ROAD SAFETY AUDIT Rute 28 (Main Street) at Nrth Street Twn f Stneham August 29, 2013 Prepared Fr: MassDOT Highway Divisin Prepared By: BETA Grup, Inc.
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Table f Cntents Prject Data... 1 Backgrund... 2 Prject Descriptin... 2 Audit Observatins... 6 Ptential Safety Enhancements... 11 Summary f Rad Safety Audit... 15 List f Appendices Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. RSA Meeting Agenda RSA Audit Team Cntact List Detailed Crash Data List f Figures Figure 1. Lcatin Map... 3 List f Tables Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members... 1 Table 2. Estimated Time Frame and Csts Breakdwn... 11 Table 3. Ptential Safety Enhancement Summary... 16
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Prject Data A Rad Safety Audit fr the intersectin f Rute 28 (Main Street) and Nrth Street was held n August 5, 2013 at the Stneham Plice Department in Stneham, MA. As indicated in Table 1, the audit team cnsisted f representatives frm State, Reginal and Lcal agencies and included a crss-sectin f engineering, planning and emergency respnse expertise. Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members Audit Team Member Lisa Schletzbaum Crey O Cnnr Sean Sullivan Carley Pryzstac Mark Abbtt Sara Timner Amy Lynch Cnstance Raphael Jseph Rlli Richard McCarthy James McIntyre Rbert Grver David Ragucci Greg Lucas Justin Curewitz Agency/Affiliatin MassDOT Highway Divisin Safety Sectin MassDOT Highway Divisin Safety Sectin MassDOT Highway Divisin (Intern) MassDOT Highway Divisin (Intern) Bstn Regin MPO MassDOT Highway Divisin District 4 Traffic MassDOT Highway Divisin District 4 Prjects MassDOT Highway Divisin District 4 Planning Stneham Fire Chief Stneham Plice Stneham Plice Chief Stneham DPW Directr Stneham Twn Administratr BETA Grup, Inc. BETA Grup, Inc. Page 1
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Backgrund The Federal Highway Administratin defines a Rad Safety Audit (RSA) as the frmal safety examinatin f an existing r future rad r intersectin by an independent, multidisciplinary team. The purpse f an RSA is t identify ptential safety issues and pssible pprtunities fr safety imprvements cnsidering all radway users. A Rad Safety Audit was scheduled fr the intersectin f Rute 28 (Main Street) and Nrth Street because it is identified as a high crash lcatin within the Metrplitan Area Planning Cuncil (MAPC) regin. The RSA is intended t identify ptential shrt and lng term safety imprvements that can be made at the intersectins, which can then be implemented thrugh general maintenance fr shrt term lw cst imprvements r incrprated int a recnstructin prject fr lng term imprvements. Prject Descriptin Rute 28 (Main Street) is a nrthsuth crridr functinally classified as an Urban Principal Arterial and is State-wned in the vicinity f Nrth Street. Rute 28 is an imprtant reginal radway, running essentially parallel t I-93 and cnnecting t I-93 t the suth and I-95/Rute 128 t the nrth. Main Street prvides access frm the highways t Stneham and t surrunding cmmunities, and serves as an alternate rute t the highways during times f heavy cngestin. The intersectin f Rute 28 and Nrth Street, shwn in Figure 1, is a 4-way signalized intersectin apprximately ¼ mile suth f the Rute 28 interchange at I-95/Rute 128. The Rute 28 (Main Street) at Nrth Street (lking nrth) Reading/Stneham twn line is lcated between I-95/Rute 128 interchange and the study intersectin. Nrth Street is Twn-wned and is functinally classified as an Urban Cllectr west f Rute 28 and as an Urban Principal Arterial east f Rute 28. Nrth Street intersects Rute 28 at a skewed angle, which impacts peratin and driver behavir at the intersectin. Rute 28 (Main Street) prvides tw thrugh lanes in each directin and is median-divided alng its length in the vicinity f Nrth Street, frm nrth f I-95/Rute 128 t suth f the Redstne Shpping Center. Rute 28 prvides an exclusive left turn lane suthbund at Nrth Street, and the traffic signal prvides prtected phasing via a lead phase fr the suthbund apprach. N left turn lane is prvided nrthbund, and nrthbund left turns perate under permissive/prtected phasing with a prtected lag phase when vehicles are present. A scred cncrete island extends beynd the center median fr bth the nrthbund and suthbund appraches, likely intended t prvide further channelizatin fr left turning Page 2
READIN G WAKE F IELD 128 RT / 5 I-9 WAKEFIE LD STONEH AM GEO RGE ST R E ET RE ET ST NO RT H ROUTE 28 (MAIN STREET) NORTH ST RE ET 8 E 2 T) UT EE RO STR IN ( MA G READIN AM STONEH LEGEND STUDY INTERSECTION TOWN LINE Rad Safety Audit Rute 28 (Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Figure 1 Lcatin Map
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. vehicles, but lcal fficials nted that aggressive drivers and larger vehicles make a sharp turn acrss the scred cncrete area. Nrth Street generally prvides a single lane f travel in each directin. A triangular island is prvided n the suthwest crner t channelize right turns frm Nrth Street eastbund t Rute 28 suth. The channelized right turn lane is nt cntrlled by the signal, and n signs are prvided t establish stp r yield cntrl. A painted stp line is prvided, and a crsswalk is prvided frm the channelized island t the sidewalk n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. Nrth Street westbund is designed as a single lane, but is wide enugh at its apprach t Rute 28 that rightturning vehicles use the wide lane t bypass vehicles waiting t g left r straight at the intersectin. Nrth Street west f Rute 28 prvides access t residential streets and neighbrhds that are brdered by I-93 t the west and I-95/Rute 128 t the nrth. Nrth Street east f Rute 28 prvides a cntinuus alignment with Prspect Street and cnnects t the twn f Wakefield. It