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Council directs public works to investigate left‑turn signal at Marginal and Pearl streets
Summary
Councilor Cooper successfully moved for the city manager to direct the commissioner of public works to investigate the lack of a dedicated left‑turn signal at the intersection of Marginal and Pearl streets, after residents and the councilor reported congestion and difficulty making the turn.
The City Council directed the city manager to instruct the commissioner of public works to investigate traffic signal operations at the intersection of Marginal and Pearl streets, specifically the absence of a dedicated left‑turn signal for drivers approaching Chelsea from the Meridian Street Bridge.
Councilor Cooper, who introduced the order, said he has received multiple complaints that drivers cannot make the left turn and that the absence of the arrow creates congestion and safety concerns. "There seems to be a lot of congestion because of this. I got a lot of calls, people telling me they can't turn," Cooper said during the meeting. He asked that the city find how the issue can be fixed.
The motion to direct the commissioner of public works was adopted under suspension with no objections recorded in the transcript. The council did not provide a specific deadline in the meeting record; the transcript indicates the commissioner will evaluate signal mechanics and whether dedicated phasing or other short‑term pavement or curb alignment changes could help.
The item creates a staff assignment for the public-works department to report findings and potential fixes back to the council or appropriate committee for further action.
