburn Street approach. It was noted during the field walk that the eastbound signal indications were visible from the southbound approach, which may be contributing to the four (4) crashes between southbound and eastbound thru traffic, which appear to be due to vehicles running the southbound red-light. It was also suggested that these crashes may be a result of short clearance intervals. During the pre-walk meeting, it was noted by Town officials that the three (3) crashes between northbound left-turning vehicles and southbound thru vehicles likely involved vehicles traveling southbound in the right lane. It is possible that vehicles queued in the middle southbound through lane may be blocking sight lines for northbound motorists attempting to turn left onto Auburn Street westbound. Another possibility is that due to the heavy southbound right-turn movement, northbound leftturning vehicles may not expect thru traffic in the right lane. During the field walk it was also noted that there is an existing southbound right-turn lane on Southbridge Street at Town Fair Tire, just north of the intersection, which may be causing confusion for southbound drivers as they approach the intersection with Auburn Street. It was noted by multiple participants that sight lines for vehicles making a left-turn from Auburn Street westbound are restricted due to the vertical hump in the roadway, as well as the queue of left-turning vehicles in the eastbound direction. One participant mentioned that the westbound approach is the only one at the intersection without a protected left-turn phase, which could account in part for the three (3) crashes observed between eastbound thru vehicles and westbound left-turning vehicles. It was noted that this is a low-volume movement when compared to the left-turns from the other approaches, with approximately 20 left-turning vehicles in the westbound direction during the morning peak hour and 56 left-turning vehicles during the evening peak hour. VHB had previously inspected the traffic signal, and while the signal actuation appeared to be functioning properly, it was noted by Town personnel that the inductive loop detectors on Auburn Street westbound do not detect vehicles during snow events. It was noted that this may be due to poor detector placement resulting in the detector being covered by plowed snow banks and thus preventing vehicles from being Page 8

11 detected. It was also mentioned that if the front detectors were not placed in the standard location or are malfunctioning the signal may be gapping out due to inadequate gap extension times. Both of these issues can lead to driver frustration causing motorists to make unsafe decisions. Shorter gap extension times can also result in rear-end crashes due to vehicles stopping short. The intersection is equipped with emergency pre-emption, as well as a hardwire connection from the Fire Station; however, it was noted by the Fire Department representative that the hardwire connection was not operating properly. A request was also made by the Fire Department to provide a second confirmation beacon that could verify which direction the call had originated from (i.e. police cruiser on Southbridge Street or fire truck on Auburn Street). Without the hardwire connection, the pre-emption cannot be triggered until a fire truck has pulled into traffic and is facing the signal. The Fire Station driveway is regularly blocked by the westbound traffic queues and without the hardwire connection this can lead to difficulty for fire trucks exiting the station. Enhancements Evaluate existing traffic signal timings and make adjustments as necessary. This shall include evaluating the potential of providing an advanced westbound Auburn Street left-turn phase and bringing the vehicular clearance times to current MassDOT standards. This is a short-term improvement. Rotate the existing signal heads for the eastbound Auburn Street approach, to prevent vehicles traveling southbound on Route 12 from seeing the eastbound green indications. This is a short-term improvement. Evaluate all existing detector loops for operations and placement, especially those on the westbound Auburn Street approach. In the short-term consider replacing any loops that are malfunctioning or not in the proper location. If this is not considered feasible consider adjusting the existing gap extension timings to avoid the signal prematurely gapping out. Evaluate and repair the existing emergency pre-emption hard-wire connection system to the Fire Station. This is a short-term improvement. Replace the entire traffic signal system and provide a new system that complies with current City and MassDOT standards. Upgrade the existing emergency pre-emption system to provide a receiver/confirmation beacon on the north side of Auburn Street opposite the Fire Station and abandon the existing hard-wire connection. Evaluate the existing lane use on all approaches. If feasible, consider converting the southbound shared through/right-turn lane into a designated right-turn lane. Safety Issue #2: Access Management Multiple Town representatives mentioned the large pavement width along Auburn Street as a major cause of crashes, particularly as it relates to the existing commercial driveways. The Police Department noted that most of the driveway crashes were due to eastbound and westbound vehicles attempting to bypass the Page 9