was nted that vehicles turning right frm Nrth Street t Rute 28 suth are knwn t bypass the signalized intersectin via Gerge Street. Cntinuus sidewalks are prvided alng bth sides f Rute 28 and alng the suth side f Nrth Street within the intersectin vicinity. Crsswalks are prvided acrss bth Nrth Street legs and acrss the suth leg f Rute 28, althugh n pushbuttns r pedestrian signals are prvided acrss the east Nrth Street leg r frm the triangular channelizing island t the sidewalk n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. An exclusive pedestrian phase is activated by pushbuttns lcated adjacent t the crsswalks acrss the west and suth legs; pushbuttns are lder and d nt meet current accessibility requirements, and pedestrian signals d nt have cuntdwn displays as required by current MassDOT and Manual n Unifrm Traffic Cntrl Devices (MUTCD) requirements. Land use in the area is a mix f cmmercial and residential. Multi-stry apartment buildings are lcated alng the west side f Rute 28 nrth f Nrth Street, and alng the east side f Rute 28 suth f Nrth Street. A small strip mall is lcated n the suthwest crner f the intersectin husing a chclatier and a cnvenience stre. An abandned gas statin is lcated n the nrtheast crner f the intersectin; a lcal resident mentined t audit participants that the site is planned fr redevelpment. A 99 Restaurant is nrth f the abandned gas statin n the east side f Rute 28, and single and multi-family hmes are lcated alng Nrth Street and Gerge Street west f Rute 28. Crash data prvided by the Stneham Plice Department and summarized by MassDOT shw 32 plice dcumented crashes ccurred fr the three year perid frm 2010 thrugh 2012. A crash data summary and a cllisin diagram are included in the Appendix. Crashes were evenly split between angle and rearend crashes, with 16 f each type ccurring during the study perid. Twelve f the 16 rear-end crashes ccurred n Rute 28 nrthbund. Several f these crashes were attributed t hydrplaning r issues related t wet radway cnditins, while thers were attributed t driver inattentin. Crashes n this apprach may be the result f differing levels f driver aggressin related t entering the intersectin during the yellw clearance phase. Driver frustratin and aggressin may play a factr in all crash types at this intersectin, due t its prximity t a highway interchange and its rle as a cmmuter rute. Three rear-end crashes ccurred n the suthbund apprach, and may be related t vehicle speeds due t the dwnhill grade f this apprach and higher vehicle speeds departing I-95/Rute 128. One rear-end crash ccurred in the middle f the intersectin, where a thrugh vehicle which is assumed t have the right-fway stpped fr traffic in the intersectin. Page 4
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Angle crashes ccurred in all directins and n all appraches. Three angle crashes ccurred between a suthbund thrugh vehicle and a westbund vehicle, and may indicate clearance vilatins r inadequacy f existing clearance intervals, r may be related t cnfusin created by the intersectin gemetry. Tw crashes between eastbund thrugh vehicles and a suthbund vehicle were attributed t signals being bstructed by snw. A bicycle crash ccurred where a suthbund cyclist disregarded the traffic signal and was struck by a vehicle departing Nrth Street wh had the right-f-way. Tw crashes invlved vehicles exiting nt Nrth Street frm the small strip mall at 41 Main Street. One crash invlved a vehicle turning left int the steep driveway at 65 Nrth Street, which is identified as a blind driveway by a small sign facing westbund traffic. Page 5
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Audit Observatins Fllwing a brief intrductin t the RSA prcess and a summary f existing gemetry and crash infrmatin, the audit participants were asked t discuss issues that affect safety at the intersectin f Rute 28 (Main Street) and Nrth Street. Audit participants then cnducted a site visit as a grup, at which time they ffered bservatins n safety issues and cncerns. A summary f thse majr safety cnsideratins is as fllws: Intersectin Layut Nrth Street intersects Rute 28 at a skewed angle, and the skewed alignment and size f the intersectin impact peratins and driver behavir at the intersectin. The width f the intersectin and skewed alignment create cnfusin fr Nrth Street vehicles. Bth Nrth Street appraches receive a green indicatin at the same time, and audit participants familiar with the intersectin nted that driver hesitatin is cmmn due t cnfusin ver wh has the right-f-way. Turning vehicles may enter their turn befre realizing that they have a ptential cnflict with a thrugh vehicle traveling in the ppsite directin, due t the width f the intersectin and the distance they must travel befre encuntering the cnflicting vehicle. Cnfusin ver right f way may cause vehicles t take lnger t clear the intersectin, and as a result exit the intersectin during the red indicatin, which may be a factr in right angle crashes. Additinally, the gemetry may create cnfusin fr drivers turning left frm Nrth Street ver whether they shuld pass in frnt f r behind a left turning vehicle frm the ppsite Nrth Street apprach. The skewed alignment als creates a lnger intersectin fr thrugh traffic n Rute 28, which may cntribute t clearance time vilatins, which may be a factr in bth rearend and angle crashes. Rear-end crashes can ccur between drivers f different levels f aggressin, where a trailing driver plans t enter the intersectin during the yellw but the leading driver stps. Traffic cngestin and driver frustratin typically lead t increases in driver aggressin. The scred cncrete area extending beynd the raised center median n bth the nrth and suth Rute 28 legs was likely intended t prvide additinal channelizatin, but instead prmtes variance in turning paths fr left-turning vehicles and U-turns. Sme drivers cntinue past the scred cncrete area befre beginning their turn, while thers turn acrss the scred cncrete. It was nted that the scred area can prvide refuge fr a nrthbund left-turning vehicle waiting during the permissive phase, but that a vehicle waiting here wuld nt be detected by the lp detectrs lcated in the turn lane. The lack f a nrthbund left turn lane was identified as a safety cncern. Althugh vehicles can mve int the scred cncrete area, waiting vehicles typically either partially r fully blck the thrugh travel lane. This can cntribute t rear-end crashes either because f an inattentive driver wh des nt see the stpped vehicle, r frm a driver in the left lane quickly mving t the right lane t bypass a waiting vehicle, which creates Page 6
