West Newton traffic pattern

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Ann

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Sep 6, 2023, 1:13:08 PM9/6/23
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Hi neighbors,

I was just driving through West newton Square and there’s a large lit up sign saying there will be a change in the traffic pattern. Maybe I haven’t been paying enough attention, do others know what change this is referring to?

Ann
Dorfm...@comcast.net

Michael Halle

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Sep 6, 2023, 1:20:47 PM9/6/23
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Changes were approved in Traffic Council last month. Biggest change will convert most turn lanes into turn and straight through lanes. That should address issues of being in the wrong lane (particularly at Chestnut) and having to change lanes to pass through the square. 

Several signal heads will be changed from yellow flashing arrows to green round balls to accommodate this change. I have concerns that drivers will yield less to pedestrians on turns, but legally the drivers have the same obligation.

-Mike


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Subject: [WNewton] West Newton traffic pattern
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Nancy Mazzapica

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Sep 6, 2023, 1:21:43 PM9/6/23
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I saw that this morning as well and have no idea what the changes are. Hopefully they will let the community know before they make the changes and not do what they did on Waltham st 

Greer Swiston

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Sep 6, 2023, 1:49:50 PM9/6/23
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You mean the new traffic calming islands and bump outs?  Yeah, I just assumed I missed that discussion...what was the deal there?  Anyone know?  Was there a docketed item that I missed?

I assume the fire department is all on board with that?  Cuz I see turning challenges there ...

Lynne LeBlanc

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Sep 6, 2023, 1:51:19 PM9/6/23
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Nancy, I agree. I understand that they thought the island would be a good traffic mitigator at Waltham and Derby streets but it is also really dangerous as it is poorly marked.
Lynne



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Shari G

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Sep 6, 2023, 2:03:44 PM9/6/23
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The new traffic changes on Washington Street in West Newton Square are frightening.  I can see why people would want to have lanes go straight through, but there are places, such as Washington Street and Highland, where there are likely to be head-on collisions, and other places such as the intersection of Washington Street (going East) and Cherry Street where people take lefts where there are likely to rear-end collisions.  

It's going to be harder to go from North to South with the new changes.   And while I don't like the idea of all the current lane changes, opening it up as they are planning to do is likely to create more problems when there is more road diet on Washington Street - that is, when Washington Street is changed to a two lane road with one lane in either direction plus a turning lane.  (That's the last I've heard. Perhaps there have been other proposals.)

BTW, at the intersection of Waltham Street and Washington, I continue to see illegal left turns made from Washington Street to Waltham St. (near accidents) and Waltham St. to Washington Street - neither of which is permitted.  I've also see cars on Waltham Street waiting to turn right, circle around the island on the other side (one way at that point) to turn right onto Washington Street. This happened right before I was to take a right on Waltham Street past that small dividing strip. 

I hope the police will be out directing and guiding traffic for a number of weeks to monitor the changes, direct traffic, and stop any potential accidents. 

Re: Derby Street and Waltham Street. What's going to happen when there's snow and ice?  Plows will have to manage this area.  Signage will be needed. 

Shari

Michael Halle

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Sep 6, 2023, 2:06:37 PM9/6/23
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But the islands and bumpouts are now marked with signs. They will be painted.

I have now been through the intersection multiple times in traffic and with kids and families crossing. Traffic/driver behavior is far better than before. Speeds are down. Drivers don't seem to have a problem with the pattern. The crossing guard can operate more safely, and will be even safer when the crosswalk is repainted in its new location slightly to the north. 

The implementation was lacking, but the improvement will be significant once the project is done.

-Mike


From: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Lynne LeBlanc <lynnel...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 1:51:24 PM
To: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [WNewton] West Newton traffic pattern

Nancy Mazzapica

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Sep 6, 2023, 2:13:16 PM9/6/23
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Yes I am also concerned that curb cuts don t correlate with crosswalks and afraid kids will attempt to cross over to the island and then try to cross over to the other hslf of the street with no crosswalk. 
I agree that speeding cars is an issue but would rather have seen a trial with the solar speed signs which indicate what your speed us which seems to be a better option. Just saw three in Needham and the visual reminder if your speed is very effective 
We need them on every street! 

On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 1:51 PM Lynne LeBlanc <lynnel...@gmail.com> wrote:

Michael Halle

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Sep 6, 2023, 2:25:38 PM9/6/23
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There has been a solar speed sign southbound on Waltham for something like four years. Speed feedback signs have been shown to only slightly influence driver behavior, while horizontal deflection makes a significant additional benefit. And it seems to be working just like that.

It was a long time ago because of the pandemic, but different types of speed control and traffic calming were tried out using flex posts in 2019. The design was influenced by them (for instance, the northern island was moved back to accommodate buses.

