By Debra Parkhurst
VHB consultants Tim McIntosh, Laura Castelli, and Trish Domigan presented an update on The Great Road Design Project at the Selectmen’s meeting on March 13. Town Engineer Adrienne St. John explained that this project is an outgrowth of The Great Road Master Plan of 2011.
Design for The Great Road continues in phases. Construction of Phase one, including The Great Road at the intersection of South and Springs, and signals at the Fire Station,is complete. Construction is underway for the Great Road at Mudge Way, including the Safe Roads to Schools initiative. Phase 3 will include North Road from Wilson Park to Carlisle Road as well as The Great Road down to Hillside Avenue/ Bacon Road. Phase 4 includesWillson Park and is being separated out to allow more time for study and analysis. A “Roadside Walk Shop (Safety Audit)” for Willson Park is scheduled for April.
The Selectmen brought forward concerns about location and length of crosswalks in certain locations, particularly along the North Road segment. Selectman William Moonan, noting that the entire length of the corridor is within the Historic District, and further recognizing that the Historic District Commission (HDC) does not actually have legal standing in this matter, nevertheless hopes that the HDC would have an opportunity to review the project.Selectman Margot Fleischman asked about signals at Bacon and Hillside at The Great Road, particularly due to the angle and the pedestrian/ bike crossing there. Besides considering a “hawk signal” at this location, VHB will look at turn restrictions at this intersection at certain times of day.
Having heard earlier concerns from the Congregational Church, there will be three parking spaces preserved along the front of the church. Along the north side, across The Great Road, there will be a parking lane. Both sides will feature bike lanes, ADA compliant sidewalks, increased landscaped buffers, and lighting.
Jan Van Steenwijk asked that the overhead wires be removed, as they were further down The Great Road. Selectman Mike Rosenberg said the cost is “astronomical.” Van Steenwijk called the existence of utility poles a “disaster for disabled people.” Other impediments he named include free-standing signs and raised granite curbs on each side. Consideration should also be given to constructing raised pedestrian crosswalks (slowing traffic down) as well as shortening and straightening crossings.
VHB will look at suggestions put forward by the Selectmen and the public as the project moves forward.
*https://www.bedfordma.gov/sites/bedfordma/files/u133/tgr_bos_presentation_031317_final.pdf
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