In the News: Troop 126 pioneers, water ban imposed, 2-way traffic arrives today

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Scouts from Troop 126 in Franklin recently participated in a Pioneering Weekend, where they put their camping and lashing skills to work. 

The Scouts constructed two towers using nothing but rope and wooden poles and used the towers for a game of capture the flag. In addition, several members of the Troop constructed a 25-foot flagpole on which they raised an American flag."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160725/troop-126-visits-rocky-woods

"DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi said this is the latest step in an effort to conserve water. The town had been on a water restriction - in which residents were allowed to water their laws one day a week - and DPW employees had been patrolling for violations after seeing spikes in usage. 

"Since we started enforcement a couple of weeks ago, peak demand has gone down," he said. "This drought, though, has caused our aquifer to go down to the point that - even if it started raining every day - it would take a while for it to recover." 

The town is limited, Cantoreggi said, because it must draw water from the ground - it does not have a reservoir at hand."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160725/franklin-officials-impose-water-ban-due-to-drought

water ban imposed effective July 25, 2016 until further notice

"After a week-long delay, the downtown is changing to two-way traffic Tuesday morning. 

The change - one of the final steps in a two-year streetscape project - is set to take place at 5 a.m., said Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

"We should be having additional officers there to make sure everyone's going the right way down the roads," he said. "Traffic will probably be a little slower than usual as people are getting acclimated."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160725/two-way-travel-begins-tuesday-in-downtown-franklin

Are you confused by the shared lane markings (SLM) or 'sharrows" now appearing on Franklin roads?

Get used to recognizing these, we are likely to see more of them.

"Shared Lane Markings (SLMs), or “sharrows,” are road markings used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. Among other benefits shared lane markings reinforce the legitimacy of bicycle traffic on the street, recommend proper bicyclist positioning, and may be configured to offer directional and wayfinding guidance. 

the bicycle markings seem to be causing some confusion for drivers

The shared lane marking is a pavement marking with a variety of uses to support a complete bikeway network; it is not a facility type and should not be considered a substitute for bike lanes, cycle tracks, or other separation treatments where these types of facilities are otherwise warranted or space permits. The MUTCD outlines guidance for shared lane markings in section 9C.07."

• Continue reading the article

http://nacto.org/publication/urban-bikeway-design-guide/bikeway-signing-marking/shared-lane-markings/

"On November 7, 2015, the 80th birthday of the MUTCD, and throughout the year when you see an easy-to-read sign, a bright edgeline marking on a foggy night, the countdown timer at a crosswalk, or a well-placed bike lane, take a moment to reflect on the eighty years of progress and innovation that the MUTCD embodies. This progress has resulted in safer, more efficient travel on our Nation's roads. 

Over the years, the MUTCD has unknowingly become the traveler's best friend and silent companion, guiding us on our way along the streets, bikeways, back roads, and highways. As the direct means of communication with the traveler, traffic control devices speak to us softly, yet effectively and authoritatively. From glass “cat’s-eye” reflectors to glass beads to microprismatic sheeting, nighttime sign visibility has advanced significantly. Active devices at rail crossings save lives by giving us a positive message about train traffic. And countdown timers on pedestrian signals help us cross a busy street. 

So the next time you hit the pavement, the path, or the pedals, you can be sure that the MUTCD, through our dedicated professionals who make complex decisions on what devices to install, will help you get where you want to go safely, efficiently, and comfortably! The MUTCD…it's all about you!"

• For the full set of guidelines on traffic markings  http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/

In the News: school lunch prices remain same, traffic change rescheduled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The price of lunch at Franklin Public Schools will not be changing in the coming school year, officials announced Tuesday. 

District business administrator Miriam Goodman gave a presentation about the lunch program at the School Committee meeting and said a federal law - the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act - required the district's lunch program to charge enough to be sustainable. 

"As such, we need to go through a complex formula every year to see where our lunch prices fall, and how that compares to what the government says we should be charging," she said. 

This year's calculations, said Goodman, worked out in a way that does not require an increase. Currently, the price is $3 at the high school and middle school levels and $2.50 for elementary students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160719/no-change-on-franklin-school-lunch-prices

"The changeover to two-way traffic in downtown, originally set to take place Wednesday, has been pushed back a week. 

