Residents press commission over blind driveway and crosswalk visibility on Forest Park Road; commission orders new reflective blind-drive sign and DPW review of

A group of residents told the Traffic Commission on July 16 that a blind driveway and a crosswalk on Forest Park Road (between Thomas Street and Boyd Road) create recurrent safety hazards. A resident who lives on Boyd Road showed photos and video in the meeting and asked for updated signage, speed awareness devices and enforcement.

Todd Simon, a petitioner from 6 Boyd Road, told the commission the existing blind-drive sign is “pretty dated and tiny.” He described frequent near-misses at the crossing and said the roadway curves and bridge structures limit sight lines. “There’s probably only about 20 yards between the Boyd Road sign and the last barrier of the bridge behind it,” he said.

Commission staff reported Superintendent Duran and Engineer Corey inspected the site. Staff said DPW would recommend installing an updated blind-drive sign with reflective tape and would evaluate placing miles-per-hour signage in both directions; brush in an easement owned by MassDOT would require MassDOT approval for further cutting back. “That blind driveway sign is pretty dated and tiny,” the petitioner said; staff confirmed they would replace it.

Commissioner motions passed to replace the blind-drive sign on the northbound approach to Route 95 before the bridge and to send a communication instructing Superintendent Duran to inspect the curb cut and consider installing pedestrian crosswalk signage once ADA/curb-cut compliance is assessed. Commissioners also discussed potential relocation of the crosswalk to improve sight lines, but no relocation was ordered at the meeting.

The commission did not set a construction timeline; DPW and engineering will review curb-cut requirements and MassDOT jurisdiction for brush removal and report back to the commission.