ROAD SAFETY AUDIT I 495/Route 117 Interchange Town of Bolton August 2013 Prepared for: Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division Prepared by: Green International Affiliates, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Background of Project... 1 Project Data... 1 Project Location Description... 1 Safety Issue #1. Intersection Geometry/Sight Distance... 4 Safety Issue #2. Optimized Signalization and Coordination... 7 Safety Issue #3. Road and Ramp Capacity...8 Safety Issue #4. Motorist Guidance/Signage...9 Safety Issue #5. Pavement Markings... 11 Safety Issue #6. Maintenance, Drainage and Ponding Issues...12 Safety Issue #7. Bike and Pedestrian Accommodations... 13 Summary... 14 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A RSA Meeting Agenda... 16 Appendix B RSA Audit Team Sign In Sheet...16 Appendix C- Detailed Crash Data... 16 Appendix D- Traffic Volume Data... 16 Appendix E- Existing Conditions Plan... 16 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Road Safety Audit Team Members... 2 Table 2- Safety Enhancement Summary... 15 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1- Project Location...3 Figure 2- Eastbound view on Route 117 at I-495 NB Ramps... 5 Figure 3- I-495 View of queue on I-495 off-ramp...8 Figure 4- I-495 SB right turn slip ramp... 9 Figure 5- I-495 NB sign in EB direction... 10 Figure 6- Plaza southeast of I-495 NB ramps... 11 Figure 7- Ponding at Route 85... 12 Figure 8- Pavement markings east of Route 85...13 Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. i
BACKGROUND OF PROJECT This Road Safety Audit (RSA) focuses on identifying safety issues and possible enhancements for safety improvements within the interchange of Interstate 495 (I-495) and Route 117/Main Street (RT117). This interchange is currently in the 25% Design stage, as a Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) project, and is eligible to receive Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding based on the high reported crashes between 2006-2008 crash data of 132 crashes. This area has been of significant concern to both the State Police, MassDOT, and the local communities as it continues to exhibit less than desirable safety characteristics. As a result of the continued concern in the project area, MassDOT initiated a planning/ preliminary design study to develop short and long term solutions. This RSA was conducted as part of the safety assessments for the project. The safety audit team is composed of representatives from MassDOT Boston, MassDOT District 3, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (Boston Region MPO), Bolton Police Department, Town of Bolton, Stow Fire Department and Green International Affiliates, Inc. (Green). I-495 NB ramps were recently signalized by MassDOT, however the interchange continues to have high number of crashes. Green s role is to conduct the RSA meeting and effectively outline the team s observations and suggestions for safety improvements. PROJECT DATA The audit team, listed in Table 1 along with their affiliation, conducted an RSA on Wednesday, May 29 th, 2013 for the interchange of Route 117 and I-495. The agenda for this meeting can be found in Appendix A. PROJECT LOCATION DESCRIPTION This RSA evaluates safety issues of the I-495 and Route 117 interchange in Bolton, MA. As seen in Figure 1, the intersections included in this interchange area are as follows: Route 117, I-495 Southbound Ramps and Sugar Road (RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd) Route 117 and I-495 Northbound Ramps (RT 117/I-495 NB) Route 117 and Route 117 (RT 117/RT 85) The project location with respect to nearby interchanges on I-495 is shown in Figure 1. The project area is located in a rural environment off of Exit 27 off of I-495. Currently the intersections at the two I-495 ramps are signalized and the RT 117/RT 85 intersection is STOP controlled. Route 117 is a two lane road functioning as a minor arterial and Route 85 is a two lane major collector. The posted speed limit is 40mph for Route 117 within the project limits and is 25mph for both Northbound (NB) and Southbound (SB) ramps, Sugar Road and Route 85. All roads are town Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 1
owned and maintained with the exception of the road section within the interchange area including the two traffic signals, which are under the jurisdiction of MassDOT. Table 1 Road Safety Audit Team Members Road Safety Audit Team Member Title Organization/Affiliation Lisa Schletzbaum Traffic Safety Engineer MassDOT- Boston Corey O Connor Traffic Safety Engineer MassDOT- Boston Sean Sullivan Traffic Safety Intern MassDOT- Boston Lola Campbell Assistant District Traffic Engineer MassDOT Traffic Division District 3 Mark Abbott Project Manager Boston Region MPO Don Lowe Bolton Town Administrator Town of Bolton Harold E. Brown Director of Public Works Town of Bolton Vincent Alfano Chief of Police Bolton Police Department Lorraine Kenney Administrator Assistant Coordinator Bolton Police Department Mike McLaughlin Fire Chief Stow Fire Department Bill Scully Director of Transportation Planning Green International Affiliates, Inc. Shahin Shahin Senior Associate Green International Affiliates, Inc. Wing Wong Transportation/Civil Engineer Green International Affiliates, Inc. Nadia Bosan Transportation/Civil Engineer Green International Affiliates, Inc. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA 2 Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc.
