Traffic staff say Merrimack/North Maple/East Dexter intersection is on Complete Streets list; no short‑term fixes planned

The Woburn Traffic Commission reviewed a resident request for traffic safety improvements at the intersection of Merrimack Street, North Maple Street and East Dexter Avenue and was told the location is on the city’s Complete Streets list but that an immediate fix is unlikely.

Petitioner Jennifer O’Dowry described drivers drifting from Merrimack onto East Dexter and asked whether a flashing sign or other treatments were possible. City staff said the intersection is one of many irregular intersections identified for Complete Streets evaluation and that planners have proposed curb bump-outs and paint treatments on paper but that recent repaving and the need to maintain bus circulation limit options.

Staff said possible long‑term concepts include curb bump‑outs, reconfiguring approaches to create a one‑in/one‑out flow, or adding a sidewalk along Merrimack as part of future projects. Short‑term options such as painted treatments could be considered, but staff cautioned that painted lane delineations can be ineffective when drivers ignore them and that removing recently paved road surface is generally not desirable.

Commissioners placed the item on file for review as part of the Complete Streets program and said the intersection will be revisited at future quarterly consultant meetings.

Ending: The request remains on the Complete Streets priority list; staff will share designs with the petitioner at a future meeting and will revisit improvements when utility work or sidewalk projects create an opportunity for reconfiguration.