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Public raises pedestrian-safety concerns over Bourne Rotary design exception after reported injury
Summary
Public commenters told the MPO that a July 28, 2023 pedestrian injury near the Bourne Rotary preceded a MassDOT design exception that allows the Bourne Rotary Improvement Project to proceed without required crosswalks and pedestrian/bicycle facilities; the commenter requested MassDOT explain what the Highway Administrator knew before approving the exception.
During public comment at the MPO meeting, resident John York urged the MPO and MassDOT to address pedestrian safety at the Bourne Rotary and requested clarity about a MassDOT design exception.
York read a written statement alleging that a serious pedestrian injury occurred on Trowbridge Road near the Bourne Rotary on July 28, 2023, and that 10 days later, on Aug. 7, 2023, the Massachusetts Highway Administrator approved a Design Justification Workbook and a design exception allowing the Bourne Rotary Improvement Project to proceed without required crosswalks or pedestrian and bicycle facilities. York said the workbook failed to indicate the presence of the transit stop and existing sidewalks as required, and that residents had submitted repeated comments requesting pedestrian and bicycle accommodations between Dec. 1, 2022 and Aug. 1, 2023.
York asked MassDOT to specify what the Highway Administrator knew about the July 28 incident when approving the design exception and to provide the rationale for allowing the project to move forward without crosswalks. He framed the request as part of public-safety accountability, citing the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Nov. 14 as context for raising the issue.
In MassDOT’s District 5 update earlier in the meeting, Barbara Lachance reported that the Bourne Rotary Improvement Project bid was awarded to Lawrence Lynch, with Phase 2 at 100% and PSE (preliminary services estimate/phase) anticipated in January; she did not address the design-exception question during her briefing. MPO members and staff acknowledged the public comments and said they would relay concerns to MassDOT project staff and bridge program staff for follow-up.
York said he can provide additional documentation, including a police report, to support his account. The MPO did not take formal action on the design exception during the meeting; the comment was placed on the record and staff were asked to report back as appropriate.