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. ptential fr a rear-end crash in the right lane. This was specifically nted as the cause f ne crash n this apprach, and may be a factr in the histry f rear-end crashes. Vehicles waiting in the suthbund left turn lane can blck visibility f ther suthbund thrugh traffic fr nrthbund vehicles waiting t make a permissive left turn. This is a likely factr in ne crash invlving a nrthbund u-turning vehicle. Traffic Signals A number f issues related t the existing traffic signal equipment and peratin were identified. The previusly discussed cnflicts between ppsing vehicles n the Nrth Street appraches generally exist because f the existing gemetry, but culd be imprved upn r eliminated thrugh cnsideratin f a prtected lead phase r split phasing fr the Nrth Street appraches. The lack f a lead phase r split phasing was identified as a safety cncern. Yellw and all-red clearance times may be inadequate at the intersectin. This culd be a factr in nrthbund rear-end crashes due t varying levels f driver aggressin n the apprach, and culd als be a factr in angle crashes where vehicles are still in the intersectin during the red indicatin cntrlling their entry apprach. The lack f emergency pre-emptin equipment n the Nrth Street appraches was identified as a safety issue. Preemptin equipment is prvided fr the Rute 28 appraches, and its peratin was verified n the day f the audit. The eastbund signal has a yellw indicatin that is burnt ut. Signals at the intersectin are free-swinging n a span wire assembly, which are mre susceptible t misalignment due t wind. A signal head facing suthbund traffic is slightly twisted, reducing its effectiveness. N backplates are prvided fr verhead signals. Backplates help signal visibility by prviding negative cntrast f the signal indicatin against a lighter backgrund. Shulders The lack f shulders was nted as a safety cncern. The current radway cnfiguratin des nt allw vehicles t pull ver t make way fr fire and ther emergency apparatus. This als affects pprtunities fr speed and red light enfrcement because plice have n rm t safely pull vehicles ver. Pedestrian Accmmdatin A number f issues related t pedestrian accmmdatins were discussed. A crsswalk is prvided acrss the east leg f Nrth Street, but n pedestrian signals r pushbuttns are prvided. Pedestrians crssing this apprach must d s cncurrently with Page 7
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. nrthbund traffic, which can create cnflicts between pedestrians and bth nrthbund right-turning vehicles and suthbund left-turning vehicles. The crsswalk between the channelizing island and the suthwest crner f the intersectin is als unprtected. Pedestrians have been bserved crssing at unprtected lcatins suth f the intersectin. It was nted that a crsswalk is prvided at the signalized entrance t the Redstne Shpping Center suth f the study intersectin, but that pedestrians riginating in the residential cmplexes n the east side f Rute 28 are unlikely t walk all the way dwn t the signalized lcatin if their destinatin is at the nrth end f the shpping center. An audit member nted that residents f the cmplex park at the shpping center and walk acrss Rute 28. N cuntdwn pedestrian signals are prvided at the intersectin, and pushbuttns d nt meet current standards fr accessibility. N detectable warning panels are prvided fr the pedestrian passageways prvided in the island n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. All ther ramps prvide detectable warning panels and appear t be recently recnstructed. A hydrant and pedestrian signal pst are lcated in the middle f the sidewalk n the nrthwest crner f the intersectin, blcking the pedestrian path. Lack f detectable warning panels Pavement Cnditin Ten crashes ccurred under wet, snwy r icy rad cnditins, and hydrplaning r vehicle sliding was nted as a factr in several f these crashes. It was nted that Rute 28 was recently resurfaced, which helps address these crashes because newer pavement will have increased pavement frictin. It was als nted that the resurfacing eliminated rutting that had develped at the stp lines n the Rute 28 appraches. Bicycle Accmmdatin The lack f shulders alng Rute 28 r Nrth Street illustrates a lack f accmmdatin fr bicyclists. It shuld als be nted that n bicycle detectin is prvided with the existing signal. Speed It was nted that speeding is a cncern during ff-peak perids, and that vehicles traveling suth can pick up speed due t the suthbund dwnhill grade. It was nted that enfrcement is difficult fr nrthbund vehicles due t the prximity f the twn line, and due t the previusly nted lack f shulders. Lane Delineatin The lack f lane delineatin thrugh the intersectin was identified as a safety cncern. Page 8
