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Commission explores roundabout options, short-term pedestrian measures for Jackson Street–Prospect–Woodlawn intersection
Summary
Commissioners and residents described frequent near misses at the Jackson Street–Prospect Street–Woodlawn Avenue 4‑way intersection and asked staff to evaluate a geometrically feasible roundabout (including a "peanut" shape) while pursuing near-term measures to improve pedestrian visibility.
Northampton commissioners, residents and staff on March 18 focused attention on the four-way intersection of Jackson Street, Prospect Street and Woodlawn Avenue, describing frequent near misses for pedestrians and bicyclists and asking the city's engineering consultant to pursue feasibility work on a roundabout while the commission explores short-term safety measures.
Director Donna LaScalia said survey work is already under way and preliminary results indicate some form of roundabout or unconventional roundabout may be geometrically possible without taking private property. "We have to make sure, is this even geometrically possible?" she said. The city's consultants are examining topography and curb geometry to determine options.
Chief John Cartlidge summarized collision and speed data: a five-year analysis for the Jackson–Prospect–Woodlawn intersection identified seven collisions (six involving two vehicles and one involving a vehicle and a bicyclist); a broader five-year review for Jackson Street reported 12 collisions with six occurring at Barrett Street. A covert speed study (Aug. 15–21, 2024) measured 36,085 vehicles on Jackson Street with an average speed of 31 mph and an 85th-percentile speed of 34.1 mph on a posted 30-mph street.
Residents and commissioners described multiple causes and potential remedies. Gina, a nearby resident, said motorists often focus on whose turn it is at the four-way stop and miss pedestrians in crosswalks. "The drivers don't see cyclists even if they're right next to them at the stop sign," she said. Charlotte Corston and others requested short-term improvements to increase pedestrian visibility, including flashing lights at crossings.
Commissioners discussed trial treatments such as pedestrian markers in the roadway, temporary curb extensions or flexible barriers, and pavement changes. Director LaScalia said the city will redeploy pedestrian markers across town once winter operations conclude and that staff could trial barriers and neckdowns in warmer months. Commissioner Randy Sailor suggested testing curb extensions at the four corners to narrow vehicle entry widths and increase pedestrian visibility.
Some commissioners cautioned that a roundabout can change vehicle behavior and that crossings must be designed so motorists yield to pedestrians; Commissioner Devin Bruce noted that roundabouts may result in higher travel speeds compared with a stop-controlled intersection and urged careful design.
The commission asked staff to continue the consultant survey and return with engineering renderings and a range of short- and long-term options; staff said they expect renderings this summer. No construction or regulatory action was taken at the March 18 meeting.