1:1 GREEN INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES, INC. L:.IJ CiVIL AND STRucnJRAL ENGINEERS FIGURE1 STUDY AREA 1 495/ROUTE 1171mRCHANGE IMPROVEMENT STUDY BOLTON,MA
ROAD SAFETY AUDIT OBSERVATIONS In conducting the I-495/Route 117 Interchange Road Safety Audit, safety issues and possible corrective actions to reduce the safety risk were determined based on team discussions and field observations on Wednesday, May 29 th, 2013. Safety issues that were identified included: Signalization Optimization and Coordination; Route 85 island and road geometry; I-495 NB Ramps queuing onto I-495 breakdown lane; I-495 NB ramps geometry and westbound traffic visibility; Route 117 truck and general capacity; High percentage of truck usage; Misuse of lanes by motorists; Vehicle queuing heading eastbound in the morning peak hour and westbound in the evening peak hour. Many of these issues can or need to be addressed by long term solutions, but some could be addressed in the short term. The following paragraphs describe the issues and possible actions. The identified issues by the RSA team have some similarities and commonalities and consequently, were grouped into major categories. SAFETY ISSUE #1. INTERSECTION GEOMETRY/SIGHT DISTANCE Observations: RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd In the morning peak hour, queues west of Sugar Road can extend towards the office parks approximately 1,200 feet west of I-495 SB. It was noted by team members that the eastbound right turning vehicles are not able to get to the channelized right turn because they are at the back of the long queues., which may attribute to reported crashes west of the project area. The geometry of the right turn off-ramp seems to encourage high turn speed and vehicles encroach on Route 117 centerline. RT 117/I-495 NB The highest percentage of crashes occurs at the intersection of RT 117/I-495 NB. These have typically been rear-end type from right turning vehicles exiting I-495. Police noted three different scenarios they have observed from these accidents: 1) Motorists having to look behind them to see westbound thru traffic and collide with vehicles that have not left the queue in front of them; 2) Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 4
Motorists using the left turn lane on the I-495 NB ramps to turn right onto Route 117, bypassing the right turn queue and causing conflicts with vehicles turning right in the right turn lane; and 3) Motorists using the right turn lane as two lanes, and try to turn simultaneously. In summary, the geometry/angle of entry of the right turn ramp lane at Route 117 westbound and the width (or lack of markings) on the left turn lane were likely factors related to the above. It was also noted by the team members that the trees located in the northwest quadrant of the ramps within the loop obscure the view of the queue on Route 117 from vehicles on the ramp exiting I-495 northbound. When driving on the off-ramp team members noted that the turning radius leaving I-495 seemed too sharp of a turn, did not have roadway delineation (chevron signs) or an exit speed warning sign. RT 117/RT 85 Figure 2- Eastbound view on Route 117 at I-495 NB Ramps Accidents that occur at Route 85 are mainly angle type with the Northbound left movement and vehicles on Route 117. Several rear-end type accidents on Route 117 occurred from vehicles stopping short for vehicles exiting Route 85. It was observed that when driving on the Route 85 approach, it was noted that a tendency could exist to drive to the left of the island possibly due to the geometry or level of guidance; which may cause vehicles to exit Route 85 at less advantageous angles and risk a head-on collision with a vehicle turning onto Route 85 from Route 117. Trucks have been noted to crossover the island when turning left from Route 85. Town officials noted that there may be many crashes into the island. Perennial landscaping within the island, located to the left of the left turning vehicles on Route 85, is tall and obstructs the vision of looking to the west. There is also a utility pole located within the island that obscures the view of eastbound vehicles from vehicles turning left onto Route 117 from Route 85. It was also observed that bushes on the eastern corner can also obscure the view of westbound through motorists from motorists turning left at the Route 85 approach. The geometry on the corner rounding from Route 117 eastbound to Route 85 Southbound is poorly defined. While truck turning must be accommodated from both eastbound and westbound directions, the current conditions have resulted in an unpaved area with rutting and ponding occurring. The area is sometimes used by trucks for a rest area and these parked trucks may block visibility of drivers exiting RT 85. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 5
Finally, it was noted that the angle of intersection is somewhat less than 90 degrees that may create some turning difficulties. Enhancements: 1. A lane can be added to the eastbound Route 117 approach to the channelized right turn onto I-495 SB ramps which may alleviate eastbound rear-end type accidents occurring to the west of the project area. This extension can make the I-495 SB on-ramp more accessible during peak hours. 2. Trees within the inner loop of the I-495 NB off-ramp can be removed and/or trimmed back to increase visibility for motorists exiting I-495. 3. The I-495 NB ramp advisory speed can be reviewed to determine if it is the correct speed to use for the I-495 NB ramp radius, and determine the need to install additional delineation. 4. The I-495 NB off ramp can be modified to have two lanes turning right and an add-lane can be designed for vehicles to exit onto more efficiently to accommodate high right turning volumes; by allowing left turn vehicles to exit in their own lane, this in turn will reduce the number of vehicles waiting to exit. 5. Alignment at Route 85 can be modified to form a 90 degree angle and better accommodate vehicles approaching Route 117 to turn left. The island can also be modified (i.e. cutback nose) to eliminate any obstruction from the left turning movement. 