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Wakefield administrators, public-safety officials discuss traffic, construction and campus safety near Hemlock and Farm streets
Summary
A district-construction safety meeting reviewed speed tables installed last year and confirmed new speed tables on Hemlock Road; administrators also flagged construction parking and an upcoming road alignment project that could affect the Woodville/high school campus.
School and town officials told the Wakefield School Committee on Tuesday they met with construction managers, police, DPW and project management staff to review safety on the high-school/Woodville campus and adjacent streets as the year begins.
What was discussed: The construction-safety meeting reviewed last year’s traffic-control measures (including speed tables on Farm Street) and the group agreed to install speed tables on Hemlock Road this year. Officials discussed crossing-guard placement at the Hemlock/Farm intersection, potential flashing beacons or increased signage and the need to remind drivers to slow down while students arrive and depart. The committee was told there had been prior incidents, including a construction worker struck in a construction lot and a bicyclist seriously injured in a past year’s incident.
Construction and parking impacts: Administrators said construction parking has displaced some student parking; about 100 construction parking spaces are staged in the pit and the district is working with law enforcement and the project team to manage where construction staff and students park. The committee asked about a town council action to move a telephone pole as part of a road-straightening or intersection-alignment project; administrators said they will request the project manager and architects provide updates at a future meeting.
Why it matters: The roadway and construction activity directly affect student arrival and dismissal safety and access to school facilities. Committee members pressed for further details on timing and traffic impacts so families can plan accordingly.
Ending: Administrators said they will follow up with a construction update, include the project manager or architect at a future meeting for more details, and continue to coordinate with police, DPW and project-management staff on crossing guards, signage and temporary parking arrangements.