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Traffic Cngestin/Cut-Thrugh Traffic The intersectin s prximity t bth I-93 and I-95/Rute 128 makes it bth a heavily traveled crridr fr interstate access but als a likely cut-thrugh path when delays exist n the interstates. Drivers heading suth n Rute 28 frm Nrth Street are knwn t use Gerge Street t avid the signal at Nrth Street. Cngestin can lead t driver frustratin, which can lead t varying degrees f driver aggressin which influences previusly discussed safety cncerns. Pavement Markings N ONLY markings are prvided in cnjunctin with the left arrws in the Rute 28 suthbund left turn lane. Signage Several issues related t signage were discussed r bserved at the audit. The stub f a sign pst was bserved n the western edge f the small island n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. It is assumed that this was an bject marker sign, which shuld be replaced. The lack f an bject marker may increase the likelihd that a vehicle will strike the island, especially at night r during wintry cnditins when the island is cvered with snw. N ONLY markings N traffic cntrl signage is prvided fr the Sign pst stub channelized right turn frm Nrth Street eastbund t Rute 28 suthbund. The presence f a painted stp bar suggests that this is a stp cnditin. A Keep Right sign is prvided n the nse f the island n the suth leg f the intersectin, but n sign is prvided n the nse f the island n the nrth leg. N Left Turn Yield n Green Ball sign is prvided fr the permissive/prtected phasing fr nrthbund left turns. Other signs at the intersectin are faded, including a N Parking sign n the eastbund Nrth Street departure, and a speed limit sign and Rute 28 sign n the suthbund apprach t the intersectin. There is an lder Signal Ahead sign n the westbund Nrth Street apprach which is lder, nt retrreflective, and partially bscured by graffiti. N advance warning signs are prvided n the ther three appraches. Page 9
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Radway Grade Rute 28 has steep crss-slpes, which create a crest curve cnditin fr vehicles crssing frm the Nrth Street appraches. This presents additinal challenges t crssing vehicles and can exacerbate ther cncerns related t cnflicts between side street vehicles. Overgrwth Brush vergrwing the edge f the radway n the nrth side f Nrth Street west f the intersectin blcks visibility f the driveway at #65 Nrth Street. It is unknwn if this was a factr in the crash that ccurred at this lcatin. Glf Curse Audit participants nted that the Bear Hill Glf Club n Prspect Street east f the intersectin has a hle that tees ff n ne side f the rad, with a fairway n the ppsite side f the rad. This may create cnfusin fr drivers and pedestrians passing by. Distracted Driving Texting by drivers was nted as a cmmn prblem regin-wide, and cited as a ptential factr in rear-end crashes at the intersectin. Brush vergrwth alng Nrth Street. Page 10
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Ptential Safety Enhancements After the site visit, audit participants returned t the meeting lcatin t discuss the safety issues and cnsider imprvements. Audit participants were encuraged t cnsider bth shrt and lng term imprvements fr each issue. Each imprvement cnsidered has been categrized as shrt-term, midterm, r lng-term based n the definitins shwn in Table 2. Additinally, a cst categry has been assigned t each imprvement based n the parameters set frth in Table 2. Table 2. Estimated Time Frame and Csts Breakdwn Time Frame Csts Shrt-term <1 year Lw <$10,000 Mid-term 1 3 years Medium $10,000 $50,000 Lng-term >3 years High >$50,000 Cnduct a traffic study f the intersectin, including cllectin f current vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian cunts at bth Rute 28/Nrth Street and Rute 28/Gerge Street. Several recmmendatins invlved changes t signal strategies, which first require analysis using current traffic data. The intersectin f Rute 28 and Gerge Street shuld be included in the data cllectin and analysis effrt t determine the amunt f cut-thrugh traffic and cnsider the ptential fr current cut-thrugh traffic using Gerge Street t instead turn right at an upgraded signal at Nrth Street. A traffic study is the first step twards imprvements aimed at addressing cngestin, traffic signal imprvements, and gemetric imprvements. This is a shrt-term, medium cst imprvement. Cnsider phasing alternatives fr the Nrth Street appraches. Three ptential phasing imprvements were discussed by the audit team. It was suggested that increased green time fr the side street appraches culd eliminate cnflicts related t waiting vehicles. This mdificatin wuld nt address cnflicts between side street vehicles and wuld nt address ptential cnfusin ver right-f-way, and therefre is nt recmmended. Lead/lag phasing was als suggested as an imprvement strategy. Lead/lag phasing wuld prvide a prtected lead phase fr left turns and thrugh mvements in ne directin n Nrth Street, and then prvide a shared phase fr thrugh mvements and permissive left turns in bth directins, fllwed by a prtected lag phase fr left turns and thrugh mvements in the ppsite directin. Permissive left turns must still be allwed because n exclusive left turn lanes are prvided n the Nrth Street appraches. Lead/lag phasing wuld prvide prtected phases fr left turns in bth directins, but wuld nt eliminate cnflicts between ppsing Nrth Street vehicles. Lead/lag phasing with prtected/permissive peratin als creates the yellw trap, which ccurs when the driver turning frm ne directin enters during the yellw, assuming that the ppsing driver als has the yellw, but the green is still displayed t the ppsing driver frm the lagging phase. Lead/lag phasing is nt recmmended fr this reasn. Page 11