12 vehicle queues on Auburn Street generated by the traffic signal, often crossing the double-yellow centerline and striking vehicles exiting driveways in the process. This may have resulted in as many as 12 crashes along Auburn Street. The majority of same direction side swipe crashes have occurred along Auburn Street. The issue of commercial curb cuts and their proximity to the intersection was brought up by multiple participants. Of particular concern were three driveways off Auburn Street just east of the intersection to the Verizon Store and McCrillis & Keep Insurance Company, where at least 6 crashes involved vehicles exiting onto Auburn Street. A similar situation occurs on the west side of the intersection, where 3 crashes involved vehicles exiting the Drury Square Plaza. Enhancements Evaluate the existing traffic operations and lane geometry to determine the feasibility of implementing a road diet along Auburn Street and thus reducing the existing pavement width. Evaluate the feasibility of consolidating existing curb cuts, with the goal of eliminating the closest curb cuts to the intersection. Safety Issue #3: Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Accommodations While no pedestrian or bicycle-related crashes were identified as part of the review, there were still several concerns identified by the Audit Team. There are crosswalks and wheelchair ramps located on all four legs of the intersection; however, during the field walk it was noted that there is no sidewalk/crosswalk connection to the southeast corner of the intersection, with the existing crosswalks terminating in the northbound right-turn channelizing island. To get across the channelized right-turn lane, pedestrians must walk in the street around the island and then cross the channelized right-turn, resulting in additional exposure to conflicts with motor vehicles. In addition to the lack of a crossing of the right-turn lane, it was noted that none of the existing wheelchair ramps have ADA-compliant detectible warning panels. It was also noted during the field walk that the visor on the pedestrian head on the south west corner of the intersection was bent and therefore blocking the signal indication. Overall, the existing pedestrian signal equipment does not meet current MassDOT or ADA standards. Town officials noted that pedestrian activity was concentrated further to the west of the intersection between Auburn High School and McDonalds and that there is minimal pedestrian activity at this intersection. Audit participants also noted during the field walk that pedestrian timings seemed too short for the length of the longest crosswalk, which spans approximately 68 feet. It should also be noted that the crosswalks are transverse-style. There are no bicycle accommodations located along either Auburn Street or Southbridge Street. Shoulders or sharrows are not present, and it appears that bicycles would be using the full lane exposing cyclists to more conflicts with motorists. Town officials noted that there is little to no bicycle activity observed around the intersection. Page 10

13 Enhancements In the short-term, consider re-striping crosswalks, possibly with ladder-style markings to provide improved visibility. In the short-term, replace the damaged pedestrian head on the southwest corner of the intersection. Evaluate and adjust pedestrian timings so that they meet current MUTCD standards. This is a shortterm improvement. Reconstruct all existing wheelchair ramps such that they comply with current ADA/AAB standards, including installation of APS push-buttons and countdown pedestrian signal heads. Provide an ADA-compliant path of travel across the existing channelized right-turn lane to connect the existing sidewalk on the south side of Auburn Street to the remaining pedestrian network. Reconstruct the intersection to provide bicycle accommodating shoulders. Safety Issue #4: Pavement Conditions, Lighting & Maintenance During the field walk it was observed by numerous participants that pavement conditions surrounding the intersection are poor, with significant rutting noted on the southbound Southbridge Street approach, which could be a contributing factor in some of the crashes involving southbound vehicles. Sever rutting as was observed on Southbridge Street can cause difficulty braking in wet weather as well as impeding lane shift. Several participants mentioned that there was poor lane definition surrounding the intersection due to the wide pavement section and pavement markings in poor conditions. It was also noted that there were no advanced lane use signs on any of the approaches. The lack of lane definition can result in confusion for drivers leading to sideswipe crashes, of which there were four (4) in the vicinity of the intersection. During the pre-walk meeting, it was noted that a relatively high number of crashes (14) occurred at night, which suggests the street lighting may not be adequate surrounding the intersection. It was also observed by multiple participants that the channelized northbound right-turn lane had poor sightlines looking to the west. During the field walk it was noted that the landscaping on the channelizing island was obstructing the sightlines to and from the right-turn lane, making it difficult to merge into traffic. It was also noted that there was no yield or stop sign for the channelized right-turn lane, potentially leading drivers to think they have a free movement. Enhancements Conduct a pavement evaluation on Southbridge Street and evaluate recommendations for repairing the existing pavement structure in order to eliminate the existing pavement rutting, and reduce the potential for additional rutting in the future. Refresh existing pavement markings and provide lane use arrows on all approaches to provide better lane definition. Page 11

