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Board requires crosswalk safety profiles, consultant says sight‑distance check is safety standard
Summary
Tetra Tech traffic consultant told the board that vertical and horizontal profiles and stopping‑sight distance calculations (AASHTO) are standard practice; the board required applicants to submit crosswalk profiles and sight‑triangle plans for staff review.
Courtney Sudak, traffic consultant from Tetra Tech, told the Zoning Board that pavement markings and signs are MUTCD‑compliant in general but that final installation and pavement markings are subject to the Town’s DPW review and MassDOT approvals where applicable. "It is MUTCD compliant… however, something like that, since it would be under the jurisdiction and maintenance of the town's DPW would be subject to their review and approval," Sudak said.
Sudak also explained why vertical profiles matter for a crosswalk: stopping sight distance calculations use a driver eye height and object height to determine whether a driver can perceive and stop for a pedestrian. "The stopping sight distance calculation is that the driver can perceive the object, react to it, compress the brake, and then come to a full and complete stop," she said. The board agreed to include a condition requiring submission of horizontal plans and vertical profiles showing sight triangles for the proposed crosswalk and driveway approaches so staff and peer reviewers can confirm visibility and safety before final approval of permits and building permits.