6. Landscaping within the island on Route 85 can be trimmed, replaced with low growing shrubs or eliminated to improve visibility for exiting motorists. The pole located on the island could be relocated. 7. Bolton regulations allow for landscaping to be removed or trimmed if it causes safety issues, except for the plants that were grandfathered in because they were planted before the regulation was passed. Landscaping located on east corner of Route 85 at Route 117 should be trimmed or removed; however, this may require working with homeowner if outside the public layout. 8. At the intersection of Route 117 and Route 85, define right turn pavement/curb edge for western corner of intersection. 9. Add warning signage on I-495 NB approach to exit EXPECT BACKUPS BETWEEN 4PM-6PM to address the inability for motorists to see around the corner during peak hours. 10. Provide painted gore with hash lines and warning signage such as KEEP RIGHT on Route 85 to notify northbound vehicles that have a natural inclination to drive left of the approaching island. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 6
SAFETY ISSUE #2. OPTIMIZED SIGNALIZATION AND COORDINATION Observations: RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd A major issue throughout the Route 117 area is the peak period congestion at the two signals of RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd and RT 117/I-495 NB. At Sugar Road, approximately 70% of reported eastbound and westbound accidents on Route 117 are due to vehicles not being able to turn left onto Sugar Road from Route 117 because there is no protected phase and an inadequate number of gaps in the westbound flow, particularly during the PM peak period. With the high morning and evening peak hour volume on Route 117 at this location, left turning motorists attempt to make the turn and are hit by oncoming traffic. It was noted by team members that the green light timing is unused at Sugar Road when vehicles turn right onto Route 117 from Sugar Road (i.e. turn on RED) and the approach continues to receive the green light when there is no demand. Green time should not be given to Sugar Road when there are no vehicles present. As a result, vehicles on Route 117 are delayed unnecessarily for Sugar Road that has no vehicles on it with the queue building up and affecting the relative safety risk. RT 117/I-495 NB Similar to RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd, the signal at the I-495 NB ramps also has wasted green time for the left turn movement from Route 117 onto the I-495 NB on-ramp. Vehicles have completed their turn during the permitted phase, and the protected phase activates after there are no vehicles in the turn lane. This delays westbound traffic and this may contribute to the long westbound queue that forms, particularly during the PM peak period. Westbound queues, due to the signal at the I-495 SB ramps, extend onto the I-495 NB ramps and periodically into the breakdown lane of I-495. This is a safety issue for vehicles traveling through on I-495 as well as motorists queued to exit the highway. RT 117/RT 85 Similarly to RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd Eastbound left turning vehicles, approximately 25% of reported crashes at the RT 117/RT 85 intersection are directly related to left turning vehicles exiting Rout 85, this may be due to having inadequate number of gaps to complete the turn. This location is currently stop controlled, and posted speed limits for the Route 117 Eastbound and Westbound approach is 40 mph. The current conditions indicate difficulty for vehicles to exiting Route 85 to safely cross Route 117 into the westbound lane, particularly during the peak periods. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 7
Enhancements: 1. The signal at RT 117/I 495 SB/Sugar Rd intersection and the signal at the RT 117/I 495 NB intersection are intended to be coordinated and this should be checked. 2. Verify if Sugar Road crash history warrants a short protected phase for the Route 117 EB left turn movement at Sugar Road. This may also require an evaluation of existing equipment capability. 3. Optimize the signal timing for the two existing Route 117 signalized intersections. 4. Verify that the existing detection equipment is functioning correctly at the intersections. Consider installing some delay to the Sugar Road approach so that if the vehicle waiting has left, the Sugar Road/I 495 SB approach will be skipped. 5. Improve the traffic control at the RT 117/RT 85 intersection. At this time, this could include Evaluating if Route 85 meets MUTCD warrants for a signal at RT 117/RT 85 and possibly coordinate with the existing signals to safely accommodate left turning vehicles. 6. Evaluate the feasibility of a roundabout at Route 85 and see if acquisition of land is required. SAFETY ISSUE #3. ROAD AND RAMP CAPACITY Observations: It was noted by team members that the westbound queues on Route 117 during the evening peak hour can extend to as far as Stow. As mentioned previously, the I 495 NB ramps regularly extend onto I 495 into the breakdown lane; this mainly occurs during the evening peak hour. While reported crashes along I 495 NB were not obtained for this audit to determine the extent of the safety issue for vehicles queuing on I 495, visual observations of this was discussed during the meeting and it is considered a safety issue. This issue may be due to vehicle limited capacity on Route 117 and the ramps. It was also mentioned at the meeting that there potentially is a development that could be located opposite the I 495 NB ramps with access to Route 117. Figure 3 I 495 View of queue on I 495 off ramp Road Safety Audit I 495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA 8 Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc.