Right now the crosswalk still has its old alignment and crossing can happen as before (and without curb ramps just as before). The new crossing is immediately next to the old crossing and next to the flashing beacon, so while it’s confusing I don’t think there’s any real danger. The city is aware that this is a critical situation and is pushing their contractor to paint.

—Mike


Nancy Mazzapica

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Sep 6, 2023, 2:32:23 PM9/6/23
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I must say that I find the solar speed signs which indicate your speed snd what speed limit is , to be very effective and also the  ones that also tell you to slow down . Great visuals and great reminders of how fast one is going 

Michael Halle

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Sep 6, 2023, 3:21:25 PM9/6/23
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On a related note, MassDOT is paying for a pilot program with speed feedback signs for school zones that the city is considering for Lexington St (Burr School). It’s good to have the state pick up the cost. 

Speed feedback signs have been shown to reduce speeds, but they can’t channel traffic (making it more predictable and preventing unsafe passing, which is a big problem at a crosswalk). 

Lots of tools in the toolbox. Here’s link to MassDOT’s guide:


—Mke


Nancy Mazzapica

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Sep 6, 2023, 3:43:41 PM9/6/23
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We need a multi prong approach !

Michael Halle

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Sep 6, 2023, 4:00:12 PM9/6/23
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The upcoming changes in West Newton basically restore the lane configurations in the westbound direction that existed before the redesign (as well as eastbound at Cherry). I think the current configuration is ideally safer because of the exclusive turn lanes (for both drivers and pedestrians). However, the queues overflow and drivers get stuck in the wrong lanes, which leads to risky maneuvers and frustration. The upcoming change will provide extra queue space in the middle of the intersections to hopefully avoid the gridlock that occurs. 

Eastbound will still only have one through lane to Washington St, but that hasn’t been the source of the major traffic problems in the square. That fits well with one through lane on Washington St. 

Derby and Waltham travel lanes remain plenty wide for snow plows. the islands and bump outs have signs. The drivers will have to be aware of them.

—Mike



Ann

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Sep 6, 2023, 9:21:47 PM9/6/23
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Thanks everyone who answered. Good to know. We’ll see how it goes.

Ann

Shari G

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Sep 9, 2023, 12:58:19 PM9/9/23
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There’s something seriously wrong with the timing of lights, or just the increase in traffic, at the intersection at Washington and Watertown St. A major accident was just averted - with a vehicle (a Verizon truck) that w/: going through a red light going east on Washington to Watertown St while traffic was moving west on Washington St AND while several pedestrians were in the crosswalk because the walk sign was lit!  Two of these pedestrians were a father and a child in a stroller!!! 

This has not been the first time near accidents have occurred.  Too close for comfort.  


Nancy Mazzapica

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Sep 9, 2023, 1:09:44 PM9/9/23
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We need a complete over haul of the traffic logistics 

Julia Anne Malakie

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Sep 9, 2023, 1:43:18 PM9/9/23
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Hi Shari,
I forwarded this to Isaac Prizant in Transportation and Capt. Doucette of the Traffic Bureau to check out. At this point it should not be conflicting signals; so I think it is more likely that the Verizon driver blew through a red light, in which case more enforcement at least during the transition to the new traffic pattern may help. 

Unfortunately, it seems we must all drive, bike and walk defensively, as if the other car is not going to stop until we actually see it stop.

On Sat, Sep 9, 2023 at 12:58 PM Shari G <sh...@sharigoldin.com> wrote:
There’s something seriously wrong with the timing of lights, or just the increase in traffic, at the intersection at Washington and Watertown St. A major accident was just averted - with a vehicle (a Verizon truck) that w/: going through a red light going east on Washington to Watertown St while traffic was moving west on Washington St AND while several pedestrians were in the crosswalk because the walk sign was lit!  Two of these pedestrians were a father and a child in a stroller!!! 

This has not been the first time near accidents have occurred.  Too close for comfort.  

Julia Anne Malakie

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Sep 9, 2023, 2:13:52 PM9/9/23
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Just heard back from Isaac (on a Saturday no less) and they will look at it today:
We’ll take a look today. There’s a conflict monitor in that cabinet where if for some reason there was an electrical error to allow a green indication for Washington St while the pedestrian phase was up crossing Washington St (in contrast to the programmed phasing), the signal would immediately go to flash until the issue can be diagnosed and fixed by a technician.

I'm not sure what the 'cabinet' is -- must be the big box on the ground? -- but sounds like it may be a technical issue. Thank you for alerting us to it.