The switch - now scheduled for next Tuesday - was to be the culmination of two years of roadwork and many more years of planning. The state Department of Transportation, though, decided there were some tasks it wanted done before the move. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said signs were a major concern on the part of the state. He gave several examples of one-way signs that must be removed and new signs to be installed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160719/franklin-traffic-switch-pushed-back

an earlier downtown construction photo from the archives

ALERT: Downtown Traffic Pattern Change Coming July 20th

Dear Franklin Resident:

This is the first announcement to the community that the traffic pattern will be changing in Downtown Franklin on July 20, 2016. The one-way traffic pattern in downtown, which many have become accustomed to, will be changing to two-way traffic. 

Yes that’s correct: traffic around the downtown triangle will soon become two-way! We encourage everyone to take it a little slower in their daily business to make sure you get accustomed to the new flow of traffic.

We encourage you to follow the town website and social media (Facebook, Twitter) feeds, as well as the Town’s traditional local media channels to stay tuned for specific updates over the coming month. We are counting on you to help spread the word.

Downtown Map 
 A map is attached of the new traffic routes. I encourage you to print it out, send it to friends and family and begin to spread the word.

Future Notification 
As part of the construction contract with the state, the Town will be placing electronic boards at all intersections of downtown when the traffic transitions to two-way. New lane markings will be painted around the entire downtown, as well as signage in key areas. Individual letters will also be distributed to all downtown businesses to help educate their customers of the traffic flow when exiting their business. The Town will also be doing as much publicity as possible through its own social media feeds and through traditional local media channels on this pattern change.

Public Benefits
I also want to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience during the recent construction in downtown. The Town is installing many public benefits, including new sidewalks, new paving, better pedestrian-friendly accommodations, and many beautification efforts to enhance the vibrancy of the downtown. The planning effort for this project has taken well over a decade and I am confident residents will enjoy the new amenities.

If any resident has any questions, feel free to contact the Town Administrator’s Office at 508-520-4949.

Sincerely,
Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator 
Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator

change to 2 way

RT 140 sign

starts July 20th

In the News: 2-way traffic coming to downtown, school explores growing hydroponic plants

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The town has begun its efforts to inform local drivers of the upcoming change to two-way traffic in the downtown. 

The change, slated to take place in late June, will be the result of the two-year downtown streetscape project, and will affect West Central, Emmons and Main streets. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said local officials will be looking to inform the public through a wide-ranging campaign. 

"We'll be doing weekly posts on social media, as well as the traditional channels," he said, adding that local newspapers and websites had been approached about the change."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-informing-residents-of-traffic-changeover

work continues along Main St putting in curbing and new sidewalks in advance of redoing the road surface and then changing the traffic from one way to two way in June

"Officials from Parmenter Elementary School shared the lessons learned through a third-grade hydroponic gardening program. 

The program - new at Parmenter this year - was chosen to illustrate the school's approach to creating learning experiences for its students. The school's three third-grade teachers gave a presentation on the matter at Tuesday's School Committee meeting. 

Teacher Edward Tighe said that when students were first shown the hydroponic equipment, they did not know what it was. 

"It has been an amazing four months of discovery - not just for the students, but us teachers as well," he said. "We've made many mistakes, the kids have seen those mistakes and we've worked together to come up with solutions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-garden-advances-science-learning

ALERT: Changing Downtown Traffic Pattern Coming at the End of June

Dear Franklin Resident:

This is the first announcement to the community that the traffic pattern will be changing in Downtown Franklin toward the end of June, 2016. The one-way traffic pattern in downtown, which many have become accustomed to, will be changing to two-way traffic. Yes, that’s correct: traffic around the downtown triangle will soon become two-way! We encourage everyone to take it a little slower in their daily business to make sure you get accustomed to the new flow of traffic.

While the date has not been specified yet when the traffic pattern will become two-way, we can’t begin to educate the community soon enough. We encourage you to follow the town website and social media (Facebook, Twitter) feeds, as well as the Town’s traditional local media channels to stay tuned for specific updates over the coming month. We are counting on you to help spread the word.