Enhancements: 1. Determine if the current two lane road is sufficient for Route 117 and for Route 85, or if there is a need for additional lanes. 2. Determine if new routes need to be recommended through signage along Route 2 for vehicles trying to reach Stow, Hudson, Leominster and/or Lancaster and avoid using Route 117 as a cut through route, particularly related to truck traffic. When determining appropriate signage, it should be noted that the location of numbered routes in other communities should be clearly stated, otherwise these signs might be ineffective. 3. If future development is built to the east of I-495 NB ramps, then the Town should work with the developer to incorporate improvements to accommodate new traffic and/or any geometry improvement. SAFETY ISSUE #4. MOTORIST GUIDANCE/SIGNAGE Observations: Route 117 It has also been noted that trucks and vehicles use the side of the road on Route 117 to park. Vehicles also park in this location when funerals and burials occur at the cemetery on the north side of the project, presumably to use the convenience store located directly across Route 117 from the cemetery. There are currently no reported crashes due to these parked vehicles, but it can offset visibility and/or capacity of the roadway. It is also not an ideal pedestrian crossing location that results with the trucks parking. There are currently signs in this area for NO PARKING, but some are faded beyond recognition. RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd Currently there is only one yield sign (R1-2) for the I-495 SB off-ramp located on the left side of the right turn lane. When vehicles pull up to Route 117, this yield sign is located behind the driver s line of sight, which is not an ideal location. Figure 4- I-495 SB right turn slip ramp Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 9
RT 117/I-495 NB As mentioned earlier, some vehicles on the I-495 NB off-ramp use the left turn lane to bypass the right turn queue and turn right onto Route 117. According to local police, this has caused safety issues and accidents in the past. The Bolton Police Department has noted that there currently are no signs for I-495 NB ramps to define land use and to deter vehicles from making this maneuver so they are unable to enforce the law. The I-495 NB sign is also being blocked by the new signal installed for eastbound vehicles. Figure 5- I-495 NB sign in EB direction RT 117/RT 85 As indicated on the collision diagram and during discussions with RSA team members, a number of accidents may have occurred due to motorists being unaware of the advanced intersection. Currently there is a worn STOP AHEAD sign, and no warnings for this intersection on the Route 117 approach. Enhancements: 1. Signs that are no longer distinguishable can be removed and replaced with new signs where necessary. This also includes replacing the STOP AHEAD sign on Hudson Road and the NO PARKING signs on Route 117 abutting the cemetery. New parking signs at the cemetery can state NO PARKING EXCEPT FOR CEMETERY USE to clarify when parking at this location is permitted. 2. Install an intersection ahead (W2-2) sign along with Hudson Road street name (D3-1) sign for guidance along Route 117. 3. An additional YIELD sign (R1-2) can be installed on the I-495 SB off-ramps on the right side, and/or the existing sign can be adjusted to increase motorist awareness. 4. Relocate the I-495 NB guide sign on Route 117 facing eastbound traffic at the I-495 NB onramp to improve its visibility. 5. Install indicating LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT (R3-7) with arrow and ONLY pavement markings or NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1) on the I-495 NB off-ramp left turn lane. 6. Add NO PARKING signs on west side Route 85 just beyond the corner rounding from Route 117. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 10
7. As noted above, install EXPECT BACKUPS BETWEEN 4PM-6PM on the I-495 mainline in the Northbound direction approaching the Route 117 off-ramp. SAFETY ISSUE #5. Observations: PAVEMENT MARKINGS Route 117 Narrow shoulders were noted along the roadway within the project area. These do not meet minimum widths to accommodate bicycles for through intersection area. RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd Due to the heavy congestion at the Sugar Road and I-495 SB signal, westbound vehicle queue extend back towards the bridges. From the end of this westbound left turn lane to the I-495 bridges. From the end of this westbound left turn lane to the I-495 bridges, the westbound direction becomes one wide lane with no pavement markings distinguishing between the left turn lane and the through lane, but the width of the road allows vehicles heading westbound to move around those stopped in the queue. Motorists should remain in the single lane and not bypass the queue to reach the left turn lane. It is technically a violation of the rules of the road. However, the movement occurs and it can create a potential safety hazard and confusion for motorists waiting in the queue. RT 117/I-495 NB Near the vicinity of the I-495 NB ramps is a small plaza. It has been noted that vehicles have a hard time turning out of this site based on the tire markings and the condition of the island between the two entrance/exits. This behavior may contribute to the reported crashes on the segment between I-495 NB ramps and Route 85. There are currently no pavement markings or signs distinguishing where the entrance and exits are at this location. As discussed previously, queues at RT 117/I-495 NB intersection extend into the breakdown lane of I-495. Figure 6- Plaza southeast of I-495 NB ramps The off-ramp lane currently cannot accommodate the length of the queue that develops onto I-495. Enhancements 1. Extend Route 117 westbound left turn lane on approach to I-495 SB on-ramp. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 11
