On January 7th, the DCR facilitated an informal “listening session” with Melrose residents. Melrose City Councilors Shawn MacMaster (Ward 5) and Robb Stewart (Ward 3) were in attendance, as were Mayor Paul Brodeur, Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, and Senator Jason Lewis.
DCR began the session by listing a recent crash history for this intersection, according to MassDOT records. Per those records, since 2010, there have been 6 reported crashes at the Glen Street intersection and 13 at the Washington Street intersection. The Aaron Street intersection, outside the current boundaries, lists another 10. After sharing those stats, DCR heard from residents and abutters, who shared a deep and universal sense of concern over speeding (including drag racing) in the area, as well as pointing out that despite numerous trailheads there was no safe way for pedestrians to cross the Fellsway to reach the Middlesex Fells. Because of this, many residents noted that they avoid using this portion of the Fells, finding it simply too dangerous to access. Many longtime residents also expressed frustration with historical lack of action on DCR’s part despite understanding that speeding, especially in the downhill portion, is rampant. One resident shared that the posted speed limit had recently actually increased, a dynamic the DCR attributed to historic lack of discipline within the organization around setting of speed limit regulations.
Luckily, DCR does seem committed to expending funds to improve this intersection. DCR staff shared numerous potential design sketches. Note that this is not an engineered design and does not represent a finished drawing; it is merely an example of a reconfiguration which would fit the existing roadway. The full set of sketches can be viewed here, on the DCR website.
Notably, none of the design sketches include a crosswalk to the trailheads. The DCR representative on the call expressed some skepticism that a crosswalk should be located in an area which residents view as notoriously dangerous. Numerous residents countered that people will continue to cross here, and that a raised crosswalk or pedestrian median could provide traffic calming benefits while at the same time enhancing pedestrian safety. DCR also expressed skepticism about the idea of a raised median on a downhill slope, concerned that drivers would hit it. Nevertheless, they expressed a willingness to consider an expanded project scope, understanding that larger projects would require greater funding which would extend the timeline for performing these safety remediations.
We plan on putting feedback together regarding our views on this intersection and how to make it friendlier and safer for local walkers and cyclists. Do you have ideas? Share them with us, or provide feedback directly to the DCR at this link.