Downtown Map 

A map is attached of the new traffic routes. I encourage you to print it out, send it to friends and family and begin to spread the word.

Future Notification

As part of the construction contract with the state, the Town will be placing electronic boards at all intersections of downtown when the traffic transitions to two-way. New lane markings will be painted around the entire downtown, as well as signage in key areas. Individual letters will also be distributed to all downtown businesses to help educate their customers of the traffic flow when exiting their business. The Town will also be doing as much publicity as possible through its own social media feeds and through traditional local media channels on this pattern change.

Public Benefits

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience during the recent construction in downtown. The Town is installing many public benefits, including new sidewalks, new paving, better pedestrian-friendly accommodations, and many beautification efforts to enhance the vibrancy of the downtown. The planning effort for this project has taken well over a decade and I am confident residents will enjoy the new amenities.


If any resident has any questions, feel free to contact the Town Administrator’s Office at 508-520-4949.


Sincerely,

Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator
Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator

recent construction underway to complete the work before switching
to the new two-way traffic pattern in June

The memo on the Traffic Pattern containing the map with the new two-way flow

• The Town of Franklin is on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Town-of-Franklin-998859663537294/

• Follow the Town of Franklin on Twitter

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA

• Visit the Town of Franklin website

http://franklin.ma.us/

Franklin Saving Lives During "Click It or Ticket"

The Franklin Police Department, in partnership with the Highway Safety Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Massachusetts State Police, and more than 200 Massachusetts police departments, will take part in the national Click It or Ticket campaign between May 9th and May 23rd. This high-visibility enforcement campaign will promote seat belt use through increased traffic enforcement. The campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Our goal is to save lives,” said Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch. “As we kick-off the busy summer driving season, it is crucial that all motorists buckle up every time they go out, day and night – no excuses. Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt, including drivers who have neglected to properly buckle their children.”

Franklin Police

The national seat belt usage rate is 88.5% (NHTSA). Massachusetts is falling behind at 74%, with a 3% reduction in usage rate between 2014 and 2015.

In Massachusetts, many fatally injured occupants are unbuckled. According to NHTSA, in 2014, nearly half of the 21,022 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes across the country were unrestrained.

“While these may just sound like statistics, local police know from personal experience that those numbers represent mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and friends in Franklin,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the Highway Safety Division. “If we increase our seat belt usage rate, we save lives, and that’s why the police are out enforcing this important law.”

As part of the Click It or Ticket mobilization, at 6:00 pm on May 23rd, state and local police departments including Franklin will join law enforcement agencies across the East Coast in mobilizing the “Border to Border” Operation. This initiative provides increased seat belt enforcement at state borders, sending a ‘zero tolerance’ message to the public: driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what state, no matter what time.

Click It or Ticket

• This was shared from the Franklin Police Department

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PoliceNews/023D9ABF-000F8513.0/May2016TrafficCampaign.pdf

Downtown Project Update #18 - traffic flow map for 2016

The Downtown Project Update #18. Page 2 shows the detail on the traffic flow that will change some time in 2016.  When will the date/time for the switch from one-way to 2-way traffic be? Stay tuned. No one knows today.

There are detail sections for the corner of Emmons and West Central as well as at the railroad bridge (triangle).

patched spot on West Central St

Note: when traveling east to get to Main St from West Central, you'll need to turn at Emmons. Once you get to the bridge, there is no left turn to Main St.

Traffic Alert: expect delays on 140 downtown

From the Franklin Police Twitter feed:

TRAFFIC ALERT-Emergency utility work-expect heavy delays on Rt 140 from Union to Fire HQ. Seek alternate routes for next 24-36 hours.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) July 30, 2015

construction on 140

"there’s a problem today"

BETA’s traffic engineer, Greg Lucas, used previous traffic studies – including one by the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization - in analyzing the affect a future Pond Street development would have on the Franklin Village intersection. 

“The reports tell us there’s a problem today with the left turn there onto Rte. 140 eastbound,” Lucas said. “And it’s a problem for whatever you consider in the future with the Pond Street development.” 