14 Consider installation of advanced lane use signage on all approaches to provide warning for drivers on the lane usage and potentially reducing the likelihood of sideswipe crashes. Consider application of lane use markings on all southbound Southbridge Street and refresh markings on all westbound Auburn Street lanes. Install a yield sign and yield markings on the northbound channelized right turn lane. Conduct a lighting evaluation and consider installing additional street lights to improve lighting around the intersection. Consider installing back plates with retroreflective borders on all signal heads to improve visibility. Trim existing landscaping on channelizing island to improve sight lines for northbound right-turning vehicles. Summary of Road Safety Audit Recommendations for improving safety at the intersection of Auburn Street and Southbridge Street are summarized in Table 6, and are categorized based on estimated safety payoff, timeframe and cost for implementation. Table 5 summarizes thresholds for timeframe and costs as they relate to the associated improvements. In Table 6, the responsible party for further action has been identified as well. Safety payoff estimates are subjective and based on the relative percent of crashes that may be reduced by the enhancement. For major improvements, crash reduction factors are often available to assess the safety payoff; however, for many minor enhancements a more subjective evaluation is needed. To provide a general assessment of how a recommended enhancement would affect crash occurrences, countermeasures have been assigned a Low, Medium, or High value on a subjective basis using engineering judgment as it relates to potential crash reduction. Countermeasures detailed in Table 6 involve Engineering, Maintenance, Enforcement, Educational and/or Behavioral modifications that start with area-wide considerations and continue with site and locationspecific items for consideration. Selected countermeasures have been identified as potentially short-term or intermediate (typically Town responsibility) and/or long-term, which would be considered as part of larger-scale improvements or a future TIP project. Improvements related to such items as traffic signal timing, striping and signage were often assigned dual designations as they represented something that could be addressed in the near term (as appropriate and as available resources make possible) as well as part of a future TIP project. Table 5: Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown Time Frame Costs Short-Term <1 Year Low <$10,000 Mid-Term 1-3 Years Medium $10,001-$50,000 Long-Term >3 Years High >$50,000 Page 12

15 Table 6: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary Safety Issue Potential Safety Enhancement Safety Payoff Time Frame Cost Responsible Agency Traffic Signals & Operations Traffic Signals & Operations Traffic Signals & Operations Traffic Signals & Operations Traffic Signals & Operations Traffic Signals & Operations Traffic Signals & Operations Access Management Access Management Evaluate traffic signal timing/phasing and vehicular clearance times and adjust as necessary. This shall include the potential of providing an advance westbound Auburn Street left-turn phase and updating vehicular clearance times to meet current standards. Rotate existing eastbound signal heads to shield them from southbound traffic Evaluate all existing detector loops for operations and placement, especially those on the westbound Auburn Street approach and consider replacing any loops that are malfunctioning or not in the proper location. Repair existing emergency preemption hard-wire connection Replace entire signal system to meet current Town and MassDOT standards Upgrade emergency pre-emption to include receiver on north side of Auburn Street across from fire station Evaluate existing traffic operations and lane use. Consider implementation of southbound designated right-turn lane. Evaluate existing traffic operations to determine feasibility of implementing a road diet on Auburn Street. Evaluate feasibility of consolidating existing curb cuts. Low ST Low MassDOT Med ST Low MassDOT Low ST Low MassDOT Low ST Low Town High MT High TIP Project Low MT Med TIP Project High MT Med TIP Project High MT High TIP Project High MT High TIP Project Page 13

16 Table 6: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary (cont.) Safety Issue Potential Safety Enhancement Safety Payoff Time Frame Cost Responsible Agency Ped, Bike and Transit Consider re-striping crosswalks with ladder-style markings to provide Low ST Low MassDOT improved visibility. Ped, Bike and Transit Replace damaged pedestrian head at the southwest corner of the Low ST Low MassDOT intersection Ped, Bike and Transit Evaluate and adjust pedestrian timings/phasing to meet current Low ST Low MassDOT MUTCD standards Ped, Bike and Transit Reconstruct all existing wheelchair ramps to comply with current standards including installation of APS Low MT Med TIP Project push buttons and count-down signal heads. Ped, Bike and Transit Provide ADA-compliant path of travel across existing northbound Med MT Med TIP Project channelized right-turn Ped, Bike and Transit Provide bicycle accommodating shoulders or bike lanes Med LT High TIP Project Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Conduct pavement evaluation on Southbridge Street and evaluate recommendations for repairing the existing pavement structure to eliminate rutting issues Refresh existing pavement markings and add lane use arrows on all approaches to provide better lane definition Install advanced lane use signage on all approaches to provide warning for drivers on the lane usage, and potentially reducing the likelihood of sideswipe crashes. Med LT High MassDOT Med ST Med Town/MassDOT Med ST Low Town/MassDOT Page 14