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Split phasing wuld prvide a separate prtected phase fr each directin n Nrth Street. This wuld eliminate cnflicts between Nrth Street vehicles, which shuld reduce angle crashes invlving Nrth Street vehicles. All three phasing alternatives discussed wuld extend the time required t service the Nrth Street phases, which wuld likely degrade the verall intersectin peratin and increase delay n the Rute 28 appraches. Split phasing shuld nt be implemented until assciated timings are determined fllwing a study using current traffic vlumes. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Recnstruct the intersectin. All imprvements listed belw are assumed t be cmbined as part f a lng-term, high cst recnstructin prject. Cnsider the additin f a nrthbund left turn lane. This wuld eliminate the need fr left turning vehicles t share a lane with thrugh vehicles, which wuld in turn reduce the likelihd f rear-end cllisins due t inattentive drivers. The additin f a nrthbund left turn lane wuld als allw prtected nly left turns, which wuld eliminate visibility cncerns created by queued suthbund left-turning vehicles. Cnstructin f a nrthbund left-turn lane is recmmended as part f an verall recnstructin strategy because it is likely t require ther gemetric mdificatins t accmmdate the width required. Prvide fixed munted verhead signals with backplates. Fixed munted signals wuld prevent misalignments that exist tday with the free swinging signal heads. Backplates wuld increase visibility f signal heads fr appraching traffic, and assist with sun glare fr east-west traffic. Fixed munted signals wuld require new mast arms, which shuld be incrprated with ther gemetric imprvements. It was nted that any prtected/permissive phases prvided within a recnstructed signal wuld perate with the flashing yellw arrw, which is a new standard in the 2009 MUTCD and is being evaluated and implemented by MassDOT statewide. Prvide cuntdwn pedestrian signal heads and accessible pedestrian pushbuttns lcated accrding t Sectin 4E.08 f the MUTCD. This is recmmended in cnjunctin with verall recnstructin because it wuld require extensive relcatin f pedestrian signals and pushbuttns t meet current ADA, MUTCD and MassDOT requirements. Prvide bicycle detectin as part f traffic signal imprvements. Reduce crss slpes n Rute 28 in cnjunctin with ther gemetric imprvements. Crss slpes shuld be reduced fllwing MassDOT guidelines t the greatest extent practicable, eliminating r reducing the crest cnditin fr Nrth Street vehicles. Cnsider ther gemetric imprvements aimed at reducing the verall size f the intersectin while maintaining ptimal sight lines fr all entering traffic. This is a lngterm, high cst imprvement. Remve the scred cncrete area at the end f the median islands n bth Rute 28 appraches. A review f turning paths shuld be dne in cnjunctin with this imprvement t ensure that remval Page 12
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. f the cncrete will nt be detrimental t turning paths and existing vehicle cnflicts. It is expected that eliminatin f the scred cncrete area will reduce the variance in turning paths, which in turn can imprve cnsistently between driver behavir and ther driver expectatins, which can reduce the ptential fr crashes. It shuld be nted that this imprvement will increase the area f undefined pavement cntained within the intersectin. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Prvide emergency pre-emptin fr the Nrth Street appraches. This imprvement can be accmmdated within the existing signal and shuld be implemented as a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Replace burnt ut eastbund yellw signal indicatin. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Realign suthbund signal heads s that they are clearly visible t appraching traffic. This is a shrtterm, lw cst imprvement. Study clearance times. The existing yellw and all red clearance times shuld be determined frm the existing traffic signal cntrller and cmpared t minimum requirements calculated based n the latest MassDOT guidance. If existing clearance times are insufficient, clearance times shuld be increased accrdingly. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Prvide pedestrian signals and pushbuttns fr the crsswalk acrss the east leg f the intersectin. This imprvement shuld be included in verall intersectin imprvements, but can be dne n a shrt-term basis with the existing signal. This is a shrt-term, medium cst imprvement. Cnsider pedestrian travel patterns suth f the intersectin. It was nted that pedestrians crss at unprtected lcatins between Nrth Street and the Redstne Shpping Center entrance. Intersectin imprvements at Nrth Street shuld cnsider whether additinal pedestrian imprvements are required in this area. This is a lng-term imprvement with a cst t be determined. Prvide detectable warning panels fr the pedestrian passageways in the island n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Relcate the hydrant in the sidewalk n the nrthwest crner f the intersectin. The hydrant shuld be relcated s that a minimum pedestrian access rute is prvided meeting current ADA and MassDOT requirements. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Prvide bicycle accmmdatin at the intersectin and alng Rute 28 t the greatest extent practicable. Imprvements shuld prvide minimum 4-ft shulders, which meet MassDOT guidelines fr bicycle accmmdatin. This is a lng-term, high cst imprvement. Cntinue speed enfrcement effrts in the area. Speed enfrcement is an nging imprvement, the cst f which is the use f plice resurces. Prvide lane delineatin lines where apprpriate within the intersectin. Dtted guide lines shuld be prvided t aid turning vehicles within the intersectin, which can help reduce cnflicts between turning vehicles and set a greater expectatin as t a vehicle s turning path. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Page 13