The best way to address the issues at the intersection would be to widen the left turn lane to allow for two lanes of vehicles to queue at the traffic light, Lucas said.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150326/NEWS/150327304/1994/NEWS

traffic study map used in the discussion Wednesday

For the complete set of notes from the Economic Development Committee meeting you can find them here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/live-reporting-economic-development.html

For the full copy of the traffic study
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/economic-development-committee-meeting.html

Live reporting: Economic Development Committee - Mar 25, 2015

Commmittee: Bissanti, Kelly, Padula, Vallee
Planning Board: Halligan
Planning Dept: Taberner
Town Administrator: Nutting


Beta Engineering - did a revision to the traffic studies done previously
Greg Lucas - presenting

found earlier studies had under represented traffic
there is a problem today with the intersection and left turns into Pond St

so no matter what goes into the area will only increase the problem

option to increase the turn from single lane to double lane
explored option of using Old West Central St but it doesn't help the situation
the most viable solution to address existing problems and future development
would be to widen the left turn to two lanes

there is a PM peak problem, page 6

2020 base is the current traffic including the Starbucks study
2020 base w/Development is the study plus the scenarios for the Pond St options

Starbucks assumptions

• 45% would come up to turn left into the site
• 35% would be moving west to turn right
• 20% would come on Pond St to Starbucks

The State owns the intersection and would be in charge of the widening and any other adjustments

Q on lengthening the single lane
A - it would be better to do the double lane turn to handle the traffic, you'd get more cars through the turn

Q - question on taking out the media divider
A - the three options were the MPO recommendations. They use crash data to look at areas for traffic improvement. It could be eligible for funding due to the high crash location at the intersection itself.
The signalling should be adjusted, they should all be implemented.

Q - How do we get the State to get this moving
A - Nutting - We would have to call MassDOT to see

We have an established need and given the development there is an increased risk

Q - do the Starbucks numbers account for freeway traffic
A - Good question, doesn't specifically address that

Q - was Pond St traffic included
A - Pond St traffic was not included in the current studies, it would need to be depending upon whatever would be going into the Pond St site

Table 1 - on page 5
trip generation numbers changed from prior studies
previous studies were general office not a medical office; traffic differs significantly not so much in the peak hours but in the overall traffic by day

assumed 86% occupancy for the hotel but the traffic is not reduced by the volume expected by the hotel

There would need to be some study depending upon what goes in there, there may be some treatment, i.e. a left turn lane into the Pond St property.  Pond St is a 60 ft right of way so there is plenty of room.

Discussion on the potential of a left turn lane, not a light. If a light was there it would need further study and could help traffic coming out of Rolling Ridge to Pond St

Discussion on utilization of Old West Central, it provides some relief to two of the traffic flows but would not help the overall intersection as it would also degrade a couple of other traffic flows.

Q - Nutting - When does the intersection fail beyond what it is already doing? what could go in to the property to see what could 'live' within the traffic service levels
A - It is a balancing act with signal timing and turning lanes

Even without Pond St, we should be calling MassDOT to get this started?
Yes

Q - Padula - this was an F prior to this?
A - yes, it was an F prior to Starbucks coming in (in afternoon)

Thanks to Greg, good presentation

Discussion on whether to consider the RFP
Bissanti looking to move it forward
Nutting, no consensus of the committee on use other than no apartments
Kelly - I would like to include some solar interest for the space
Nutting - if you're going to do solar, you might want to lease the property rather than sell the property for a hotel. Are you suggesting putting out a separate solar? You may lose a few months but the mix-match can get confusing

Bissanti - where this was going and I thought it had more steam, with a residential component; I think it is too small to fit all three uses. I think we should go with the existing RFP and the residential component

Padula - I am not in favor of the solar piece, it is too late and not enough for what we need. The traffic study doesn't talk about this.

Note: Vallee had moved to the back of the room for a private conversation and missed the discussion points. Vallee returns as Kelly speaks for solar

Kelly - I wouldn't be so fast to count the solar out. I don't want to be left with I wish we had

Bissnti - We did put it out for solar and we got someone coming in with an aerobic digester

Williams - you have not yet decided the percentages of what the space would be designated as

Bissanti - would another study be needed?
Lucas - we did not have data from Pond St, that study would need to be done depending upon what is proposed

Halligan - if you put the RFP out the Council doesn't have to accept anything that is proposed

Kelly - if we put anything out, we can like it or not. I am not the smartest guy in the room and someone might come back with something we haven't talked about

Williams - you as a committee haven't decided that, if we know we want less traffic there shouldn't we spell it out?