17 Table 6: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary (cont.) Safety Issue Potential Safety Enhancement Safety Payoff Time Frame Cost Responsible Agency Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Pavement, Lighting & Maintenance Install lane use markings in all lanes on Southbridge Street and Auburn Street Install YIELD sign and yield markings on the northbound channelized rightturn lane Evaluate existing street lighting and consider installing additional street lights to improve lighting around the intersection Install back plates with retroreflective borders on all signal heads Trim landscaping on traffic island to increase sight lines Med ST Med Town/MassDOT Med ST Low MassDOT Med MT High TIP Project Med MT Low TIP Project Low ST Low Town Page 15

18 Appendix A: RSA Meeting Agenda Page A1

19 Agenda Road Safety Audit Auburn Auburn Street & Southbridge Street (Route 12) Meeting Location: Auburn Fire Department 47 Auburn Street, Auburn MA March 2, AM 12:00 PM Type of meeting: Attendees: Please bring: High Crash Location Road Safety Audit Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team Thoughts and Enthusiasm!! 10:00 AM Welcome and Introductions 10:15 AM Review of Site Specific Material Crash & Volume Summaries Existing Geometries and Conditions 10:45 AM Visit the Site Drive to the identified intersection As a group, identify areas for improvement 11:15 AM Post Visit Discussion / Completion of RSA Discuss observations and finalize findings Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations 12:00 PM Adjourn for the Day but the RSA has not ended Instructions for Participants: Before attending the RSA on March 2, 2017, participants are encouraged to drive through the area and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List with a focus on safety. All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participants are encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the synergy that develops and respect for others opinions are key elements to the success of the overall RSA process. After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked to comment and respond to the document materials to assure it is reflective of the RSA completed by the multidisciplinary team. Page A2

20 Appendix B: RSA Audit Team Contact List Page A2

21 Participating Audit Team Members Date: March 2, 2017 Location: Auburn Street at Southbridge Street, Audit Team Members Agency/Affiliation Address Phone Number Bill Coyle Auburn DPW Steve Anderson Auburn Fire Department Jason Miglionico Auburn Police Department Erin Kinahan MassDOT Highway Division, District 3 erin.kinahan@state.ma.us Alolade Campbell MassDOT Highway Division, District 3 alolade.campbell@state.ma.us Bonnie Polin MassDOT Highway Division Boston Traffic Safety bonnie.polin@state.ma.us Connor Keating MassDOT Highway Division Boston Traffic Safety connor.keating@state.ma.us Kush Bhagat MassDOT Highway Division Boston Traffic Safety kush.bhagat@state.ma.us Dan Daniska Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission ddaniska@cmrpc.org Andrew Spiliotis Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission dspilitotis@cmrpc.org Erin Thompson VHB ethompson@vhb.com Greg Russell VHB grussell@vhb.com Page B2