2. Evaluate the lane markings along Route 117 to create wider shoulders (i.e. 4 to 5 feet if possible) to better accommodate bicyclists and reduce safety risks for this mode. 3. Coordination with owner of plaza can be made to add pavement markings to distinguish entrance/exit. If lane widths are not efficient enough for trucks to enter and exit the plaza without driving over the island, then the island can also be modified to accommodate trucks. 4. As noted above, install left turn arrow and the legend ONLY on the I-495 NB off-ramp left turn lane to enforce the primary usage of this left lane, and to help deter vehicles from turning right from the left lane. 5. Install pavement markings to distinguish between lanes on I-495 to accommodate queue formed at the intersection of RT 117/I-495 NB for I-495 NB off ramp. SAFETY ISSUE #6. Observations: MAINTENANCE, DRAINAGE AND PONDING ISSUES Most of the reported accidents occurred during wet weather conditions, and it was observed that the road had ponding issues on Route 117 approaching Route 85 along with potholes where trucks habitually park. Over time the pavement and unpaved area can develop ruts and depressions from the heavy vehicles parked on the side of the road. During wet weather ponding occurs and obscures the potholes from vehicles and motorcyclist traveling in the project area increasing the relative safety risk. There were other ponding areas along sections of the road. It was also noted that the drainage Figure 7- Ponding at Route 85 structures within the project area are in need of cleaning and maintenance. Enhancements: 1. Patch areas of roadway where potholes are located. 2. The area on the west side of Route 85 at the intersection with Route 117 should be modified to better define the pavement edge but to allow for appropriate truck maneuvering. 3. Provide curbing along edge of road on Route 117 and Route 85 on the southeast side of the intersection and wherever necessary to deter trucks and other vehicles from parking. The Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 12
area beyond the curbing can could be seeded and landscaped which would deter vehicles from using as a parking area. 4. Lower and clean out drainage structures to accommodate ponding areas where necessary. SAFETY ISSUE #7. Observations: BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATIONS There are minimal or no accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists within the project area with narrow shoulders and the sidewalk limited to a short section under the bridges on the north side of Route 117. The sidewalk does not connect to anything nor are crosswalks defined to guide pedestrians to the other side of the street. It was noted by team members that the majority of pedestrian movement occurs west of the project area. Bicyclist are frequent users along the corridor, several were observed traveling eastbound during the audit and according to local RSA participants, a half Figure 8- Pavement markings east of Route 85 dozen organized rides pass through the town each year. Pedestrians are not able to safely cross the RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Rd intersection. Enhancements: 1. Install sidewalks along the south side of the project area and handicap ramps at the intersections. 2. Install traffic signal that provides pedestrian phase for safer crossing at the intersection of RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Road once the sidewalks are in place. 3. Evaluate an appropriate location for crosswalks within the project area, such as at the intersection of RT 117/I-495 SB/Sugar Road, at the intersection of RT 117/RT 85 and from the convenience store to cemetery for safer pedestrian crossing. Install ADA compliant handicap ramps and sidewalks where it is determined appropriate to install crosswalks. 4. Restripe the roadway to provide wider shoulders to better accommodate bicycles along both sides of Route 117. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 13
SUMMARY Based on the audit team members review of observations and discussions, issues and possible solutions were identified that could reduce the safety risk at the three study intersections on the I- 495 interchange ramps connecting with Route 117 in Bolton, MA. Table 2 summarizes the issues and potential enhancements to address the issues along with the estimated safety payoff, time frame, cost, and responsibility. These criteria are categorized by the following estimates and descriptions: Safety Payoff: enhancement can improve the safety of the interchange by a low (<30%), medium (30% - 70%), and high (>70%) Time frame: project can be completed within three different categories of time frame which are short-term (<1 year), mid-term (1-3 years) or long-term (>3 years) Cost: cost is estimated to be within three categories of cost which are low ($10,000), medium ($10,001-$50,000) or high (>$50,000) Responsibility: which entity or organization will be responsible for completing work. Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 14
