Prior Sign Requests and Updates
Traffic signs are a critical component of vehicle and pedestrian safety. The style, size, location, and use of traffic signs is heavily regulated by both State and Federal standards, see important links. One additional factor to consider is referred to as "sign clutter." This most often occurs in urban or conjested settings where there are so many signs placed that drivers neglect to notice them.
| Date of Inquiry: 03/03/2021 |
| Question: Wilson Road intersects with Adams Rd and Hamilton Rd and there is no stop signs on any of the 4 corners. I know not a heavily traffic area but with kids and bikes and pedestrians walking if someone is not familiar with the area it really is an accident waiting to happen. |
| Response: We are aware that pedestrian and bicycle travel is on the rise during this time when so many families are spending more time at home and now that the weather is getting warmer even more people are going outside and traveling around their neighborhoods. Traffic engineers, municipalities and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) are required to follow the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Standard Municipal Traffic Code (MUTCD) when installing signs or other restrictions on streets in the Commonwealth. The MUTCD specifically recommends against installing 4 way stop signs in locations such as this, unless they are temporary until a traffic signal can be authorized and installed. As you indicated, this intersection is not in a heavy traffic area and as such stop signs are not warranted. The Public Works Director will review the intersection and clear away any tree branches that may be obstructing a driver’s view of the intersection. |
| Date of Inquiry: 03/30/2021 |
| Question: When will the additional signs be put up across the street from Amazon/FedEx directing them to 495, Rt. 290, Rt. 90, Rt. 9? |
| Response: The signs that are planned to be installed across the street from the Amazon/FedEx driveway are being proposed by Amazon. I had a meeting with their representatives on March 22nd and provided them with the required permit documentation at that time. We have not yet received permit applications for the work. |
| Date of Inquiry: 04/09/2021 |
| Question: I live at XX East Main St, which is the corner of East Main and Warren Dr. There is no stop sign and I would like to request one be added. |
| Response: Thank you for contacting the town through the DPW email link. We are aware that pedestrian and bicycle travel is on the rise during this time when so many families are spending more time at home and now that the weather is getting warmer.
Traffic engineers, municipalities and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) are required to follow the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Standard Municipal Traffic Code (MUTCD) when installing signs or other restrictions on streets in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Amendments to MUTCD, Section 10A-4 Stop Signs specifically states “The purpose of the Stop Sign is to designate right-of-way to vehicles making conflicting movements. It is not intended, nor shall it be used for the control of speed, traffic calming or to forestall pedestrian, rear-end or turning movement accidents. To insure uniformity in stop sign studies and recommendations, the warrants as provided in the 2009 MUTCD, Section 2B.05 will govern”. Section 2B.05 of the MUTCD indicates a Stop sign should only be installed at locations where a full stop is necessary at all times and Section 2B.06 of the MUTCD provides Stop Sign Application guidelines as “The use of STOP signs on the minor-street approaches should be considered if engineering judgment indicates that a stop is always required because of one or more of the following conditions: A. The vehicular traffic volumes on the through street or highway exceed 6,000 vehicles per day; B. A restricted view exists that requires road users to stop in order to adequately observe conflicting traffic on the through street or highway; and/or C. Crash records indicate that three or more crashes that are susceptible to correction by the installation of a STOP sign have been reported within a 12-month period, or that five or more such crashes have been reported within a 2-year period. Such crashes include right-angle collisions involving road users on the minor-street approach failing to yield the right-of-way to traffic on the through street or highway.”
In this case Warren Drive would be considered the minor street, it does not appear the criteria above are met for a stop sign at this location and a full stop at all times is not required. |
Date of Inquiry: 10/03/2022 |
Question: Where Talbot Road meets Beeman Road. Talbot road is almost a 90° angle and drivers turning onto Beeman go straight across without even realizing they need check for oncoming traffic. It should probably be a 3 way stop. |
Response: Traffic control devices such as stop signs are regulated by several entities including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
The FHWA’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states that multi-way stops are used where the following is met: - Volume of traffic on intersecting roads are approximately equal, and - The major street volume averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and - The minor street volume averages at least 200 vehicles per hour for the same 8 hours, or - 80% of the aforementioned are met and there are 5 or more reported crashes within 12-months that would have been corrected with multiway stops.
There was one reported vehicle accident from 2013 to 2016 and one from 2017 to 2022.
MassDOT has an amendment to MUTCD that is specific to the Massachusetts which states in Section 10A-4 “the purpose of the Stop Sign is to designate right-of-way to vehicles making conflicting movements. It is not intended, nor shall it be used for the control of speed, traffic calming or to forestall pedestrian, rear-end or turning movement accidents. To ensure uniformity in stop sign studies and recommendations, the warrants as provided in the 2009 MUTCD, Section 2B.05 will govern. Stop Signs shall be located as provided in Section 2B.06 of the same. Multi-way Stop Signs must meet the warrant criteria as outlined in Section 2B.07 of the 2009 MUTCD.”
Beaman Road is currently stop controlled at the intersection with Talbot Road, the through road. Stop controls on Talbot Road are not warranted based upon the regulations outlined herein. |