W3NA Traffic Calming Subcommittee Minutes June 26, 2009

Traffic Calming Subcommittee Meeting
6.26.09

Reporting Back on Traffic Observations:
Frank:
Sydney did a drive by test from Damon Road past Coolidge Street at 35mph. It appears that 35mph seems much faster as a pedestrian standing on the sidewalk. Frank observed for about an hour. He noticed about 20 cars that appeared to be going faster then 35 miles per hour. Of the 20 cars 12 blew there horns at the merging lane.

Justin:
I have been watching traffic. I spend a lot of time on the porch with my son. However, I realize that I really can't tell how fast people are going. Sometimes I see that they are driving really fast, but I have a hard time figuring out if it seems fast but I can't tell if it is actually speeding. I see a LOT of jockeying for position and honking and rude behavior at the lane merge, and we hear beeping at the stop light to get onto 91.

Discussion:
• The speed changes to 30mph at Grant and then 25mph at the school.

• We talked about whether a reduction from 3 lanes instead of 2 lanes would reduce the jockeying for lead position in front of Frank’s house.

• We thought the bike lane was wide, but necessary for safety for bikers.

Ideas we generated:
Photo surveillance – in DC area drivers could get a speeding ticket b/c speed is monitored and photographed.
Speed Bumps
Signs on lawns – We agreed that a few signs on both sides of the street could be made to inform drivers of the next Advisory Committee meeting with Mass Highway. This will keep residents aware of the Exit 19 project.

Signs in the area:
Marianna will call Mass Highway and ask a ‘Yield; sign for driver leaving Northampton at Exit 19 southbound. Also, ask whether we would need permission from Mass Highway for a ‘Welcome to Northampton’; sign at Exit 19 or in this area.

Traffic Monitoring device: Joanne will follow through with Officer Trushaw.