Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears CDTA plan to improve safety at 5 Corners intersection
Summary
CDTA and engineering consultants presented a Transportation Alternatives Program-funded redesign for the 3rd Street/4th Ave/Kellogg/Church “5 Corners” intersection focused on pedestrian safety, driveway consolidation, and a potential rapid-flashing beacon; construction is planned for spring and funded by the TAP grant and developer escrow.
CDTA representatives and the project engineer told the council they see persistent sight-line and turning conflicts at the informal 5 Corners intersection and proposed curb realignments, defined stop bars and crosswalks, and landscaping to channelize traffic.
"Our main focus on this project is to improve the pedestrian access and safety through this route," said Kyle Gensler, the lead engineer on the project with Lobello Associates. The presentation outlined potential curb extensions, two landscaped curb-buildouts, consolidation of driveways for the adjacent gas stations and accommodations for large truck and bus turns, and an RRFB (rectangular rapid-flashing beacon) on the northeast corner as a visual crossing cue for pedestrians.
Emily Lockham of CDTA said the agency began service in the area in August 2022 and has adjusted routes; she described continuing outreach to landowners and businesses at the corner and said the project timeline anticipates construction next spring and through the following summer, subject to final design and grant obligations.
Mike Williams, CDTA director of planning, noted the project is funded via a state Transportation Alternatives award and developer escrow for on-site work; he added the team will coordinate drainage basins and National Grid pole relocations as needed. Council members asked about accident history and work-zone phasing; the engineer said accident rates were slightly higher than the statewide average for comparable intersections and that night work and other phasing strategies could limit daytime disruption.
The council did not vote on the design at the meeting; staff said they will continue outreach to businesses, finalize final design details and return to council with materials and timeline updates.
