The Town of Concord's Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting on November 14, 2024, highlighted pressing community concerns regarding pedestrian safety and traffic management, particularly around Middlesex School. Residents voiced their frustrations over the lack of a crosswalk on Lowell Road, a busy thoroughfare where many families cross daily to access nearby facilities, including a preschool.

Kristen Tollfree, a local resident and cyclist, emphasized the urgency of this issue, noting that the current speed limit of 40 miles per hour poses significant risks to pedestrians. Despite repeated requests from the school for a crosswalk, approvals have been stalled due to the high speed limit. The committee discussed the need for a collaborative approach to address these safety concerns, suggesting that the school’s engineers conduct a study to facilitate the installation of a crosswalk before the completion of a new field house.

The conversation also touched on broader traffic management strategies, including the potential for lowering speed limits to enhance safety and ease the process of installing necessary pedestrian infrastructure. Committee members agreed that engaging with the Concord Public Works Commission and engineering departments is crucial to moving forward with these initiatives.

In addition to the crosswalk discussions, the committee celebrated a recent success in securing a $10,000 grant for Safe Routes to School signage and striping improvements at Thoreau School. This funding aims to enhance safety for students traveling to and from school, reflecting the committee's commitment to improving transportation safety for all residents.

As the meeting concluded, members acknowledged the importance of ongoing dialogue with the community and local government to ensure that pedestrian safety remains a priority. The TAC plans to continue advocating for necessary changes and improvements, reinforcing their role in fostering a safer environment for Concord's residents.