Regards
Julia

Shari G

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Sep 9, 2023, 3:13:28 PM9/9/23
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Thanks, Julia, for being in too if this. 

It was likely just running a red light or someone sitting in the midst of an intersection trying to get through when all the other competing traffic signals went to “green” or “walk” - I’m not sure what happened but there was almost a head on collision first and in order to avoid that the truck or van speeded towards and through the intersection almost hitting the pedestrians. 


I agree, though, the area may need monitoring - particularly with more people on the road right now and with traffic controls adjusted.   And, if by chance there is a misfiring signal, glad to know that’s being checked, too.  Thank you, Julia! 

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Julia Anne Malakie

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Sep 9, 2023, 3:46:01 PM9/9/23
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An update from Isaac Prizant:
I’m confirming our signal contractor found no issue with the signal equipment. I think this was an unfortunate case of red light running.
Glad no one was hit.
Not sure if that is good or bad news that it's not the equipment! Previous caution applies in any case.

Regards
Julia

Peter F. Harrington, Esq.

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Sep 9, 2023, 4:42:43 PM9/9/23
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People disobey traffic signals throughout Newton on a regular basis.  That said, West Newton square is a difficult intersection and text book applications will not work.

We had a man, John Borelli, who spent a lot of time in the square adjusting the light timing.  He did such a good job he was replaced because it looked so easy.

Traffic has been a mess since.

It will take talent, time and dedication to get things back on track. Applying solutions from the Traffic Engineers Manual will not do it.  We need a person assigned to solve the problem. We need to be patient as they go through a trial and ed error process. We need a system to allow public input. 

For example? Who do we tell that sitting at a green light at Washongton & Chestnut, while the next lifgt, a few hundred feet away at Washington and Watertown is red, is extremely annoying and does not engender good feelings and understanding?

Peter F. Harrington

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didi_614

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Sep 9, 2023, 4:47:06 PM9/9/23
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This is the reason MANY avoid West Newton Square and the reason that the side streets are so congested.

If John Borelli was able to fix it before the City should get him back to see if he can fix it again.

Lynne LeBlanc

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Sep 9, 2023, 5:17:24 PM9/9/23
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Interesting bit of history there, Peter.
Perhaps a part of the solution to fixing West Newton Square would be to require every city official in this department (and I might add - Councilors and the Mayor as well) to go through it at least once a day on their way to City Hall (whether by car, bike, or walking). Then they would have a deeper understanding of the very real problem. 
Businesses in WN Square do not want residents and others to avoid their establishments because they are avoiding unmanageable traffic; businesses depend on pass-through traffic for recognition (a kind of advertising) as well as their livelihoods.
I hope this gets taken care of after so many years of complaints.
Lynne

Michael Halle

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Sep 9, 2023, 5:59:23 PM9/9/23
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I have little nostalgia for the old traffic signals, even acknowledging that the current signal configuration (soon to be replaced) has its own problems.

One of the reasons that West Newton was reconstructed was.because it was a crash hotspot (as reported by MassDOT's crash database). 

Westbound travel at Watertown and Waltham was always precarious and nerve-racking. The extra light at Watertown (removed on the reconstruction) essentially always stranded drivers, forcing them to runa red light to clear the intersection. The signal controllers were antiquated and couldn't communicate with each other, so not only were the signals suboptimal, they weren't fixable.

At the same time, the old configuration made it much harder to cross the square as a pedestrian. There was no crosswalk from the plaza by Sweet Tomatoes over to the south side of the street. The pedestrian timings weren't compliant with the law. Uniformed police were almost getting hit by drivers turning right off of Waltham St. 

And that's not even mentioning the fact that the square itself wasn't in horrible disrepair: dead trees, sidewalks with loose bricks, nowhere to sit.

A desire to honestly critique the new and make it better doesn't mandate that we don rose-colored glasses when looking back at the past.

West Newton will soon see a new traffic pattern that is designed to correct some of the bottlenecks in traffic that have been observed and reported by the public. Let's see how that changes things.

-Mike


From: 'Peter F. Harrington, Esq.' via West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 9, 2023 4:42:44 PM

To: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [WNewton] West Newton traffic pattern

People disobey traffic signals throughout Newton on a regular basis.  That said, West Newton square is a difficult intersection and text book applications will not work.

We had a man, John Borelli, who spent a lot of time in the square adjusting the light timing.  He did such a good job he was replaced because it looked so easy.

Traffic has been a mess since.

It will take talent, time and dedication to get things back on track. Applying solutions from the Traffic Engineers Manual will not do it.  We need a person assigned to solve the problem. We need to be patient as they go through a trial and ed error process. We need a system to allow public input. 