Bissanti - there are specified uses in the RFP, we got to get something going

We wanted to restrict the develop to the number of units that could be built, if you leave it open, we have lost what we came to agreement on

Dellorco - I don't know why we can't limit it

trying to wrestle with the balance between revenue and impact

the community understands the biggest money maker for the Town, so scale back the residential component. the last time we were together, there were a number of suggestions made but we haven't seen those implemented

two of the other recommendations were already in the RFP, the only one not there was the set back from Pond St

I would appreciate it if you looked at it with an open mind, the community would be more supportive

Let's move this to the April 8th meeting. The only way we'll know is to see what we get back. I would love to see a general RFP and that can't be done

6:00 PM at April 8th

meeting adjourned

Economic Development Committee meeting on Pond Street traffic study

Sharing an email from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting:

Good Morning 

The chair of the ED committee has asked to post an economic development meeting next Wednesday at 6 pm prior to the planning workshop to discuss the attached daft traffic report prepared by BETA about potential development of the Pond street site. The Traffic engineer Greg Lucas will be in attendance to explain the report and answer questions.

Call with Questions 

Thanks 

Jeff

Franklin Municipal Building

A key quote from the report attached below

"As can be seen in the above table, operational concerns for the movements to and from Old West Central Street are further exacerbated by the addition of trips from the theoretical Pond Street development. Although overall intersection LOS remains at an acceptable level, the development will further degrade existing areas of concern."

Fortunately, there are some recommendations that can work to alleviate the traffic concerns. They will require further study before MassDOT accepts and funds the work.

funding for school zone safety lights in Franklin put back in the budget

State funding for traffic signals for additional locations within Franklin was part of the current FY 2015 budget, vetoed by the Governor and re-instated last week. Milford Daily News reports:

The other amendment, which asked for $60,000 to fund the installation and operation of solar-powered school zone safety lights in Franklin, was also vetoed. 

Roy last month said he called the governor’s office asking for an explanation and was told Patrick "was eliminating all earmarks in the budget." 

And with the new Franklin High School set to open this fall, Roy said the town’s "reasonable request" would help mitigate traffic in the school-heavy area. 

"To me, these were two very important issues for both Franklin and Medway," Roy said before he asked the House and Senate to override the vetoes.

Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140804/NEWS/140809091/1994/NEWS


What kind of traffic signals are these? Similar to the one installed on King St by the Parmenter School.

pedestrian traffic signal on King St

BJ's Intersection

The improved signage for the intersection of Forge Parkway and West Central St has apparently reduced the number of traffic incidents. You may recall that for a period of time, the neighborhood was quite upset when  traffic signals were removed by the state. Several accidents occurred some of them with significant injury. Franklin worked with MassDOT to improve the stop signs at the intersection.

In my own use of the intersection, it seems much better behaved than the 'wild west' it used to be.

early warning stop sign ahead

stop sign has blinking lights all around the edge

the intersection is a wide one with good views

High school traffic pattern

With the ongoing (on schedule and on budget) construction of the new high school building, the work on the parking lots reported earlier this week has resulted in a revised traffic flow. The revised flow is shown in the PDF below. For those dropping off students, there are two loops available. One from Oak St and one via Panther Way.




Parking lot photos
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/new-franklin-high-school-parking.html

All other high school building related posts are collected in one place
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

Getting ready to slow down on King St

The meetings around the safety of the school crossing on King St at Wachusett St for the students going to the Parmenter Elementary School made promises that are about to be delivered.

Construction on the past couple of days have resulted in some tree branches trimmed back

note: tree branches trimmed

one tree removed

note: stump and sawdust remains where tree was

poles installed for better marking of the crossing

new sign pole on corner

speed warning signs have been installed. This one shown is on King St heading to i495. There is a similar one on King St heading towards Wachusett St.

new speed sign

With school opening on Tuesday, the work to finish the installation seems like it can be completed on Monday.


