Many Newton residents do not remember when the Carriage Lane looked like this:
All along the Carriage Road, the stop signs, and the stop lines, were 20-23 feet away from the intersection. Often the stop signs were located before a band of cobbles. Westbound drivers would stop before the stop sign and then roll right through the intersection, never really stopping. This was incredibly dangerous for those not in motor vehicles, as well as those in motor vehicles. It was also dangerous for drivers on the cross roads heading north and south.
In 2018, I eventually realized the problem, and set about finding a solution. Going through 311, I requested, and achieved, having the following stop signs moved to be closer to the actual intersection.
WESTBOURNE was our first success.
CEDAR STREET
This was our next success. And we also had a stop sign added on the left.
Lowell Avenue:
Note: Councilor Andreae Downs was especially helpful in having this particular stop sign moved closer to the intersection.
Morton Road:
It didn’t take very long for westbound drivers to drive much more safely. We were one step closer to to a safer experience on the road for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. Intersection by intersection, drivers would come to a complete stop right before the intersection, where they could see left, right and straight ahead, and where drivers at the crossroads could have clear visibility of any vehicle – bicycles included – heading west and about to enter the intersection.
With attention paid to things like this, we can be incrementally and inexpensively making it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
Valentine Street
September, 2021: Phil and I met with Chief Carmichael, Cpt. Boudreau and Lt. McMains.
Thanks to Chief Carmichael and engineer Isaac Prizant for agreeing to and implementing these important safety modifications.
