[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6175779,"mediaKeyId","5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4","parentId",5353028,"title","Needham engineers report speed and volume results; ongoing truck study and speed‑cushion installations noted","audioSeconds",431,"startMs",165000,"endMs",596000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4&start=165&end=596","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4/thumbnail_165000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6175779/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-engineers-report-speed-and-volume-results-ongoing-truck-study-and-speedcushion-installations-noted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175779-852f13b22d4ba54b7a86d3ec524a19a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392124&Signature=gv021WcZ-zcobE7CRaUZuiH8LpWbEbmLjBOZaLg7SVuXLEi3YU0SIviaFeLZNV38LF3zMC63Lyvp21S9y1CWtbAeF721Zh7UE0pioNJvfgsghLmqNTVgTLxNvAYBdkYjBUGREBJIHvigoTVeN~K0Nx7n1MYlvEiTOjVp34apcoc7dLxAXGUtFAvE3Z5xLGLKau9~3cxkll92HpSwUDRe-~MRT2V3bumcXwmAQsBXvbPjfJWuD3woWhtm4Ljya6wo1pH8GJmXUQ~xc4DfNl5Bv1-4Kx9nJNkafswvO4Tmvlenit-ETSSKnzNJgitiyvBITA9ZRV1rhA59lFQsVL2q0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Needham, MA","date","2025-07-10T13:51:08Z","article","Engineering staff updated the Transportation Safety Committee on recent speed and volume counts and on in‑progress temporary deployments.

Key measurements presented:
- Chestnut Street northbound 85th percentile: about 39 mph; southbound 85th percentile: about 42 mph; average daily volume reported around 6,400 vehicles.
- Webster Street (south of Dedham Avenue): northbound 85th percentile ~33 mph; southbound ~34 mph; volume ~560 vehicles per day.
- Great Plain Avenue (east of Prospect Street, down the hill toward Ramravad Road): eastbound and westbound 85th percentile speed ~40 mph; volume about 4,900 vehicles per day.

Other items:
- Cary Road truck study: engineering confirmed tube counters are in place to capture truck volumes and classifications; results will be shared at a future meeting.
- Harris Avenue speed cushions: units have arrived and are stored in the highway bay; the outstanding issue is how to sign and locate the cushions without obstructing nearby crosswalk signage. Committee members asked staff to develop advance‑warning signage and placement that avoids obstructing existing crosswalk poles.

Engineering indicated that some speed changes may be achieved by curb work and granite curbing when sidewalk projects are scheduled; the department recommended combining physical changes (if planned) with pilot measures such as line striping or signage and then measuring effects.

No formal votes were taken on these items; staff will return with the Cary truck study results and designs and with options for Harris Avenue signage and timing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Transportation Safety Committee 07/09/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Engineering staff reported 85th‑percentile speeds and daily volumes for multiple corridors, described an active truck study on Cary Road and said Harris Avenue speed cushions have arrived and await signage decisions.","taxTitle","Town of Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54445,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6175786,"Needham committee approves funding for LED crosswalk sign and RRFB work; discusses Honeywell striping pilot",897,6119000,7016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4&start=6119&end=7016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4/thumbnail_6119000.jpg","/articles/6175786/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-committee-approves-funding-for-LED-crosswalk-sign-and-RRFB-work-discusses-Honeywell-striping-pilot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175786-5169de8efc1907cdab3da263493e0ad6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392124&Signature=gNx1l1VA-Pq5uCXEtz0le0t3mPBZ3VNSR0sqbrP1Ep357fSQDYG5mEEsbBmFQ8O~A0NOPE-tbdOZcQ44xCJFZbT5HhRXpRjWcer24KQgqxWjaAPfPXO~tHdUma-JSaHGBlJDVtjobshwolRgEopkaMUHSLayj4oICdaInMQsAM3h6v1wSo1jNM8atSlkfsZjizJmzSCc8fAj-ct8ACnN6-FpHVtJ7HVOgCritZY79WyyyUsegAIlPWgdyD7ja4hfYKl466XVuOY-F~14K-ZSivZqBcRn~E7Xl-Q-BCMv-AVUK1FDaNfrUjB205d20Lh~MqFxTiKvD4wKQEVRv~uPBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation Safety Committee on July 9 approved two funding items carried over into the new fiscal year and discussed additional pilot spending for pavement striping on Honeywell Street.

What passed: the committee approved a package of carryover work and petition responses, including the RRFB/advanced crosswalk installations previously ordered and a separate LED‑enhanced advanced warning sign at Great Plain Avenue near Mount Vernon/Harris. Committee discussion cited a unit price of about $1,500 for the LED sign; the chair moved to approve approximately $9,000 for the queued RRFB installation(s) plus the LED advanced warning sign purchase and the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: the approved devices are intended to improve driver awareness at crosswalks on routed corridors where sight lines or curvature reduce visibility. Committee members also discussed the limits of such devices — notably that flashing beacons are advisory in Massachusetts unless a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk — and the need to pair engineering measures with communications and enforcement.

