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Committee orders intersection warning signs at Howland–Webster T-intersection after resident near-miss reports
Summary
After residents reported tight sightlines and a recent near-miss at the Howland–Webster T-intersection near the railroad bridge, the committee voted to install advance intersection warning signs on both approaches and to consider sidewalk/resurfacing work during a planned capital project.
The Transportation & Safety Committee voted July 8 to install intersection warning signs on both approaches to the Howland–Webster T-intersection, responding to residents’ concerns about limited visibility near the railroad bridge and several reported close calls.
Petitioner Avery Newton presented photos and described repeated near-miss incidents, saying she had “a real close call the other day,” and that seasonal leaf growth and a tree impede sightlines for drivers turning from the side street. Committee members discussed options including a convex mirror (typically allowed only on private property), trimming or transplanting the tree, and short-term signage.
Staff said the low-cost option is to install advance warning signs on both approaches and to reach out to the neighbor about trimming the tree; they also noted larger sidewalk and resurfacing work is being planned for the corridor and could address sightlines more permanently. The committee approved the motion to install signs on both sides and for DPW to assist neighbors in outreach; the motion passed on roll call.
Staff cautioned that mirrors are not favored because of glare risk and that geometric changes tied to the railroad right-of-way or MBTA property would be longer-term and more complex. The committee asked staff to include visibility concerns in the planned resurfacing and sidewalk project’s preliminary engineering.