22 Appendix C: Detailed Crash Data Page C1

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24 Auburn Street & Southbridge Street (Route 12) Crash # Date Crash Month Crash Day Time of Day Manner of collision Light Condition Type Weather Condition Type Road Surface Type Driver Contributing Code Ages Type Description D1 D2 D /5/2013 March Tuesday 3:12 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention no injury V3 traveling SB on Southbridge St when it struck V2 that struck V1. V2 and V1 were waiting at a red light 2 6/21/2013 June Friday 3:31 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry No improper driving 42 no injury V1 traveling EB on Auburn St when V2 rear-ended V1. V2 fled scene 3 8/1/2013 August Thursday 8:10 PM Rear-end dark - lighted Cloudy Dry Inattention non-incapacitating injury V2 rear ended V1 that was at a full stop at red traffic light. NB on Southbridge St 4 8/21/2013 August Wednesday sideswipe, same 2:55 PM direction Daylight Clear Dry Visibility obstructed no injury V1 was stopped in traffic. V2 passed in an area not marked for 2 vehicles. 5 11/7/2013 November Thursday 7:02 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings non-incapacitating injury V1 failed to stop at a red light when heading SB on Southbridge St and collided with V2 heading WB on Auburn St 6 12/7/2013 December Saturday 6:20 PM Angle dark - lighted Cloudy Dry Failed to yield right of way non-incapacitating injury V2 traveling NB on Southbridge St attempting to turn left onto Auburn St did not yield to V1 traveling SB on Southbridge St 7 12/21/2013 December Saturday 3:14 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Failure to keep in proper lane no injury V1 attempted to turn left onto Southbridge St out of a McGrillis & Keep Insurance. Vx stopped to let V1 exit when V2 passed Vx. Road not marked for two lanes /15/2014 January Wednesday 5:13 PM Angle Dark - lighted Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way no injury V1 was traveling EB on Auburn through the intersection when V2 traveling WB on Auburn attempted to turn left 9 2/21/2014 February Friday 2:44 PM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet Inattention no injury V1 stopped at red traffic light when V2 rear-ended V1 10 4/3/2014 April Thursday Sideswipe, same 11:36 AM direction Daylight Clear Dry Failure to keep in proper lane no injury lane. V3 was heading SB on Southbridge St when it attempted to pass between V1 and V2. V3 was not in a lane 11 4/15/2014 April Tuesday 3:04 PM Angle Daylight Rain wet Visibility obstructed possible V2 was attempting to turn left onto Auburn St from a driveway. Vx stopped to let V2 exit when V1 attempted to pass Vx. There is only one lane on this section of roadway. 12 4/24/2014 April Thursday 7:04 PM Angle dusk Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way possible V2 was traveling EB on Auburn St through the Southbridge St intersection when V1 attempted to turn left on Southbridge St from Auburn St. 13 6/2/2014 June Monday 6:47 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Unknown incapacitating V2 traveling NB on Southbridge St collided with V1 traveling EB on Auburn St. Both believed they had the green light 14 6/6/2014 June Friday 11:41 AM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention no injury V1 was stopped at a red light heading EB on Auburn St when V2 did not stop for the red light and rearended V1. V2 claims she was day-dreaming 15 6/13/2014 June Friday 4:10 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings no injury V2 failed to remain within marked lanes as V1 turned left onto Auburn St after Vx stopped and yielded his right of way. 16 6/29/2014 June Sunday 3:19 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way no injury V1 was traveling SB on Southbridge St when V2 traveling NB on Southbridge St attempted to turn left onto Auburn St 17 8/28/2014 August Thursday 5:17 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention no injury V1 traveling WB on Auburn St stopped and yielded its right of way so Vx could exit the Verizon store driveway. V2 rear-ended V1 18 8/30/2014 August Saturday 11:29 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention no injury V1 rear-ended V2 because she was reaching down to grab something V1 was traveling WB on Auburn St and attempted to turn left onto Southbridge St when it collided with 19 9/25/2014 September Thursday 4:54 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention no injury V2 traveling EB on Auburn St 20 10/14/2014 October Tuesday 10:15 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted Cloudy Dry Unknown no injury V2 was stopped at a red light traveling EB on Auburn St when V1 rear-ended V /15/2014 November Saturday 6:58 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted Clear Dry Unknown no injury V1 was stopped in traffic on Auburn St when V2 did not slow in time and rear-ended V /29/2014 November Saturday Sideswipe, same 3:47 PM direction Daylight Clear Dry Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings no injury V1 was stopped in traffic on Auburn St when V2 attempted to pass V1 on left to get to the left turn lane ahead. As V2 attempted to pass, V2 struck with V /11/2014 December Thursday 5:12 PM Angle Dark - lighted Snow wet Failure to keep in proper lane no injury V1 was attempting to turn left onto Auburn St from the WITT parking lot. Vx stopped and yielded its right of way when V2 went over double solid yellow lines to pass Vx 24 12/23/2014 December Tuesday 3:43 PM Angle daylight Rain wet Failure to keep in proper lane no injury V1 was attempting to turn left onto Auburn St from Drury Square Plaza parking lot when Vx, stopped due to traffic, waved V1 on. V2 passed stop traffic to get into the left turn lane ahead. V1 sturck V /2/2015 February Monday 10:43 PM Angle Dark - lighted Snow snow Failure to keep in proper lane no injury 26 2/6/2015 February Friday 1:58 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way no injury V1 was turning left onto Auburn St when its plow struck V2 which was stopped at a red light heading WB on Auburn St V1 was traveling EB behind V2 on Auburn St when V3 exited into Auburn St from the dirveway of 59 Auburn St. V1 lost control and struck V2

