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MassDOT consultant, city staff recommend and committee approves all‑way stop at June Street and Hadwin
Summary
After a MassDOT‑sponsored independent analysis documented a multi‑year crash history, Worcester’s Parking and Traffic Committee approved installing all‑way stop control at June Street and Hadwin/Brownell. Staff said the change will operate at acceptable levels of service and include enhanced warning signage and temporary enforcement.
The Parking and Traffic Committee voted Sept. 17 to approve installation of an all‑way stop at the intersection of June Street and Hadwin/Brownell following a MassDOT consultant study that found the control warranted because of a sustained crash history.
"In the last three years there've been eight crashes at this location," Commissioner Todd Raleigh said, summarizing the consultant’s findings. The independent analysis also modeled traffic operations and found that a new all‑way stop would operate at a level‑of‑service C or better during peak hours; the June‑Street approach would remain within an acceptable level of service even after the change.
Residents testifying to the committee described frequent speeding and a history of serious crashes. Michael Marquis, a Worcester resident who previously petitioned on the same corridor, told the committee he had nearly been struck while walking and that he had previously requested speed control measures there.
City staff and the consultant emphasized that stop signs are not a general remedy for speeding, but in this location the crash pattern and sight‑distance limitations made always‑stop control an appropriate countermeasure. "Among the issues that I heard, speakers bring up were concerns about speeding," the commissioner said. "The stop signs are merited because of the crash history, and the crashes being susceptible to correction by this type of treatment as well as the sight distance limitations."
Installation will include conspicuous hardware funded through the MassDOT program: solar‑powered LED rims around stop signs, advance 'Stop Ahead' warnings on all approaches, and temporary variable‑message signage to alert drivers to the new pattern. The committee also requested targeted police enforcement during the initial deployment window.
Why it matters
The intersection serves as a corridor with heavy vehicular flow and pedestrian crossings; the consultant found that the crash history and sight‑distance limitations are likely to benefit from an all‑way stop rather than lower‑cost treatments alone. The committee judged the tradeoff — some added delay for drivers during peak hours — acceptable given expected safety gains.
Speakers
- Commissioner Todd Raleigh, Department of Transportation & Mobility (staff) - Michael Marquis, Worcester resident (public commenter) - Councilor Donna Calorio, Chair, Parking and Traffic Committee (committee) - Sergeant Cipro, Worcester Police Department (traffic enforcement)
Authorities
- MassDOT consultant warrant and traffic analysis (independent study provided to DTM)
Clarifying details
- Crash history: consultant documented eight crashes in three years prior to the study at June & Hadwin. - Speed study: consultant measured 5th/85th percentile speeds showing 85th percentile ~37 mph on the corridor, above the posted 25 mph. - Level of service: projected LOS C overall, LOS D on June Street during peak approach with all‑way stop control; within acceptable urban environment thresholds.
Provenance
- topicintro: Public testimony and initial resident comments (transcript timecode ~00:41:32). - topfinish: Committee motion to accept staff recommendation to approve all‑way stop and signage (transcript timecode ~01:16:55).
