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Woburn traffic commission directs DPW to make local safety fixes, tables larger projects
Summary
At its Nov. 21 meeting the Woburn commission approved several targeted safety actions — including marking one parking pocket at 77 Wind Street and directing DPW to investigate striping and reflective improvements at several intersections — while tabling larger changes pending MassDOT or solicitor review.
WOBURN — The city’s traffic commission on Nov. 21 approved a series of local, low‑cost safety measures and asked staff for additional study on larger infrastructure changes.
Commissioners voted to have the Department of Public Works mark one pocket parking space at 77 Wind Street, rather than impose a short (20‑minute) limit, after DPW staff recommended a two‑hour restriction to match adjacent regulations and police cautioned a short limit could spread to neighboring businesses. A voice vote approved the pocket‑space marking.
The commission also directed Public Works to investigate fresh striping, painted stop lines and reflective edging or LED enhancements at the File/Garfield intersection after resident petitioner Tony Johnson said drivers frequently fail to stop while dropping off children near nearby Shamrock Elementary School. "All it takes is one crash," Johnson said, describing repeated near‑misses while walking and driving the area.
Other actions included approving a second reading to add a stop at Burlington Street southbound at Brandt Drive for submission to the city council; asking DPW to cut brush and straighten an existing blind‑driveway sign on Forest Park Road and to report back; and referring a request to expand the St. Charles Elementary school‑zone flashing signs to January so staff can locate the approved plan and confirm distances (permit B116 is cited as the approved plan reference).
On several items the commission opted to delay formal changes. A petition for a pedestrian crossing/traffic light at Rees Elementary School was tabled pending MassDOT approval and identification of a funding mechanism. Evans Street, a narrow, steep way that commissioners were told is currently unaccepted/private, was referred to the city solicitor for an opinion on what signage or controls the city may lawfully place on a private way; DPW/engineering were also asked to research options and report in January.
Residents at Water Street Extension requested speed signage and fixes to a partially obscured stop sign at Robinson/Robertson. After staff presented average speed data and commissioners noted heavy pedestrian use near the pond, the commission directed Superintendent Duran to straighten the stop sign, add a painted stop line, evaluate enlarging the ‘not a through way’ sign and cut back shrubs to improve visibility.
The meeting included multiple public commenters and routine motions to table items until the January meeting or to send issues to MassDOT, the city solicitor, or DPW for follow‑up. The commission also voted to cancel the Dec. 19, 2024 meeting.
Why it matters: the actions reflect a preference for targeted, operational fixes (signage, striping, vegetation management and modest pavement markings) before committing to major traffic‑control changes such as four‑way stops or altered speed limits, which require engineering warrants, state review or two readings plus City Council approval.
What’s next: Staff were asked to report back at the commission’s January meeting on the results of DPW inspections, proposed striping or signage locations, and the solicitor’s opinion on private‑way signage for Evans Street.
Quotes from the meeting: "All it takes is one crash," petitioner Tony Johnson said of the File/Garfield intersection. David Jamieson, whose children attend St. Charles, said drivers "are going faster and faster" in the school zone and asked the commission to consider expanding the flashing signs.
Votes at a glance: DPW to mark one pocket space at 77 Wind Street — approved (voice). Table Micharam Road special permit to next meeting — approved (voice). Table Rees Elementary crossing pending MassDOT — approved (voice). Direct DPW to investigate striping/reflective measures at File/Garfield — approved (voice). Approve Burlington at Brandt stop sign for second reading to City Council — approved (voice, one opposed). Ask DPW to cut shrubbery and straighten blind‑driveway sign on Forest Park and lay on table for January — approved (voice). Continue St. Charles school‑zone work to January to review plan B116 — approved (voice). Request solicitor opinion and DPW/engineering review for Evans Street private‑way signage — approved (voice). Direct Superintendent to straighten stop sign/add stop line/trim shrubs on Water Street/Robertson Way — approved (voice). Cancel Dec. 19, 2024 meeting — approved (voice).
(Article prepared from the Nov. 21 meeting transcript and the commission’s motions and votes; staff reports and engineering plans were referenced during discussion and are expected to appear on the January agenda.)