Honeywell striping pilot (discussion): staff presented an estimate of roughly $15,000 to apply 6‑inch center and edge lines on Honeywell Street from Highland Avenue to the Wellesley border as a pilot traffic‑calming measure. Engineering recommended before‑and‑after speed measurements to evaluate effectiveness. The striping pilot was discussed but not approved at the meeting; the committee asked for a follow‑up assessment and data to consider at the next meeting.

Next steps: engineering will place the approved RRFB/LED sign work into the FY schedule and report back on implementation timing. Staff will collect baseline speed and volume data for Honeywell and present a formal budget request for the striping pilot at a future meeting.","The Transportation Safety Committee approved funds to purchase an LED‑enhanced advanced warning sign for a Great Plain Avenue crosswalk and authorized previously queued RRFB work; members also discussed, but did not yet approve, a $15,000 pilot to apply wider striping on Honeywell Street for traffic calming and a before‑and‑after speed study.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6175790,"Needham committee orders evaluation of 4‑way stop, vegetation trimming at Meadowbrook–Parish intersection after resident safety concerns",735,4932000,5667000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4&start=4932&end=5667","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4/thumbnail_4932000.jpg","/articles/6175790/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-committee-orders-evaluation-of-4way-stop-vegetation-trimming-at-MeadowbrookParish-intersection-after-resident-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175790-d7c4e1f6d772df7c90b71e6385e82844/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392124&Signature=QHTc0AuZOwQO6ph4ewI8OFFDSaJ651gqXwkotGO6czYve93qTKHV6QBwZm~Bl1bvvrT-J3oAKMSgou~UNy74spZTWACfufqCTc6lewhJA8ZvX53wHa~zrDIaGByI339PET~EBvy36RjLeS2Vvc4lWqecFclB-mzEdt-UOMBmxGBY5RfCghaPNpTqlGbsWHPgXE8xIXmA42rOC4Id1ly-a-Z8DMCKy~gr1UC6X8sa8SLAGHSAi2DI8fkrpWZZYLi9KEB32qoHI154dgytufJvW-kAdguCBFqscwSd73CYYDiK3~Wl2QPSkrc49~jgG9VMfg1h-4LrI5QoRy6WiQzSkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Resident testimony and committee discussion on July 9 led the Transportation Safety Committee to request an engineering evaluation of converting the Meadowbrook–Parish–Nahoydin intersection to all‑way stop control and to review vegetation that blocks sight lines.

Why it matters: petitioners described frequent near misses, vehicles failing to yield and repeated impacts to temporary signage at the location. Committee members said the geometry and vegetation reduce visibility for drivers exiting Meadowbrook and that several collisions or near misses have been reported at the intersection.

What the meeting recorded: resident Sean Roach and others described the intersection’s confusing geometry and sight‑line problems. Staff noted specific vegetation and a corner shrub that restricts views; committee members discussed using an engineering warrant (MUTCD always‑stop criteria) and crash data to inform the decision.

Committee action: the committee voted to direct engineering to evaluate the intersection for all‑way stop control under MUTCD guidance and to compile crash and visibility data. The motion passed by voice vote; the committee also asked the engineering group to examine and recommend vegetation management or trimming where it impairs sight distance.

Next steps: engineering will return with crash data, a MUTCD‑warrant assessment and specific vegetation recommendations to reduce immediate sight‑line problems.","Following resident testimony and reports of near misses, the Transportation Safety Committee voted to study converting the Meadowbrook–Parish–Nahoydin intersection to an all‑way stop and to assess vegetation and sight‑line obstructions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6175795,"Committee to evaluate crosswalk at private way near Elliott after resident petition",84,4630000,4714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4&start=4630&end=4714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4/thumbnail_4630000.jpg","/articles/6175795/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Committee-to-evaluate-crosswalk-at-private-way-near-Elliott-after-resident-petition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175795-299e9946271a20f58d41fc652e22ef08/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392124&Signature=iNJL-oAhKSNOFJ1SYzNp~d2fP6UZMg8br85LbynRZBVAJuF2WdCFGian2fPuU8xumUArRUn-q31lFpxvxURw9ujUAZT4C8I7x1XUvlW1V~iRxDfCemgoEATTX-4x9DM3gGB3DlZlxQT5XqR27ecVVQaNxVpgBOvp5r--CYFdK9Lcn1A0o29TUfAWTaBOM6m~ObYyYM-2hgB8vmJx3ceTxLkbiFv6K~s-YVkryu~uDX2VPqfhGXPf2fqjl5uAKosw~8lM2GpYXv~175fIF8zDLXPKL91sIhyQZaKpg6oxFvfKUx0BcRfICGsKqSTMnGuh1qpE8rqMsicTHNuxV5lGjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation Safety Committee voted July 9 to evaluate installing a marked crosswalk at the northern path/driveway that many families use to reach Elliott School, a private‑way approach known in discussion as the Crane/Grain path. The study will consider whether the private way and owner permissions allow a formal marked crossing and whether the location meets safety and regulatory criteria.

