By Meredith McCulloch
Recommended changes to the Hartford Street, Crescent Avenue, and Bacon Street corridor are designed to support traffic flow and increase safety in the residential area. At a June 13 meeting the engineering firm, Green International Affiliates, presented their latest analysis and designs to an audience of abutters and other interested citizens.
Currently, there are no sidewalks in the area and traffic continues to increase. The statistics presented show 1500 vehicles a day with 370 in the peak evening hours. The speed limit is 25 mph. Studies confirmed the observations of residents that the area is used for a cut-through, particularly in the evening hours.
The goal is to use traffic calming features such as a raised sidewalk and narrowed roads with granite curbs. New sidewalks with grass buffers will be installed on the east side of the streets that make up the corridor. Traffic will remain two way, but a left turn will be prohibited at the intersection of Hartford and Loomis during peak traffic hours to discourage cut-throughs.
The schedule calls for bidding in July and August with some drainage work beginning as soon as this fall. It is hoped that the project will be completed by summer 2019.
The Q&A following the presentation consisted mostly of questions needing clarification. Homeowners were assured that driveway widths would be maintained and that drainage would direct runoff away from the properties.
One resident, John Whiteside of 25 Hartwell Avenue, expressed appreciation to the planners. “I’m impressed. At the first meeting, we told you of our concerns and you have addressed nearly all of them.” Whiteside emphasized his concern about safety from traffic especially for the children in the neighborhood, adding “Safety of children is the primary goal. What you have done is unbelievable.”
Click this link to view the consultants’ PowerPoint presentation: https://www.bedfordma.gov/sites/bedfordma/files/uploads/hartford_crescent_bacon_conceptual_design_report.pdf
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