Planning board debates traffic and access as New Boston Street bridge and development pressures loom

Traffic and access issues tied to ongoing and planned infrastructure projects were a recurring topic at the Woburn City Planning Board meeting on Oct. 14.

Board members expressed concern that the new New Boston Street bridge could increase truck traffic into North Woburn and residential streets. Planning Director John said traffic routing is part of the city’s studies and noted that special permits for industrial park projects commonly include conditions requiring truck access to use Commerce Way and the bridge where feasible to limit impacts on residential roads.

John described engineering work intended to create more direct access to the Route 93 ramps and said the city is coordinating projects with the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and state partners. He acknowledged the measures will not eliminate all truck traffic but said the city will emphasize permit conditions to minimize residential impacts.

Board members also discussed the Washington Street opportunity analysis, which recently completed data collection and is moving into recommendation development; staff said a public meeting recording and consultant presentation are available and that recommendations should be ready in the coming months.

The Bedford Road/Cambridge Road intersection — described in the meeting as slated for a major improvement — is delayed while engineers redesign stormwater management systems after discovering a larger watershed than initially estimated. John said that redesign has extended the schedule but that the project is expected to move forward.

The board was reminded that the traffic commission meets monthly and that traffic issues can be brought to that forum; a meeting is scheduled for the coming Thursday. No regulatory changes or new special‑permit conditions were adopted at the Oct. 14 meeting; discussions focused on studies, coordination and enforcement through project permit conditions.