From the archives
the meeting at Parmenter with Franklin officials was mentioned during the January Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/live-reporting-closing.html

the plan to prepare for this installation was voted on and approved by the Finance Committee in March and then by the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/delcarte-recreation-proposal.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-27.html

Pantherbook: Goodbye Access Road

The School Building Committee has an update scheduled for Weds Nov 14 in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM.The update will cover the different stages of construction, how the traffic patterns will be affected and where the project is currently. This will be a good time to hear and discuss what is being planned for traffic during the construction that will be taking place for the next two years.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Goodbye Access Road.

via Pantherbook by brittanylandry on 11/2/12

The new school is on it's way and will begin construction in November,but with the access road being cut off by Monday, students are forced to leave earlier in the mornings, resulting in even less sleep for us.

I already have to make my way through the day running on six or sometimes less hours of sleep with all my homework, after school activities and attempting to make time for my social life. Getting up earlier just to get to school is the worst thing anyone could tell me right now.

I am a junior in Franklin and I will not even benefit from the new high school. I do not see the new school  as a benefit to me therefore I am frustrated that I will have to wake up earlier just to be able to park in my school!

Even with the access road  helping the flow of traffic into the bustling high school in the morning, there is still an overflowing amount of cars piling into the parking lot.

"It takes me long enough to get here with all the traffic in the morning already. I park in H wing so I don't use the access road but I see how many cars go through the road to get to school after dropping off a sibling or something" says Erica Lutazzi, Junior at Franklin High School.
I have to drop off my sibling before I get to school and then use the access as an easy way to get into the senior parking lot. Without the access road I will just be even later arriving, and I get up at 5:45 every morning!

"I am not worried about the access road being shut down but for others it could be an issue" says Lutazzi.

While some students don't see the problem with the road being closed off while the new school is under construction, I see this as another struggle for me to get to school every morning.

What is the faculty going to do to help the overflowing traffic? Do we have to wake up even earlier just to get a parking spot? All I know is I get up early enough and cannot see many other students waking up that much earlier either.

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"Real time traffic data"

If you are traveling up to NH along i93 or to the Cape, there is additional information now becoming available on current traffic conditions for those areas:

MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey today unveiled new message boards offering real time traffic information along the Interstate 93 corridor from Canton to the New Hampshire border. 

At the same time, MassDOT is also helping Cape Cod travelers by rolling out new traffic resources, including new online cameras showing road conditions on Route 6 Westbound and using message boards to share with drivers the extent of the heavy traffic leaving the Cape on Sundays.

Read more about the real-time traffic updates here
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2012/07/july-4-holiday-traffic.html

"troublesome intersection"

A study conducted by MassDOT, however, said there isn't enough traffic to warrant more than the two stop signs. 

"(The study) shows that this intersection doesn't meet any of the federal requirements to have a signal there, which is why we're not putting one back there," said Michael Verseckes, a MassDOT spokesman. "The traffic study that was done showed that this was the proper treatment for this intersection." 

Conlyn Avenue resident Lauren Chousa drew up a petition signed by 176 neighbors and sent it to MassDOT in late October, requesting a deeper look at the intersection. 

Several residents will be on hand at Monday's Planning Board meeting, where the board is expected to make a decision on BJ's request for longer hours.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x251090787/Traffic-light-decision-leaves-Franklin-residents-in-a-lurch#ixzz1cp42cqYp

"proposed site plan modification would change BJ's hours"

"They're going to be open more hours, which means more people blowing out of BJ's," said Gordon Jenkins, who lives on Conlyn Avenue, which runs behind the store. "Something has got to be done about that (intersection)." 

Neighbors at last night's meeting live in a subdivision next to the store, and contend they can only leave their neighborhood through the intersection of West Central Street and Corporate Drive, where BJ's is located. 

A blinking yellow light faces motorists driving on West Central Street, while a blinking red light faces those coming out of Corporate Drive. 

"We have to pass through that intersection to get out, we're basically an island," said Lauren Chousa, who said she was the 11th person in her neighborhood to get into an accident at the intersection. "The only way to get to and from our street is through this intersection, and to drive through it is honestly a nightmare."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x603496464/Franklin-planners-put-off-decision-on-BJs-hours#ixzz1cRkqE2wR



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