Commission approves pedestrian signs and stronger crosswalk marking at Wind and Franklin streets

The Woburn Traffic Commission voted to install pedestrian crossing signs and increase crosswalk painting at the Wind Street and Franklin Street intersection after a petitioner described a collision while crossing.

Cheryl Stewart, a Franklin Street resident, told commissioners she and her grandchildren had been struck by a car while using the crosswalk near the library and playground. Stewart asked for a flashing pedestrian beacon; commissioners said flashing beacons require higher traffic or technical review and could be considered later, but they regarded additional signage and ladder crosswalk paint as immediate, lower‑cost steps.

Commission members and staff reviewed existing crosswalks on Wind Street and agreed several could benefit from ladder‑style markings and additional signage. One commissioner said an overuse of flashing beacons can reduce their effectiveness, and staff noted the city is already prioritizing several pedestrian improvement locations. The commission voted to install two pedestrian crossing signs and to increase the crosswalk painting at the requested location.

Ending: The commission instructed staff to place the signs and schedule enhanced crosswalk paint; commissioners signaled openness to evaluating flashing beacons later as part of a broader pedestrian-safety program.