Needham staff propose permanent radar signs and sign relocations on South Street; Chestnut/South bicycle detection sign to be moved

Town traffic staff presented a detailed sign plan for South Street and the Chestnut Street intersection, recommending several targeted sign relocations and the installation of permanent solar radar speed signs at selected locations.

Staff said a speed study on Canterbury Lane showed an 85th percentile speed in the high 30s mph, prompting a proposal for permanent radar speed sign installations where solar exposure and pole placement permit. Staff identified a bare patch on a utility pole at Canterbury Lane that could accept a solar radar sign; staff also said the location near a stone wall offers unobstructed sun exposure.

At Chestnut and South, staff recommended moving a cyclist instruction sign closer to the corner and away from tree branches that currently obscure the message, and trimming vegetation where necessary. Staff also proposed replacing an offset side‑street sign with a brighter yellow version and changing a horizontal alignment sign to a chevron‑with‑tail symbol to better match the geometry of approaching drivers’ sight lines.

Staff said a traffic counter placed on Cary Road to measure truck traffic and speeds was damaged by a town street sweeper and will be redeployed; results are expected to be available by the committee’s November meeting.

Committee members asked staff to confirm whether solar radar signs will be sited where they will receive sufficient sunlight and to verify whether any utility pole relocations would be required before installation. Staff said they will coordinate pole requirements with utility owners and include recommended placements in the packet for the Select Board presentation on stop‑sign regulations and related traffic measures.

No committee vote was held on the sign plan; staff will include the plan as part of broader Select Board materials.