25 Sideswipe, same 27 2/25/2015 February Wednesday 7:21 AM direction Daylight Cloudy Dry Failure to keep in proper lane no injury 28 3/16/2015 March Monday 2:50 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way no injury 29 4/13/2015 April Monday 8:15 PM Angle Dark - lighted Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way no injury Disregarded traffic signs, signals, 30 5/6/2015 May Wednesday 10:43 PM Angle Dark - lighted Clear Dry road markings no injury 31 5/14/2015 May Thursday 3:18 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings no injury 32 6/30/2015 June Tuesday 7:50 PM Angle Dark - lighted Cloudy Dry Visibility obstructed no injury 33 7/14/2015 July Tuesday 3:27 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Unknown no injury 34 7/17/2015 July Friday 4:19 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry History heart/epilepsy/fainting no injury Disregarded traffic signs, signals, 35 7/17/2015 July Friday 7:27 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry road markings no injury 36 9/10/2015 September Thursday 3:14 PM Rear-end Daylight Rain wet Followed too closely no injury 37 10/19/2015 October Monday 5:33 AM Angle Dark - lighted Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way possible Sideswipe, same Operating vehicle erratic, reckless, 38 11/10/2015 November Tuesday 6:49 PM direction Dark - lighted Clear Dry careless, negligent, or aggressive no injury 39 12/4/2015 December Friday 5:36 AM Single vehicle crash Dark - lighted Clear Dry No improper driving 52 no injury V1 was traveling straight in the single lane portion of Auburn St when V2 attempted to pass V1 and sideswiped it V2 was traveling WB on Auburn St towards Southbridge St when V1 pulled into traffic from the bank's parking lot. V2 hit V1 V1 was traveling NB on Southbridge St and attempted to turn left onto Auburn St. V2 was traveling SB on Southbridge St and struck V1. V1 lost control and struct V3 which was stopped at red light on Auburn St EB V2 was traveling EB on Auburn St and had a green light. V1 was traveling SB on Southbridge St and had a red light. V1 proceeded into the intersection still with a red light and collided with V2 V1 was attempting to turn left from a parking lot onto Auburn St when Vx stopped and yielded its right of way. V2 went around Vx, passing it on the left, crossing the double solid yellow line. V1 struck V2 V2 was traveling WB on Auburn St when V1 pulled out of a driveway. V1 hit V2. Claims view was obstructed by bushes V2 was stopped at a red traffic light traveling WB on Auburn St when V1 failed to slow down in time and rear-ended V2 V2 rear-ended V1 while they were stopped at a red traffic light on Auburn St because the drive of V2 began to have a seizure V2 traveling SB on Southbridge St failed to stop at a red traffic light and struck V1 traveling staright ahead EB on Auburn St V2 was traveling EB on Auburn St when it stopped in traffic. V1 rear-ended V2. V1 claims that V2 stopped abruptly Auburn St, went through a solid red traffic light and struck the right front corner of V2. V2 lost control and hit V3 who was waiting at a red traffic light in the NB lane. attempted to pass V1 on its right causing them to collide. V1 claims she had her turn signal on but V2 states he did not see it and did not know he couldn't pass V1 on the right V1 was traveling NB on Southbridge St and attempted to make a right hand turn onto Auburn St. When the TT unti made the turn it was too tight and he collided with the crosswalk sign damaging it.

