Introduction
A well-functioning transportation system provides safe and efficient mobility for people to get to local and regional destinations no matter how they choose to travel, whether by walking, biking, public transit, or personal vehicle. While Franklin’s land use and transportation system has historically been auto centric, the town has made great strides in recent years to expand and improve the safety of their bicycle and sidewalk network.
Public transportation also plays a role in the structure of Franklin, with two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail stops, and Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) microtransit bus service. Transportation system design, in tandem with land use decisions, affects energy consumption, equity, traffic congestion, pollution, and public health.
The choices made over the next ten to twenty years in Franklin with regards to maintenance and enhancement of the transportation system will impact how residents and visitors get around and interact with neighboring communities in the future.
Existing Conditions and Trends
ROADWAYS
Franklin has around 220 miles of roadways. Roads in town can be classified using the federal road classification system into interstate, arterials, collectors, and local roads. Table 10.1 shows the total length of each classification of roadway in Franklin by centerline miles, the roadway length without accounting for the number of lanes. Map 10.1 shows the roads in Franklin symbolized by their functional class.
Interstate Roads
Interstate 495 (I-495) runs from the border of New Hampshire to near Cape Cod, that forms a semicircle around Boston. I-495 cuts through the middle of Franklin.
Arterial Roads
Arterial roads typically move people across town or between towns while providing access to popular destinations. Approximately four percent of the roadways in Franklin are arterials. Route 140 (also known as E. Central Street and W. Central Street) is the major and numbered state highway in Franklin and is managed by MassDOT. Outside of the downtown area from approximately Beaver St to Lewis St, which is managed by the Town.
Collector Roads
Collectors typically move traffic from local roads to arterial roads, while providing access to places along the road. About 14 percent of Franklin roadways are collectors. Major collector roadways include:
● Pond Street● Lincoln Street● Washington Street● King Street● Summer Street● Oak Street● Grove Street● Chestnut Street
Local Roads
Local roadways provide the highest access to adjacent properties. Approximately 78 percent of all roadways in Franklin fall under this classification. Local roadways in Franklin are characterized by predominantly residential development and lower vehicle volumes and speeds.
Roadway Jurisdiction
Around 9.81 centerline miles of roads in Franklin are under MassDOT jurisdiction as of 2022. The Town has jurisdiction over 140.25 centerline miles of road, and 22.07 miles are unaccepted by any jurisdiction.
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