Why it matters: parents described a “walking bus” of children who use a shortcut and asked for a safer crossing point rather than informal mid‑block crossings farther down Central Avenue. Petitioners said many students from Pine Grove, Wayne and surrounding streets use the path daily.

Committee action: a motion asking engineering to evaluate the crosswalk location, including private‑way coordination and whether the route is a recognized school route, passed by voice vote. Engineering staff said they will confirm ownership issues, ADA ramp needs, and sight‑distance constraints as part of the evaluation.

What comes next: engineering will report back on feasibility, any property‑owner permissions required, and potential costs and timing for a marked crossing or other safe‑route measures.","Town volunteers voted to evaluate establishing a crosswalk where a paved private way provides common pedestrian access to Elliott School; evaluation will include propertyowner coordination and safety checks.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6175800,"Needham panel asks engineers to study new crosswalk treatments, school-zone changes at Cedar and Central near Elliott School",2527,1176000,3703000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4&start=1176&end=3703","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5353028-805febc8401259a537bebc97f13741b4/thumbnail_1176000.jpg","/articles/6175800/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-panel-asks-engineers-to-study-new-crosswalk-treatments-school-zone-changes-at-Cedar-and-Central-near-Elliott-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175800-b568e0709273408586b1712c97b06de0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392124&Signature=HtaJDwXiq8ifdRErw5D9j~tjI8ZT0hqZEZT6XYh7N171HzxdJR2UNfUMTD5FzqjJx5xL8m6ACuD40AR3W~DrpKUWo-vnnY8K-g9YxXWbE8JMJY~AxwpS1Spcab4~kTsp4X-aY9~N9GgGwu~z6k6cDWfuuN-fefaJ2sECRo0jVqhuYVrmhqHJa1w2yDMMMylJ4DUTlZyBaprdIXOmQ1m4mPgOTrwqgTXpI1~sMKaBHFkbN~VwgHmIofxuUJRwRBUVYER03F-7ed~oiZmByeHkNJnMX7z3V4wwi~huAhM7DO8FHg97P1sbzmbDzNqHJKqEvTilPwj4amTeTNZc9XFKmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Needham Transportation Safety Committee voted July 9 to ask Town engineering, the Department of Public Works and mobility planning to study multiple traffic treatments at the Central Avenue–Cedar Street intersection serving Elliott School, including a pedestrian refuge island on Cedar Street, an RRFB (rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon) on the southwest corner that would actuate across the Cedar crossing, a school‑zone signage reassessment and possible flashing stop or turn‑yield signs.

Why it matters: residents and parents told the committee they regularly see drivers make fast turning movements at the three‑way intersection and reported monthly near misses involving children crossing to and from Elliott. Petitioner testimony described children crossing two separate crosswalks to reach the school and urged consolidation or other engineering fixes to reduce exposure.

Petitioners described the problem in detail. Resident Caitlin said: “This crosswalk is used daily by children to reach the Elliott School. The crosswalk that goes across Cedar Street lacks any warning system.” Resident Greg Geller said drivers “are making a really fast right” from Central and recorded “a lot of near misses.” State Senator Becca Rausch (speaking as a resident) urged the committee to identify statutory or policy changes that could support any recommended work.

Engineering staff said the committee faces regulatory and geometric limits at the location: a stop sign on Cedar places signage and sight‑line constraints near the driveway and existing poles; moving beacons or installing a second head would raise MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) compliance questions and might confuse drivers if both crossings flash together. Staff said some options are feasible and others would be “unorthodox,” and they recommended a feasibility study that would evaluate short‑, medium‑ and long‑term fixes and measure effects where appropriate.

Committee action: Chair Justin McCullen read a motion asking engineering, DPW and mobility planning to evaluate (1) a pedestrian refuge island on Cedar Street at Central, (2) feasibility of an RRFB on the southwest corner actuating the Cedar crossing, (3) a school‑zone reassessment around Elliott (including location and beaconing), and (4) feasibility of a flashing stop sign at Cedar and yield‑on‑turn signage for approaching vehicles. The motion also requested coordination with the Needham Police Department and the school department for enforcement and communications. The motion was approved by voice vote.

What comes next: engineering staff said they will return with a preliminary assessment and feasibility feedback; the committee asked for before‑and‑after speed and volume measures where pilot treatments are installed and for a communications plan to coordinate with the school and police before any signs are activated for the school year.","The Transportation Safety Committee voted July 9 to ask engineering and mobility planning to study pedestrian refuge islands, an RRFB on the southwest corner and a school‑zone reassessment at the Central/Cedar intersection near Elliott School after residents reported repeated near misses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Needham engineers report speed and volume results; ongoing truck study and speed‑cushion installations noted

Needham committee approves funding for LED crosswalk sign and RRFB work; discusses Honeywell striping pilot

Needham committee orders evaluation of 4‑way stop, vegetation trimming at Meadowbrook–Parish intersection after resident safety concerns

Committee to evaluate crosswalk at private way near Elliott after resident petition

Needham panel asks engineers to study new crosswalk treatments, school-zone changes at Cedar and Central near Elliott School