MassDOT says Park Street signal unlikely; committee weighs alternatives, scheduling outreach and signage ahead of tree clearing

Project staff told the Stoughton School Building Committee on Feb. 26 that MassDOT reviewed the project's traffic study and indicated a conventional traffic signal at Park Street is unlikely to be "warranted at this time." Eric Rubin told the group the data the town provided does not meet MassDOT's warrant criteria as measured over an eight-hour period, and that the team will pursue alternatives and design infrastructure so a signal could be added later if warranted.

"Based on this meeting, it sounds like it's unlikely that a traffic signal...is gonna be warranted at this time for this particular project," Rubin said. He and the design team described potential alternatives to improve pedestrian safety: flashing pedestrian crossing devices, flashing school-zone speed signs that reduce the speed limit to 20 mph during school hours, temporary police detail or crossing guards during arrival and dismissal, and other lower-impact traffic-control devices that MassDOT may approve.

Committee members expressed concern about bus movements and sight lines at the Park Street approach. Jake Doer and others urged continued study and noted that if the town eventually extends Steffano Way to Sumner Street, traffic projections could change and might then meet MassDOT warrants. Carl (engineer) said the town will "put in the infrastructure in for a light" where possible so future installation would not require major reconstruction.

On permitting and design, DRA and the project team reported that the planning board asked the project to use standard 9-by-19 parking spaces rather than 9-by-18 to avoid a waiver process, and that conservation requested additional wetlands field verification and flagged one culvert that may need replacement consistent with Riverfront Protection Act considerations. These reviews are expected to continue into March but were not judged to derail the 90% document schedule.

For outreach, the committee discussed a public forum (virtual or hybrid) in late March or early April, coordination with the redistricting schedule, and regular monthly updates. The committee requested that a construction/project sign be installed on Park Street no later than April 1; Bethany (Vertex) and the team agreed to design and install a simplified sign and post. The team also said that early enabling/tree-clearing is targeted for April and that abutters will receive advance notice, including for blasting activities that will require separate notifications.

Upcoming steps: the team will continue traffic alternatives analysis for MassDOT, proceed with 90% documents and early trade procurements, finalize a public forum date and format, design the Park Street sign for April installation, and notify abutters before tree clearing begins.