Commission approves timed flashing beacons and school-zone limits for Lawrence Street with notification and accessibility conditions

On April 22 the Framingham Traffic Commission approved school-zone designations that include timed flashing beacons for Lawrence Street and related crossings, adding language to ensure DPW addresses accessible sidewalks and notifies nearby residents before installation.

Commissioner Lincoln argued for flashing beacons rather than static signs; DPW staff said timed beacons would operate during morning and afternoon school periods and would reduce the posted speed from 30 mph to 20 mph during those intervals. City Councilor Lee R. Malik (District 7) asked that residents living adjacent to the installations be notified in advance. "If something like that was gonna be installed on my street... residents should know that that's happening," Malik said.

A motion to approve the school zones, with amendments requiring notification to abutters and consideration of ADA-compliant sidewalks where work is required, was moved and seconded and passed by roll call vote. DPW said notification could take the form of door hangings or a variable-message sign and that the department would develop a standard operating procedure for when residents are notified of such installations.

DPW emphasized the beacons would not flash at night and would operate only during specified school start and end times. The commission also directed DPW to evaluate crosswalk placement and ADA compliance as part of the implementation; that work could delay portions of the installation where curb or sidewalk work is needed.

The vote authorizes DPW to proceed with the timed-school-zone beacons subject to the accessibility review and a notification plan for nearby residents.