26 Auburn Street & Southbridge Street (Route 12) 2013 to 2015 Month # % January 1 3% February 4 10% March 2 5% April 4 10% May 2 5% June 6 15% July 3 8% August 4 10% September 2 5% October 2 5% November 4 10% December 5 13% 39 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 3% 10% 5% 10% Month 15% 8% 5% 10% 5% 5% 10% 13% Day of Week # % Monday 5 13% Tuesday 7 18% Wednesday 4 10% Thursday 9 23% Friday 8 21% Saturday 5 13% Sunday 1 3% 39 30% 20% 10% 0% 13% Day of the Week 23% 18% 21% 10% 13% 3% Time of Day # % 6am- 8am 3 8% 8am- 10am 0 0% 10am- 12pm 3 8% 12pm- 2pm 1 3% 2pm- 4pm 13 33% 4pm- 6pm 6 15% 6pm- 8pm 6 15% 8pm- 10pm 2 5% 10pm -12am 3 8% 12am - 2am 0 0% 2am - 4am 0 0% 4am - 6am 2 5% 39 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 8% 0% 8% Time of Day 33% 15% 15% 5% 8% 3% 0% 0% 5% Manner of Collision # % Single 1 3% Rear-End 12 31% Angled 21 54% Sideswipe SD 5 13% Sideswipe OD 0 0% Head on 0 0% Unknown 0 0% 39 Light Condition # % Daylight 25 64% Dusk 1 3% Dark - lighted 13 33% Dark 0 0% 39 60% 40% 20% 0% 100% 0% 3% 31% Manner of Collision 54% 13% 0% 0% 0% Single Rear-End Angled Sideswipe Sideswipe Head on Unknown SD OD 64% Light Condition 3% 33% 0% Daylight Dusk Dark - lighted Dark Weather Condition # % Clear 23 59% Cloudy 10 26% Rain 4 10% Snow 2 5% Unknown 0 0% % 0% Weather 59% 26% 10% 5% 0% Clear Cloudy Rain Snow Unknown Road Surface # % Dry 33 85% Wet 5 13% Snow 1 3% Ice 0 0% Unkown 0 0% % 0% Road Surface 85% 13% 3% 0% 0% Dry Wet Snow Ice Unkown Ages of Drivers Involved # % % % % % % % % % >85 0 0% Unknown 0 0% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 13% Ages of Drivers Involved 28% 16% 15% 13% 8% 5% 3% 0% 0%

27 Appendix D: Additional Information o Safety Review Prompt List o Traffic Volumes Page D1

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29 Safety Review Prompt List The Safety Review Prompt List provides basic safety-related questions to use when evaluating a given roadway location. The prompt list should be considered when evaluating a roadway to design improvements or conduct a Road Safety Audit. The primary purpose of the prompt list is to identify potential road safety hazards. The list is meant to be general and should be used to prompt an evaluator as to specific matters identified in the field that may have an adverse effect on road safety. The Safety Review Prompt List is not a check of compliance with design standards. This Prompt List represents the minimum that should be considered when exploring safety opportunities and is not intended to address all aspects of safety. A summary of the responses should be prepared to highlight potential safety improvement opportunities. Speed Are posted speed limits consistent with speed regulations; are they adequate? Are design features consistent with the posted speed (passing opportunities, sight distance, warning signs for horizontal and vertical curves, clearance intervals, sign placement, etc.) Are adequate controls in place for driver compliance with speed limits? Multi-modal Have accommodations been provided for safe movement of pedestrians, bicycles, emergency vehicles, public transportation, and commercial vehicles? What design features could be improved, added, or removed to enhance the safe mobility of the various modes? Pavement Markings Are there highly visible and retro reflective edge lines, center lines, and other pavement markings? Do the pavement markings provide sufficient guidance to the road users? Can the placement of the pavement markings be modified to improve guidance to road users?

30 Signs Are all signs retro reflective and visible for all roadway conditions, including placed free from obstructions? Are signs located to maximize perception and reaction while minimizing intrusion in clear zones? Does the signage provide adequate guidance to road users for given road conditions? Are pavement markings and signs consistent in effectively guiding road users? Intersection Control Do all signs (stop signs, lane assignments, street names, etc.) provide visible, clear, non-conflicting messages? Is there clear, non-conflicting visibility of traffic control (signal heads, signs, and markings) from all approach lanes? Has the potential of misrepresentation of intersection control been considered (at closely spaced intersections or through control that is against expectation)? For signalized intersections, have the implications on safety been considered for the signal phasing? Is there a safe means by which all modes can travel through the intersection? Lighting Is lighting (from headlights and/or streetlights) adequate for specific roadway conditions and/or use? If glare exists from sunlight or opposing headlights, are there countermeasures that can be implemented to minimize potentially detrimental effects? Obstructions Are there obstructions to sight lines or roadway guidance (signs, markings, etc.) that can be removed, relocated, or minimized as part of this project? If obstructions or fixed objects exist but cannot be moved, can they be shielded (with guardrails, etc.) or delineated (with reflectors) to improve road user safety? If so, what can be done? Pavement Could the condition of the pavement impact mobility and safety (potholes, edge drop-offs, skid resistance, etc)?