Task Force hears updates on Church Street, crosswalks, sidewalks and a proposed all‑way stop at Route 28/Depot

Task force members spent substantial time on planned pedestrian and bicycle improvements, requests for crosswalk repainting and a MassDOT‑led test at the Route 28/Depot intersection.

Chair (S1) reminded the group that the town is seeking public input for a comprehensive plan update that touches on sidewalks and speed issues. Staff (S8) described current and upcoming work: repainting faded crosswalk markings on Route 134 as part of scheduled line work, a complete‑streets grant that will fund sidewalks down Old Dennis approach and improvements to signals and sidewalks in targeted sections, and the practical constraint that a new crosswalk at Town Hall requires accessible sidewalk connections on all four corners.

Members also discussed Church Street, where residents asked for additional 25‑mph signage. Staff said the town adopted a townwide 25‑mph prima facie standard and is trying to avoid duplicate signage; members agreed to inspect locations and report back.

On a separate safety item, staff reported that MassDOT reviewed the road safety audit recommendations for the Route 28 and Depot intersection and proposed an all‑way stop with LED signs and variable message boards as a test this fall; staff said a permanent signal would be a longer TIP process. The task force endorsed following up with MassDOT and public notification if the all‑way stop is installed.

Members invited a community bicyclist to prepare a presentation comparing Dennis to neighboring towns on signage and bicycle safety and to circulate it through staff and DPW prior to Select Board consideration.

Next steps: staff will add crosswalk repainting to upcoming line work, continue sidewalk project planning under the complete‑streets grant, follow up with MassDOT on the Route 28/Depot proposal and review the bicyclist presentation once submitted to staff.