City engineer: MassDOT program eyes rectangular flashing beacon near Metcalf; committee keeps item on table

City Engineer Matthew Sokop told the Holyoke City joint committee on Aug. 14 that MassDOT’s Vulnerable Road User Program has identified one location for a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) on Northampton Street, reported in the communication as 2044 Northampton Street. Sokop said a consultant is finalizing plans and that the plans would be available in late August.

Councilor David Bartley, the order’s maker, and other committee members raised locally specific questions about the street number and exact crosswalk location. Bartley noted two school-area crosswalks used by students near what residents commonly call the Metcalf area: the one by the DAM Cafe/Opportunity Academy (northern crosswalk) and a second crosswalk closer to Myrtle and Northampton. Several members said the primary crosswalk adjacent to the Opportunity Academy is presently supervised by school staff and teachers rather than by paid crossing guards, and that the other crosswalk lacks a mid-crosswalk sign that had been removed and not replaced.

Matthew Sokop’s memo — read into the record — stated the consultant is finalizing plans based on city feedback and expects plan availability in late August. Members asked the city engineer to return with an update and discussed asking state legislators to help expedite the MassDOT process given the proximity to the start of school.

The committee voted to take the item off the table for discussion but then moved to keep it on the table pending the MassDOT consultant’s plan and an installation schedule. The committee recorded that an update should be provided at a future meeting when plans are finalized.