Woburn traffic commission denies petition for Burlington Street northbound no-right-turn restriction after lengthy debate

The Woburn Traffic Commission on Oct. 16 denied a petition to prohibit northbound right turns from Burlington Street onto Thistle Road between 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Monday through Friday, after commissioners expressed concerns that the restriction would push traffic onto adjacent residential streets and questioned enforcement and timing while nearby signal work remains incomplete.

Commissioners and staff said the petitioner could not attend the meeting. Commissioners discussed whether adding the restriction would merely divert traffic to other nearby roads. The commission’s law enforcement representative, Sergeant Stokes, said “the ‘residents only’ is not enforceable,” and that time-limit signs are enforceable but would still affect residents. Commissioners also noted ongoing construction and upcoming signal work at Mountain Road that could change traffic patterns once completed.

The item generated prolonged procedural discussion. Members initially moved to place the petition on file; several commissioners participated in a reconsideration and withdrawal of prior motions before a new motion to deny the request was made and approved by voice vote. The commission recorded the final outcome as denied.

The commission discussed enforcement and neighborhood impacts but did not direct staff to seek additional traffic counts or studies at this meeting. Commissioners said they would expect the petitioner to return if new information or construction changes altered traffic patterns.

The denial leaves the existing traffic patterns unchanged; no new restriction will be posted on Burlington Street at this time. The item’s paperwork and the petition remain part of the commission’s records.

The commission’s next regular meeting will address other pending signage petitions and an item sent forward to the city council earlier in the session.