Table 2 Proposed Safety Enhancement Summary Safety Issue Description of Issues Safety Enhancment Safety Payoff Time Frame Cost Responsibility Long eastbound queues form in the morning peak, that prevent vehicles Install additional lane to eastbound approach to I 495 SB channelized from accessing I 495 SB channelized right turn right turn Low Long Term Mid MassDOT Vehicles cannot see queue traffic on Route 117 at I 495 NB ramps Trim trees for increased visibility Mid Short Term Low MassDOT Vehicles travel on ramps at high speeds Review of ramp radius for speeds Low Short Term Low MassDOT Intersection Geometry/Sight Distance Vehicles use the one lane slip ramp at I 495 NB ramp as two lanes Evaluate modfiying I 495 NB ramp to have an additional right turn lane High Long Term High MassDOT Route 85 has a natural inclination towards the left of the island, trucks have been noted to crossover the island when turning from Route 85 Landscaping within island at Route 85 and to the east of Route 85 obscure view of Route 117 from turning vehicles There are unpaved area where rutting and ponding occur to the west of Route 85. The edge of roadway is undefined. Modify island and alignment at Hudson Road to form a 90 degree angle Mid Mid Term High Trim landscaping within Route 85 island and east of Hudson Road and relocate utility pole MassDOT/ of Bolton Low Short Term Low Town of Bolton Define curbing and pavement edge for western corner at Route 85 Mid Mid Term Low Town of Bolton When queues form vehicles wait within the breakdown lane of I 495 Install warning signs for expected queues at I 495 northbound ramps High Short Term Low MassDOT Town Optimized Signalization and Coordination Queues during the evening peak hour can extend to Stow, signal timing does not seem coordinated Provide painted gore with hash lines and warning signage such as KEEP RIGHT to notify vehicles on RT 85 of approaching island There is no protected phase for eastbound movement at RT 117/I 495 SB/Sugar Rd with inadequade gaps for eastbound left turn movements There is a wate of green time motorists that have already completed their turns coordination should be verified for RT117/I 495 SB/Sugar Rd and RT 117/I High Short Term Low MassDOT 495 NB coordination should be verified for RT117/I 495 SB/Sugar Rd and RT 117/I Low Short Term Low Town of Bolton 495 NB Evaluate existing equipment at RT 117/I 495 SB/Sugar Rd and provide a protected phase and optimize timing Mid Mid Term Mid MassDOT Verify operating conditions of detection equipment Mid Short Term Low MassDOT There exists heavy queues in the peak hours Determine efficiency of one lane for Route 117 and Route 85 Mid Short Term Low MassDOT Road and Ramp Capacity Many vehicles use Route 85 and Route 117 in the project area as a shortcut between towns Determine signage along Route 2 needed for alternative routes for Route 117 and Route 85 Low Short Term Low MassDOT/ of Bolton Town Possibly future development within the proximity of I 495 NB Ramps Work with Developer of property to incorporate improvements to accommodate new traffic and geometry of site Low Short Term Low MassDOT/ of Bolton Many signs are illegible within the project area Remove and replace indistinguishable signs where necessary Low Short Term Low Town of Bolton Collision diagram showing rear end type along legs of intersection or angle Install intersection ahead sign (W2 2) and Hudson Road street name sign Low Short Term Low Town of Bolton type between approaches at RT 117/RT 85 (D3 1) to inform motorists of approaching intersection Town Currently there is one yield sign located on the left side for I 495 SB off ramp Install additional yield sign on I 495 SB off ramp and adjust existing sign if necessary Low Short Term Low MassDOT Motorist Guidance/Signage Currently the I 495 NB guide sign for eastbound movement at RT 117/I 495 NB is blocked by the new signal Relocate I 495 guide sign for eastbound traffic Low Short Term Low MassDOT Some vehicles currently use the I 495 left turn lane for right turns Install LEFT TURN MUST TURN LEFT sign (R3 7) for I 495 NB off ramp Mid Short Term Low MassDOT Pavement Markings Trucks have and other vehicles use side of the road to park for the convenience store and cemetery Install No Parking sign west of Route 85 on south side of Route 117 Low Short Term Low Town of Bolton When queues form vehicles wait within the breakdown lane of I 495 Install warning signs for expected queues at I 495 northbound ramps High Short Term Low MassDOT Westbound through movement vehicles use the single lane to move around queue formed from stopped left turn lane There currently is no defined path for bicycles within the project area Trucks have been noted to crossover island at plaza southeast of I 495, there currently are no pavement markings at the plaza entrance/exit Extend westbound left turn lane at RT 117/I 495 SB/Sugar Rd Mid Short Term Low MassDOT Modify pavement markings to accommodate wider shoulder for bicycle lanes Install pavement markings at entrance/exit of plaza southeast of I 495 NB ramps, and/or modify island Mid Short Term Low MassDOT Low Short Term Low Property Owner/ Town of Bolton Some vehicles currently use the I 495 left turn lane for right turns Install left turn arrow and ONLY legend in the left turn lane of the I 495 NB off ramp Mid Short Term Low MassDOT There are unpaved area where rutting and ponding occur patch existing potholes in roadway Mid Mid Term Low MassDOT/ of Bolton Town Maintenance, Drainage and Ponding Issues There are unpaved area where rutting and ponding occur to the west of Route 85. The edge of roadway is undefined. modify pavement west of Route 85 to better define pavement edge that can accommodate truck movements Mid Mid Term Low Town of Bolton Bike and Pedestrian Accomodations Trucks have and other vehicles use side of the road to park for the provide curbing along edge of Route 117 near Route 85 and wherever convenience store and cemetery necessary to deter trucks from parking Mid Long Term Mid Town of Bolton Ponding is apparent within the project area Cleaning and Maintaining drainage structures Low Short Term Low Town of Bolton Install sidewalks and handicap ramps along south side of Route 117 within project area Mid Long Term High MassDOT Install pedestrian phases at RT 117/I 495 SB/Sugar Road and wherever MassDOT/ Town There are currently no accomodations for pedestrians within the project area Mid Long Term Mid appropriate of Bolton Install crosswalks at the intersection of RT 117/I 495 SB/Sugar Rd, RT 117/ Low RT 85 and convenience store to cemetery Long Term Low MassDOT There currently is no dfi defined dpath for bicycles within ihi the project area Restripe roadway to provide better bicycle accomodation along Route 117 Mid Short Term Low MassDOT