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Prvide ONLY markings in the Rute 28 suthbund left turn lane. Presently, nly arrw markings are prvided. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Reinstall H1-2 bject marker sign n the nse f the island n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Prvide a STOP sign fr the channelized right turn frm Nrth Street t Rute 28 suthbund. The presence f a stp bar indicates that this is intended t be a stp-cntrlled mvement, and the alignment and apprach speeds fr suthbund traffic suggests that a stp cnditin is mre prudent than a yield cnditin. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Prvide a graphical R4-7 Keep Right sign fr the nse f the island n the nrth leg f the intersectin, and replace the existing wrd sign n the suth leg with a graphical R4-7 sign. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Prvide an R10-12 Left Turn Must Yield n Green Ball sign fr the 5-sectin dghuse signal facing nrthbund traffic. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Replace the lder Signal Ahead sign n the westbund apprach with a graphical W3-3 sign, and cnsider W3-3 signs n all appraches if a cntinuus view f at least tw signal faces cannt be maintained fr the distance specified in Table 4D-2 f the MUTCD. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Replace the faded N Parking sign n the eastbund Nrth Street departure with a new sign. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Replace the Speed Limit 35 sign and the Rute 28 sign n the suthbund apprach. This is a shrtterm, lw cst imprvement. Trim brush n the nrth side f Nrth Street west f the intersectin. This will imprve visibility fr drivers as they apprach the driveway at 65 Nrth Street. Cnsider if Bear Hill Glf Curse peratins create a significant impact n vehicles and pedestrians n Prspect Street. The twn line between Wakefield and Stneham runs parallel t Prspect Street and bisects the glf curse prperty, s bth twns shuld be cnsulted with regards t impacts r ptential actins. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Cntinue prgrams aimed at enfrcement f anti-texting laws fr drivers. If texting is a mre significant prblem in Stneham, lcal prgrams culd be cnsidered. This is a shrt-term, lw cst imprvement. Page 14
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Summary f Rad Safety Audit Table 3 summarizes ptential recmmendatins discussed by the audit team. The recmmendatins are categrized based n the ptential safety payff, as well as by time frame and cst. The safety payff is a qualitative judgment f the effectiveness f the ptential safety imprvements. Each recmmendatin has a respnsibility assigned t it stating whether MassDOT r the Twn f Stneham wuld be respnsible fr implementing the recmmended imprvement. Page 15
Rad Safety Audit Lincln Street (Rute 70) Wrcester, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Table 3. Ptential Safety Enhancement Summary Safety Issue Safety Enhancement Respnsibility Traffic Signals, Traffic Cngestin Traffic Signal, Intersectin Layut Intersectin Layut Cnduct a traffic study f the intersectin, including cllectin f current vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian cunts at bth Rute 28/Nrth Street and Rute 28/Gerge Street. MassDOT/ Bstn MPO Safety Payff Time Frame Cst N/A Shrt-term $15,000 Cnsider split phasing fr the Nrth Street appraches. Twn/MassDOT High Shrt-term $5,000 Recnstruct the intersectin. Specific imprvements are listed belw. Cnsider the additin f a nrthbund left turn lane, and implement prtected-nly left turns t eliminate visibility cncerns. MassDOT High Lng-term TBD (High) MassDOT High Lng-term High* Traffic Signals Prvide fixed munted verhead signals with backplates. MassDOT Medium Lng-term High* Traffic Signals, Pedestrian Accmmdatin Traffic Signals, Bicycle Accmm. Intersectin Layut Intersectin Layut Intersectin Layut Prvide cuntdwn pedestrian signal heads and accessible pedestrian pushbuttns lcated accrding t Sectin 4E.08 f the MUTCD. MassDOT High Lng-term Medium* Prvide bicycle detectin as part f traffic signal imprvements. MassDOT Medium Lng-term Lw* Reduce crss slpes n Rute 28 in cnjunctin with ther gemetric imprvements. Cnsider ther gemetric imprvements aimed at reducing the verall size f the intersectin while maintaining ptimal sight lines fr all entering traffic. Remve the scred cncrete area at the end f the median islands n bth Rute 28 appraches. Turning paths shuld be reviewed in cnjunctin with this imprvement. MassDOT Medium Lng-term High* MassDOT Medium Lng-term High* MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $5,000 Traffic Signals Prvide emergency pre-emptin fr the Nrth Street appraches. MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $5,000 Traffic Signals Replace burnt ut eastbund yellw signal indicatin. MassDOT Lw Shrt-term $1,000 Traffic Signals Realign suthbund signal heads s that they are clearly visible t appraching traffic. MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $1,000 Traffic Signals Study clearance times, and implement changes as necessary. MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $2,000 Page 16
