Traffic study reveals critical delays and safety upgrades needed

November 12, 2024 | Town of Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts


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Traffic study reveals critical delays and safety upgrades needed
In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the anticipated traffic impacts of a new development project, focusing on the surrounding roadways and proposed safety enhancements. The analysis revealed that while most intersections in the study area are expected to maintain acceptable levels of service, significant delays are projected at specific points, particularly at the left turns from Route 128, which could see delays of up to 54 seconds.

To mitigate these delays, the proposal includes optimizing signal timings and enhancing safety measures along Elliot Street. This involves extending \"do not block\" zones at intersections to prevent traffic congestion and collisions. With these improvements, all study area intersections are expected to operate at a level of service D or better, which is considered a design goal.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted concerns regarding the confusing layout of the Wayside Drive interchange. Proposed changes include clearer signage and striping to indicate one-way traffic and prevent wrong-way entries. The enhancements aim to improve driver awareness and safety at this critical junction.

Transportation demand management measures were also discussed, including the potential extension of a local bus route and the introduction of a shuttle service to reduce vehicle trips. However, plans for a grocery service on-site were dismissed after analysis indicated it would increase traffic by 20%.

Overall, the development is projected to generate approximately 200 trips during peak hours, with minimal impact on local roads. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the proposed enhancements through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process, ensuring that traffic conditions improve rather than worsen as the project progresses.

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This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.

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