APPENDIX Appendix A RSA Meeting Agenda Appendix B- Detailed Crash Data Appendix C- Traffic Volume Data Appendix D- Existing Conditions Plan Road Safety Audit- I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc. 16
Appendix A RSA Meeting Agenda Road Safety Audit at I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Appendix
Road Safety Audit Meeting Location: Bolton Public Safety Training Room May 29, 2013 10:00 AM 12:00 noon Type of meeting: Attendees: Please bring: I-495/Route 117 Interchange 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 (enclosed) 11:00 AM Visit the Site Crash, Speed & Volume Summaries provided in advance Existing Geometries and Conditions Drive to LOCATION As a group, review site & identify areas for improvement 11:30 AM Post Visit Discussion / Completion of RSA Discuss observations and finalize findings Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations 12:00 noon Adjourn for the Day but the RSA has not ended Instructions for Participants: Before attending the RSA on DATE, participants are encouraged to drive through the project area and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List (enclosed) 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. I-495/Route 117 Interchange Improvement Study
Appendix B Detailed Crash Data Road Safety Audit at I-495/Route 117 Interchange, Bolton, MA Appendix
ROUTE 117 (MAlN STREET) 05/30/09, 3 P, SA, C 8c 0 LEGEND D.'.'TE, Tlt.IE, D.'.Y, WE'ATHER a: PAVEr.IENT CONDITION PATH OF MOVING MOTOR VEHICLE C - CLEAR F = FOG R - RAIN PEDESTRIAN PATH FATAL NON FATAL REAR-END OOUJ~ON NIGLE COUJSION WE'ATHER SL- SLEET S =SNOW CL - CLOUDY e 0 ~ PAVEMENT D- DRY W- WET I- ICY S - SLUSHY BICYCLE MOTORCYCLE PARKED VEHICLE FIXED OBJECT OUT OF CONTROL SIDE SWIPE WEEKD.'.Y M - MOND.'.Y TU = TUESDAY W = WEDNESD.'.Y TH - THURSDAY F - FRID.'.Y SA - SATURDAY SU = SUND.'.Y NOT TO SCALE FIGURE 2.15 INTERSECTION COLLISION DIAGRAM 2009-2011 ROUTE 117 {MAIN STREET), AND 1-495 SB RAMPS/SUGAR ROAD BOLTON, MA r=l GREEN INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES, INC. I:JI COIIU.fllll - WESTFOID, IIAIIIICIIUIET1S
rn a.. ~ < 0:: OJ z I() (J) "''t I ROUT 117 (MAIN LEGEND D.'.'TE. Tlt.IE, D.'.Y. WE'ATHER a: PAVEr.IENT CONDITION PATH OF MOVING MOTOR VEHICLE C - CLEAR F = FOG R - RAIN PEDESTRIAN PATH FATAL NON FATAL REAR-END OOUJ~ON NIGLE COUJSION WE'ATHER SL- SLEET S =SNOW Cl. - CLOUDY e 0 ~ PAVEWENT D- DRY W- WET I- ICY S - SLUSHY BICYCLE MOTORCYCLE PARKED VEHICLE FIXED OBJECT OUT OF CONTROL SIDE SWIPE WEEKD.'.Y M - WOND.'.Y TU = TUESDAY W = WEDNESD.'.Y TH - THURSDAY F - FRID.'.Y SA - SATURDAY SU = SUND.'.Y NOT TO SCALE FIGURE 2.16 INTERSECTION COLLISION DIAGRAM 2009-2011 ROUTE 117 {MAIN STREET), AND 1-495 NB RAMPS BOLTON, MA GREEN INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES, INC. COIIU..fllll - WESTFOID, IIAIIIICIIUIET1S
ROUTE 117 (MAIN STREET) 09/28/10, 6 A, TU, R & W..-1.,. 0.. I.. 09/12/09, 12 P, SA, R & w 07/20/09, 2 P, M, CL & D 03 17 1 0, 6 A W C & I LEGEND DATE. lime. DIIY. WEATliER.t PAVEioiENT CONDmON PATH OF MOVING MOTOR VEHICLE PEDESTRIAN PATli FATAL NON FATAL REAR-END ca.lisidn ANGLE COWSION WEATHER C = CLEAR SL - SLEET F-FOG S=SNOW R - RAIN CL - CLOUDY e 0 ~ PAVEMENT D- DRY W- WET I= ICY S - SWSH'I' BICYCLE lolarorci'cle PARKED VEHICLE FIXED OBJECT OUT OF CONTROL SIDE SWIPE WEEKDAY t.t = MONDAY TU - TUESDIIY W - WEDNESDAY Tli - TliURSDAY F - FRIDAY SA - SATURDIIY SU = SUNDAY NOT TO SCALE FIGURE 2.17 INTERSECTION COLLISION DIAGRAM 2009-2011 ROUTE 117 (MAIN STREET), AND ROUTE 85 (HUDSON ROAD) BOLTON, MA r=l GREEN INTERNATIONAL AFfiUATES, INC. 1:11 CONIUUINI - -..all
!7 COUJSION OCCURRED OVER <400' OF ROUTE 1 17 (t.iain smeet) AT SUGAR ROA0/1-4-95 SB RAMP INTERSEcnON LEGENO DATE. lli.ie. DIIY. WEATliER.t PAVEI.IENT CONDmON PATH OF!.lOVING I.IOTOR VEHICLE BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN PATli I.IOTORCI'CLE FATAL e PARKED VEHICLE NON FATAL 0 FIXED OBJECT REAR-END COLLISION OUT OF CONTROL ANGLE COWSION SIDE SWIPE WEATHER ~ PAVEI.IENT C = CLEAR SL - SLEET D- DRY F'-FOG S=SNOW W- WET R - RAIN CL - CLOUDY I= ICY S - SWSHY WEEI<DAY t.l = MONDAY TU - TUESDIIY W - WEDNESDAY Tli - TliURSDAY F' - FRIDAY SA - SATURDIIY SU = SUNDAY NOT TO SCALE FIGURE 2.18 ROADWAY SEGMENT COLLISION DIAGRAM 2009-2011 ROUTE 117 (MAIN ST), 1-495 RAMPS SUGAR RD, & ROUTE 85 (HUDSON RD) BOLTON, MA r=l GREEN INTERNATIONAL AFfiUATES, INC. 1:11 CONIUUINI - -..all
LEGEND DATE. lli.ie. DIIY. WEATliER.t PAVEI.IENT CONDmON PATH OF!.lOVING I.IOTOR 1/EHICL.E BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN PATli I.IOTORCI'CL.E FATAL e PARKED 1/EHICL.E NON FATAL 0 FIXED OBJECT REAR-END COLLISION OUT OF CONTROL ANGLE COWSION SIDE SWIPE WEATHER ~ PAVEI.IENT C = CLEAR SL - SLEET D- DRY F'-FOG S=SNOW W- WET R - RAIN CL - CLOUDY I= ICY S - SWSHY WEEI<DAY t.l = MONDAY TU - TUESDIIY W - WEDNESDAY Tli - TliURSDAY F' - FRIDAY SA - SATURDIIY SU = SUNDAY NOT TO SCALE FIGURE 2.19 ROADWAY SEGMENT COLLISION DIAGRAM 2009-2011 ROUTE 117 (MAIN ST), 1-495 RAMPS SUGAR RD, & ROUTE 85 (HUDSON RD) BOLTON, MA r=l GREEN INTERNATIONAL AFfiUATES, INC. 1:11 CONIUUINI - -..all