Rad Safety Audit Lincln Street (Rute 70) Wrcester, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Table 3. Ptential Safety Enhancement Summary Safety Issue Safety Enhancement Respnsibility Traffic Signals, Pedestrian Accm. Pedestrian Accmmdatin Pedestrian Accmmdatin Pedestrian Accmmdatin Shulders, Bicycle Accmmdatin Prvide pedestrian signals and pushbuttns fr the crsswalk acrss the east leg f the intersectin Cnsider pedestrian travel patterns suth f the intersectin. Intersectin imprvements shuld cnsider whether additinal pedestrian imprvements are required. Prvide detectable warning panels fr the pedestrian passageways in the island n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. Relcate the hydrant in the sidewalk n the nrthwest crner f the intersectin. Prvide bicycle accmmdatin at the intersectin and alng Rute 28 t the greatest extent practicable. Safety Payff Time Frame Cst MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $15,000 MassDOT Medium Lng-term TBD MassDOT Lw Shrt-term $2,000 Twn Lw Shrt-term $3,000 MassDOT Medium Lng-term TBD (High) Speed Cntinue speed enfrcement effrts in the area. Twn High Shrt-term $0 Lane Delineatin Pavement Markings Signage Signage Signage Signage Signage Signage Prvide lane delineatin lines where apprpriate within the intersectin. Prvide ONLY markings in the Rute 28 suthbund left turn lane. Reinstall H1-2 bject marker sign n the nse f the island n the suthwest crner f the intersectin. Prvide a STOP sign fr the channelized right turn frm Nrth Street t Rute 28 suthbund. Prvide a graphical R4-7 Keep Right sign fr the nse f the island n the nrth leg f the intersectin, and replace the existing wrd sign n the suth leg with an R4-7 sign. Prvide an R10-12 Left Turn Must Yield n Green Ball sign fr the 5-sectin dghuse signal facing nrthbund traffic. Replace the lder Signal Ahead sign n the westbund apprach with a new graphical W3-3 sign, and cnsider W3-3 signs n ther appraches (where apprpriate). Replace the faded N Parking sign n the eastbund Nrth Street departure with a new sign. MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $3,000 MassDOT Lw Shrt-term $2,500 MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $200 MassDOT High Shrt-term $200 MassDOT Lw Shrt-term $500 MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $500 MassDOT Lw Shrt-term $200-$1000 MassDOT Lw Shrt-term $200 Page 17
Rad Safety Audit Lincln Street (Rute 70) Wrcester, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Table 3. Ptential Safety Enhancement Summary Safety Issue Safety Enhancement Respnsibility Signage Overgrwth Glf Curse Replace the Speed Limit 35 sign and the Rute 28 sign n the suthbund apprach. Trim brush n the nrth side f Nrth Street west f the intersectin. Cnsider if Bear Hill Glf Curse peratins create a significant impact n vehicles and pedestrians n Prspect Street. Safety Payff Time Frame Cst MassDOT Medium Shrt-term $500 Twn Medium Shrt-term $500 Twn (Stneham & Wakefield) Lw Shrt-term TBD Cntinue prgrams aimed at enfrcement f anti-texting laws fr Distracted Driving MassDOT/Twn Lw Shrt-term Onging drivers. * Imprvements are assumed t be cmbined int an verall recnstructin prject; csts are rder f magnitude cmpnents f the verall prject cst. Page 18
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Rad Safety Audit Stneham, MA Rute 28 (Main Street)/Nrth Street Meeting Lcatin: Stneham Plice Dept. 47 Central Street, Stneham, MA Mnday, August 5, 2013 10:00 AM 12:00 nn Type f meeting: Attendees: Please bring: High Crash Lcatin Rad Safety Audit Invited Participants t Cmprise a Multidisciplinary Team Thughts and Enthusiasm!! 10:00 AM Welcme and Intrductins 10:15 AM Discussin f Safety Issues 10:45 AM Site Visit Crash histry prvided in advance Existing Gemetries and Cnditins Drive t the intersectin f Rute 28 and Nrth Street As a grup, identify areas fr imprvement 11:15 AM Discussin f Ptential Imprvements Discuss bservatins and finalize safety issue areas Discuss ptential imprvements and finalize recmmendatins 12:00 nn Adjurn fr the Day but the RSA has nt ended Instructins fr Participants: Befre attending the RSA n August 5th, participants are encuraged t drive/walk thrugh the intersectin and cmplete/cnsider elements n the RSA Prmpt List with a fcus n safety. All participants will be actively invlved in the prcess thrughut. Participants are encuraged t cme with thughts and ideas, but are reminded that the synergy that develps and respect fr thers pinins are key elements t the success f the verall RSA prcess. After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked t cmment and respnd t the dcument materials t assure it is reflective f the RSA cmpleted by the multidisciplinary team.
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Cntact List
Participating Audit Team Members Date: August 5, 2013 Lcatin: Stneham Main Street (Rute 28) at Nrth Street Audit Team Member Agency/Affiliatin Email Address Phne Number Greg Lucas BETA GLucas@BETA-Inc.cm 781-255-1982 Justin Curewitz BETA JCurewitz@BETA-Inc.cm 781-255-1982 Lisa Schletzbaum MassDOT Safety Lisa.schletzbaum@state.ma.us 857-368-9634 Crey O Cnnr MassDOT Safety Crey.cnnr@state.ma.us 857-368-9638 Sean Sullivan MassDOT Safety Sean.R.Sullivan@state.ma.us 857-368-9621 Carley Przystac MassDOT Safety Carley.przystac@state.ma.us Mark Abbtt Bstn Regin MPO mabbtt@ctps.rg 617-973-7095 Sara Timner MassDOT D4 Traffic Sara.timner@dt.state.ma.us 781-641-8435 Amy Lynch MassDOT D4 Prjects Amy.lynch@dt.state.ma.us 781-641-8300 Cnstance Raphael MassDOT D4 Planning Cnnie.Raphael@dt.state.ma.us 781-641-8468 Jseph Rlli Stneham Fire Dept JRlli@ci.stneham.ma.us 781-438-0127 Richard McCarthy Stneham Plice RMcCarthy@plice.stneham.ma.us 781-438-1215 x3149 James McIntyre Stneham PD JMcIntyre@plice.stneham.ma.us 781-438-1215 x3130 Rbert Grver Stneham DPW RGrver@ci.stneham.ma.us 781-438-0760 David Ragucci Stneham T.A. DRagucci@ci.stneham.ma.us 781-279-2600
