Commission approves Vision Zero demonstrations and new Second Street crosswalk with rapid-flashing beacons

The Traffic and Parking Commission voted to approve two tactical, temporary traffic-calming demonstrations under the city’s Vision Zero effort and to authorize a new crosswalk on Second Street with rectangular rapid-flashing beacons in coordination with the MBTA.

Sarah Hahn, project manager in Housing & Community Development, described a high-injury network analysis that identified Washington & Crescent and Webster & Summit as pilot locations. The plan calls for temporary painted treatments to narrow apparent lane width and brighten crosswalks; staff said the paint would be visible for several weeks and then fade, allowing the city to test whether optical, low-cost changes reduce vehicle speeds. Police will conduct speed studies — measuring 100 cars before and after the demonstration — and staff said community volunteers and local artists are invited to help paint the installations.

On Second Street, staff proposed relocating an existing bus stop and installing a new crosswalk equipped with rectangular rapid-flashing beacons. Hahn said the MBTA has reviewed the proposed relocation and that the new crossing is intended to improve safety for riders and pedestrians near Mystic Mall and nearby destinations. The commission approved both the tactical demonstrations and the Second Street crosswalk with the RRFBs.

Staff said the tactical demonstrations are scheduled for 09/07/2025 and will be monitored for effects on speeds and crossings. If the temporary treatments reduce speeds, staff will pursue more permanent engineering changes.