ISSUES
Safety
Several locations have been identified by stakeholders as dangerous including the Cottage Street at Union Street intersection, the East Central Street intersection at King Street and Chestnut Street, West Central Street intersection at Union Street, Washington Street intersection at Grove Street, Main Street intersection, and three-way stop by Dean College. Other dangerous locations include the five fatal crash locations identified in the Inventory and Assessment Report, and the one HSIP cluster located at West Central Street at Panther Way.
The lack of left turn lanes at the intersection of West Central Street at Union Street also provides a dangerous location for cars trying to maneuver through the intersection.
Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion during peak hours on Route 140 is exacerbated by a series of signalized intersections, presenting a challenge for commuters and travelers alike. As vehicles navigate through these intersections, the cumulative effect of traffic signals often leads to prolonged delays and gridlock, impeding the flow of traffic and causing frustration among motorists. The frequency of stops at these intersections not only disrupts the smooth progression of vehicles but also increases fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to environmental concerns.
Congestion also occurs during peak hours around school zones. Exacerbated by increased traffic volume, school buses, parent drop-offs, and pedestrian activity, increased traffic leads to delays and traffic bottlenecks near school zones and surrounding areas.
Grove Street
Grove Street is often used as a bypass for commercial vehicles, interrupting the regular flow of traffic and increasing the need for safety measures.
OPPORTUNITIES
Sidewalk Connectivity
The Town has an opportunity to improve sidewalk connectivity, especially around schools, and can seek infrastructure improvement grant funding through the Safe Routes to School program. Increasing sidewalk connectivity would improve the safety and accessibility of pedestrian travel in Franklin.
Franklin can also identify areas for new sidewalks, trails, and paths (e.g. Elm Street and Partridge Street) in coordination with the Town’s Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and support the extension of the SNETT to Downtown Franklin.
Grove Street also provides the opportunity to complete a shared-use path and serves as an example to look for additional opportunities to develop pedestrian and biking facilities and connections.
Senior Transport
Expand opportunities and connections for senior transportation to increase access to local services and programming. Consider regional expansion to improve connectivity to medical and social services.
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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gtnxpyp39SnfKinQcUlp2U7M1Sas3cdB/view?usp=drive_link
Complete 2025 Master Plan report
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report
Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)
https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan
