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TSAB questions ADA crossing and overpass plowing, suggests lane striping to slow parkway traffic
Summary
Board members raised concerns that a new ADA-compliant pedestrian crossing and a pedestrian overpass may not be maintained in winter, which could reduce year-round pedestrian safety. A member proposed removing or restriping the third lane on the parkway approach to reduce vehicle speeds.
Board members reviewed recent ADA improvements and a pedestrian overpass at the parkway and raised concerns about winter maintenance and lighting that could affect year-round pedestrian safety.
One TSAB member noted the ADA-compliant path and overpass may not be plowed by the state and said snow accumulation could render the crossing unusable in winter, potentially increasing risky crossings at-grade. The board discussed whether the school district or town might assume maintenance responsibility and asked staff to seek written clarification from state DOT on plowing responsibilities for the ADA crossing and overpass.
Members also discussed lighting and reflective materials at the crossing and how those features affected apparent brightness. A separate proposal from a board member suggested restriping the parkway’s approach lanes — removing the third through lane on the overpass approach between Love Road and Bridal Road — to reduce speeds by removing the straight three-lane funnel that encourages higher speeds.
“If you strike that third lane, you strike that third lane, you see him doing it on a sidewalk, a slowdown speed,” said a board member urging the lane change. Members asked staff to draft a written proposal describing the striping option, anticipated safety benefits and the engineering or DOT approvals that would be needed.
No formal board vote was taken. The board directed staff to request a written statement from state DOT about winter maintenance responsibilities for the ADA crossing and overpass and to draft a lane‑striping proposal for review at a future meeting.
