Committee approves funding plan for crosswalk upgrades and pavement markings; adds one RRFB at Central and Cedar

The Needham Transportation Safety Committee voted Sept. 10 to commit funds from its account for several pedestrian-safety projects: pavement markings on Honeywell Street, and RRFB (rectangular rapid‑flash beacon) installations on Central/Cedar and Chestnut/Emerson crosswalk locations.

Committee staff reported proposed costs and prioritized work on sites where existing crossings or school access raised safety concerns. The committee agreed to fund about $3,000 for more durable (latex) pavement markings along Honeywell from Highlands to the Wellesley line. Members also authorized staff to procure and install a third RRFB at Central and Cedar (estimated around $8,000) and to proceed with RRFBs for Crane/Central and Chestnut/Emerson (budgeted at higher pair prices based on earlier procurements).

Nut graf: the committee balanced lower‑cost, near‑term interventions (markings and additional beacon) with higher‑cost crosswalk beacons already in the capital/budget pipeline and asked staff to refine final vendor quotes before purchase.

During the budget review staff outlined that permanent radar feedback signs cost roughly $8,500 each, the Cedar/Central RRFB is likely around $8,000, and pairs at school‑adjacent locations (Crane/Central and Emerson/Chestnut) are higher (estimates reflected prior installations). The committee approved funding for the pavement markings and the listed RRFBs; it removed one proposed radar sign purchase from immediate funding pending further review of effectiveness and trench/road conditions on specific streets.

Ending: DPW staff will seek final vendor quotes, confirm ADA ramp needs at each crosswalk and return with firm purchase orders and installation timelines.