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Commission approves quick‑build safety fixes on Broadway and bus‑boarding changes at Bellingham Square; tables Summit Avenue speed item
Summary
DPW will install quick‑build lane changes and flexible posts near Milh Hill Fire Station, and MBTA/H&TB‑led curb changes will restrict a right turn to create three bus berths at Bellingham Square; the Summit Avenue speed‑calming request was tabled pending resident time‑of‑day information.
The Chelsea City Traffic and Parking Commission approved a set of near‑term, quick‑build changes on Broadway to improve fire station access and cyclist safety and accepted a design proposal to reconfigure curb geometry at Bellingham Square to create space for three bus berths.
Jordan Moda, assistant city engineer with the Department of Public Works, told the commission the DPW plans to remove a turning pocket in front of the Milh Hill Fire Station using temporary and low‑cost materials (black tape or paint), adjust gore lines and add flexible posts so bicyclists remain within the travel lane and so vehicles do not encroach on the fire apparatus entrance.
"...place some black tape or black paint... take away the turning pocket..." Moda said, describing the quick‑build approach to keep bikes in‑lane and reduce turning conflicts that have complicated station exits.
Separately, a representative for the MBTA/H&TB and project design team presented curb‑line tightening at Bellingham Square tied to a planned downtown Broadway reconstruction. Because the new curb geometry would create a tight turning conflict for large vehicles, the team proposed restricting the right turn from Washington Avenue onto Fifth Street and reallocating that space for three bus berths to improve transit boarding and pedestrian crossings. Commissioners discussed advance signage to notify drivers and approved the changes.
The commission also considered a communication from a councilor about resident reports of speeding on Summit Avenue. Police staff said they would deploy enforcement and can place speedometer displays by schedule if warranted, but asked the councilor to provide resident contacts and time‑of‑day details. Commissioners voted to table the broader Summit Avenue traffic‑calming item until September to allow staff to gather more specific data and resident input.
All actions were approved by voice votes; staff will coordinate implementation timing and signage with relevant departments and notify residents where appropriate.