Rad Safety Audit Rute 28(Main Street) at Nrth Street Stneham, MA Prepared by BETA Grup, Inc. Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Crash Diagram Ref # Crash Data Summary Table Main st (Rt 28) and Nrth st, Stneham, MA 2010, 2011, 2012 Crash Date Crash Day Time f Day Manner f Cllisin Light Cnditin Weather Cnditin Rad Surface Driver Cntributing Cde Ages Cmments m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3 D4 1 1/5/10 Tuesday 1:11 PM Angle Unknwn Unknwn Unknwn Unknwn 48 63 Reprt nt fully filled ut, 41 Main st 2 3/3/10 Wednesday 2:42 PM Rear-end Daylight Cludy Dry Fllwed t clsely 27 37 Op 1 didn't see signal 3 3/25/10 Thursday 11:31 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Failed t yield right f way 81 50 Veh 1 stpped fr traffic in intersectin 4 5/17/10 Mnday 1:29 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Physical Impairment 32 21 Veh 1 Culd nt stp in time 5 6/24/10 Thursday 11:00 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed t yield right f way 37 58 Bth claimed green light 6 6/25/10 Friday 7:56 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Other imprper actin 32 45 Veh 1 was TT unit, taking wide turn 7 7/15/10 Thursday 1:17 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed t yield right f way 79 75 Veh 1 making U-turn 8 7/17/10 Saturday 11:36 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed t yield right f way 26 63 Op 2 distracted 9 9/2/10 Thursday 4:18 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless, careless, negligent, r aggressive manner 64 24 OUI cming ff 128, Veh 2 is tw truck twing Veh 3 10 9/28/10 Tuesday 8:10 AM Rear-end Daylight Cludy Wet Unknwn 18 22 46 Unrelated vehicle cut ff Veh 1, starting chain reactin 11 9/30/10 Thursday 12:47 PM Angle Daylight Severe Crsswinds Dry Failed t yield right f way 21 64 75 Veh 3 attempted t g arund Veh 1 waiting t make left, sideswiping V2 12 11/4/10 Thursday 12:03 PM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet Driving t fast fr cnditins 43 25 Veh 2 hydrplaned 13 1/3/11 Mnday 7:05 AM Angle Daylight Clear Wet N Imprper Driving 22 46 Veh 1 ran light, light was bstructed by snw 14 1/13/11 Thursday 9:36 AM Angle Daylight Clear Wet Disregarded traffic signs, signals, rad markings 47 83 Veh 2 was unaware f red light, bstructed by snw 15 5/19/11 Thursday 9:41 AM Angle Daylight Clear Wet Operating defective equiptment 45 48 Veh 2 entered intersectin unexpectedly 16 5/28/11 Saturday 4:18 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattentin 30 61 Op 2 hit gas instead f brake 17 7/14/11 Thursday 5:43 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattentin 44 42 18 7/18/11 Mnday 5:30 PM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet N Imprper Driving 20 26 Cllisin caused by sliding in rain 19 7/23/11 Saturday 7:50 PM Angle Dusk Clear Dry Disregarded traffic signs, signals, rad markings 59 58 Bicycle crash, cyclist ran red light 20 8/8/11 Mnday 2:31 PM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet Fllwed t clsely 23 36 Cllisin caused by sliding in rain 21 8/19/11 Friday 6:13 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed t yield right f way 51 75 22 9/5/11 Mnday 2:42 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless, careless, negligent, r aggressive manner 60 55 52 23 9/23/11 Friday 6:00 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted radway Rain Wet Unknwn 33 30 Rear end in traffic 24 12/24/11 Saturday 2:22 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Fllwed t clsely 68 55 Rear end in traffic 25 1/9/12 Mnday 10:01 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattentin 21 65 Op 2 thught light had turned green 26 1/26/12 Thursday 8:20 AM Angle Daylight Clear Wet Failed t yield right f way 37 30 65 Nrth st 27 6/11/12 Mnday 8:06 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry N Imprper Driving 55 21 65 Nrth st 28 6/11/12 Mnday 1:08 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed t yield right f way 49 30 Op 2 misjudged turning gap 29 6/24/12 Sunday 11:00 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed t yield right f way 39 60 N diagram r narrative 30 7/11/12 Wednesday 5:11 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Fllwed t clsely 20 44 Veh 1 attempted t avided turning vehicle 31 9/4/12 Tuesday 2:27 PM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet Inattentin 51 36 37 N diagram r narrative 32 10/5/12 Friday 11:49 PM Angle Dark - radway nt lighted Clear Dry Made an imprper turn 75 28 Veh 1 making U-turn *Curtesy Crash - A term used t describe a crash that ccurs subsequent t a nn-invlved mainline driver wh gives the right f way, cntrary t the rules f the rad, t anther driver.
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts Main st (Rt 28) and Nrth st, Stneham, MA 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% CRASH MONTH 19% 19% 16% 16% 9% 6% 6% 3% 3% 3% 0% 0% J F M A M J J A S O N D 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% CRASH DAY OF WEEK 31% 25% 13% 13% 9% 6% 3% Mnday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 6% 6AM- 8AM 16% 16% 8AM- 10AM 10AM- 12PM CRASH TIME OF DAY 19% 16% 16% 12PM- 2PM 2PM- 4PM 4PM- 6PM 9% 6PM- 8PM 0% 8PM- 10PM 3% 10PM- 12AM 0% 0% 0% 12AM- 2AM 2AM- 4AM 4AM- 6AM 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 0% Single Vehicle Crash CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION 50% 50% Rear-end Angle Sideswipe, same directin 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Sideswipe, ppsite directin Head n Rear t Rear Unknwn Data Summary_updated.xlsx 2 f 3 8/5/2013
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts Main st (Rt 28) and Nrth st, Stneham, MA 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 88% CRASH LIGHT CONDITION 0% 3% 3% 3% 0% 0% 3% Daylight Dawn Dusk Dark - Lighted Radway Dark - Radway nt lighted Dark - unknwn radway lighting Other Unknwn 80% 72% CRASH WEATHER CONDITION 60% 40% 20% 0% Clear 6% Cludy 16% Rain 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 3% Snw Sleet, Hail, Freezing Rain Fg, Smg, Smke Severe Crsswinds Blwing sand, snw Other Unknwn 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 30% 20% 10% 0% 66% 31% CRASH ROAD SURFACE 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Dry Wet Snw Ice Sand, mud, dirt, il, gravel 1% 22% 21% CRASH DRIVER AGES 18% Water (standing, mving) 15% 13% Slush Other Unknwn 7% 15-20 21-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ 3% Data Summary_updated.xlsx 3 f 3 8/5/2013