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Selectmen ask MassDOT for site visit after concerns about sidewalk at gas station
Summary
After residents and a selectman described a sidewalk that functions as a barrier to traffic at a local gas‑station intersection, the board agreed to ask MassDOT for standards and an on‑site visit to assess safety and grant impacts.
A selectman raised safety concerns about a sidewalk adjacent to a gas station that works as a barrier and creates risky driver behavior at a nearby intersection. The board discussed whether removing the sidewalk to widen the road would jeopardize a state grant; staff noted the consultant is hired by MassDOT and that the grant program’s intent discourages sidewalk removal but is not a regulation.
Members agreed staff should contact MassDOT to request clarification on standards for barriers between roads and gas stations and to see whether an on‑site inspection is possible. The board suggested possible interim measures such as installing planter islands as a physical barrier and agreed that a site visit would help reach a reasoned decision about widening the road or removing sidewalk segments.
The board directed the town administrator and staff to reach out to the state contact and to arrange a site meeting so residents and officials can review options before making a final determination.