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY OVERALL 2009-2011 Route 117 (Main Street), I-495 Ramps, Sugar Road, and Route 85 (Hudson Road) Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle 1 1 4 4 Right Angle 1 1 2 2 Rear - end 1 9 9* 1 8 8* 1 14 14* Head -on 2 2 2* Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. 2 2 1 1 Same dir. Turning Left 1 1 1 1 1* Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other 1 1 3 3 3 3 Total 3 17 17 2 14 14 1 22 22 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total *One accident caused both personal injury and property damage MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 2 1 3 17 2010 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 2 1 1 14 2011 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 7 1 3 1 22 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 17 2010 2 6 3 2 1 14 2011 1 3 4 2 5 4 3 22 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM 1 1 1 1 1 5 PM 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 12 AM 2 1 1 1 5 PM 2 2 2 2 1 9 AM 1 3 3 7 PM 1 1 1 3 3 3 2 1 15
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY 2009-2011 Route 117 (Main Street) West of I-495 SB Ramps/Sugar Road Segment Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle 1 1 Right Angle Rear - end 1 1 2 2 1 1 Head -on Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. Same dir. Turning Left Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other 2 2 Total 1 1 2 2 4 4 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 1 1 2010 1 1 2 2011 1 1 2 4 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 1 1 2010 1 1 2 2011 1 1 2 4 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM 1 1 PM AM PM 1 1 2 AM 1 1 2 4 PM
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY 2009-2011 Route 117 (Main Street), and I-495 SB Ramps/Sugar Road Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle 1 1 1 1 1* 2 2 Right Angle Rear - end 2 2 1 1 1 1 1* Head -on 1 1 1* Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. 1 1 1 Same dir. Turning Left 1 1 Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other Total 1 5 6 1 1 2 1 4 4 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total *One accident caused both personal injury and property damage MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 1 1 2 1 1 6 2010 1 1 2 2011 1 1 1 1 4 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 2 1 1 2 6 2010 1 1 2 2011 1 2 1 4 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM 1 1 PM 1 1 1 1 1 5 AM 1 1 PM 1 1 AM 1 1 PM 1 1 1 3
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY 2009-2011 Route 117 (Main Street) Segment Between I-495 SB Ramps/Sugar Road and I-495 NB Ramps Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle Right Angle Rear - end 3 3 4 4 Head -on Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. Same dir. Turning Left Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other Total 3 3 4 4 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 1 1 1 3 2010 2011 4 4 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 1 1 1 3 2010 2011 1 2 1 4 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM PM 1 1 1 3 AM PM AM PM 2 2 4
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY 2009-2011 Route 117 (Main Street), and I-495 NB Ramps Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle Right Angle Rear - end 1 1 1 4 4* 7 7 Head -on 1 1 1* Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. 1 1 Same dir. Turning Left Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other 1 1 Total 1 4 4 1 4 4 7 7 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total *One accident caused both personal injury and property damage MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 1 2 1 4 2010 1 1 1 1 4 2011 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 1 1 1 1 4 2010 1 2 1 4 2011 1 1 1 1 3 7 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM 1 1 2 PM 1 1 2 AM PM 1 2 1 4 AM 1 1 PM 1 1 1 3 6
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY 2009-2011 Route 117 (Main Street) Segment Between I-495 NB Ramps and Route 85 (Hudson Road) Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle 1 1 Right Angle 1 1 Rear - end 1 1 Head -on Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. Same dir. Turning Left Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other Total 1 1 1 1 1 1 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 1 1 2010 1 1 2011 1 1 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 1 1 2010 1 1 2011 1 1 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM 1 1 PM AM 1 1 PM AM 1 1 PM
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY 2009-2011 Route 117 (Main Street), and Route 85 (Hudson Road) Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle Right Angle 1 1 1 1 Rear - end 1 1 1* 1 1 1 1 Head -on Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. Same dir. Turning Left Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other 2 2 1 1 Total 1 2 2 4 4 2 2 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total *One accident caused both personal injury and property damage MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 1 1 2 2010 1 1 1 1 4 2011 1 1 2 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 1 1 2 2010 1 2 1 4 2011 1 1 2 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM PM 1 1 2 2 AM 1 1 2 PM 2 AM PM 1 1 2
Type TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SUMMARY 2009-2011 Route 85 (Hudson Road) Segment Bolton, MA 2009 2010 2011 PI PD F T PI PD F T PI PD F T Angle Right Angle Rear -end Head -on Side Swipe: Opp. Dir. Same dir. Turning Left Turning Right Fixed Object Pedestrians/Bicycle Other 1 1 Total 1 1 PI: Personal Injury PD: Property Damage F: Fatality T: Total MONTH OF THE YEAR Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2009 2010 1 1 2011 DAY OF THE WEEK Year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 2009 2010 1 1 2011 Year 2009 2010 2011 TIME OF DAY 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total AM PM AM 1 1 PM AM PM