For example? Who do we tell that sitting at a green light at Washongton & Chestnut, while the next lifgt, a few hundred feet away at Washington and Watertown is red, is extremely annoying and does not engender good feelings and understanding?

Peter F. Harrington
On Sat, Sep 9, 2023 at 1:43 PM, Julia Anne Malakie
Hi Shari,
I forwarded this to Isaac Prizant in Transportation and Capt. Doucette of the Traffic Bureau to check out. At this point it should not be conflicting signals; so I think it is more likely that the Verizon driver blew through a red light, in which case more enforcement at least during the transition to the new traffic pattern may help. 

Unfortunately, it seems we must all drive, bike and walk defensively, as if the other car is not going to stop until we actually see it stop.

On Sat, Sep 9, 2023 at 12:58 PM Shari G <sh...@sharigoldin.com> wrote:
There’s something seriously wrong with the timing of lights, or just the increase in traffic, at the intersection at Washington and Watertown St. A major accident was just averted - with a vehicle (a Verizon truck) that w/: going through a red light going east on Washington to Watertown St while traffic was moving west on Washington St AND while several pedestrians were in the crosswalk because the walk sign was lit!  Two of these pedestrians were a father and a child in a stroller!!! 

This has not been the first time near accidents have occurred.  Too close for comfort.  

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Michael Halle

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Sep 9, 2023, 6:06:32 PM9/9/23
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It's good news that there is no problem with the controller, and it's great that Isaac and the Transportation Department responded so quickly (and they are currently understaffed).

The fact is that traffic signal controllers are extremely well-tested devices with multiple fail-safes. Hundreds of millions of people a day depend on them working right every time, or at least failing back to a failsafe flashing condition if something goes wrong. In general, they can't be configured to produce a conflicting condition. Which is awesome for something we basically take granted.

-Mike


From: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Julia Anne Malakie <juliaann...@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 9, 2023 3:46:06 PM
To: West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: [WNewton] West Newton traffic pattern

didi_614

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Sep 9, 2023, 6:11:06 PM9/9/23
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Thanks Lynne 

I will say that other than CVS I do not go to West Newton Square and go to any of the businesses as it is impossible to find parking.   And not all of us can ride a bike or walk.  Even for the post office it is easier to go to Nonantum Branch.

Lynne LeBlanc

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Sep 9, 2023, 6:23:31 PM9/9/23
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Didi,
That is my only stop in WN  during the day as well!
I find ways to avoid the Bermuda triangle of Newton at all costs; I feel bad for drivers and the businesses.
Lynne

Nancy Mazzapica

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Sep 9, 2023, 6:26:50 PM9/9/23
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I feel bad for the businesses too and noticed a new tailor moved in but not sure how long it will last since there s virtually no parking out front . 
I do use the post office if I can park illegally out front 

didi_614

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Sep 9, 2023, 7:50:07 PM9/9/23
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I also feel very bad for the businesses 

Michael Halle

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Sep 11, 2023, 1:11:11 PM9/11/23
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I think one of the reason that the CVS curb cut on Watertown exists is because otherwise, it’s hard to get there from Washington St eastbound. 

I agree that it complicates traffic. A handful of drivers also use it to turn left from Waltham St to Watertown St. 

If a new road connecting Washington and Watertown Sts were constructed near where Davis Ct. is, that could become RT16, the current end of Watertown St could be closed and turned into a plaza, and Waltham St southbound could possibly allow left turns onto Washington St. That, I believe, would simplify traffic.

—Mike


On Sep 11, 2023, at 12:51 PM, Jim Cote <jim...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've noted many times over the years, and especially now that the CVS Parking Lot entrance on Watertown Street remains one of the biggest traffic flow problem issues.  The city needs to take the lead in this and close the curb cut.  The cut was significantly thinned out over 10 years ago, which somewhat prevents cars from entering the lot heading west on Watertown St.  What's not prevented are cars exiting the parking lot attempting to take a left onto Watertown St, and also cars attempting to enter the lot on the left after just passing through the intersection.  Both scenarios often cause the light to cycle without any traffic moving through the intersection.  
The only solution is to close the opening.  The lot has 3 curb cut openings on the Waltham St side.
Possibly one of our officials could explain why this hasn't already been done?

Jim


 



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Mary-Ellen

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Sep 18, 2023, 12:23:47 PM9/18/23
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I agree.  How about a contest for our high school math or computer students to come up with an improved traffic pattern for extra credit?  

Jim Cote

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Sep 18, 2023, 12:24:13 PM9/18/23
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I've noted many times over the years, and especially now that the CVS Parking Lot entrance on Watertown Street remains one of the biggest traffic flow problem issues.  The city needs to take the lead in this and close the curb cut.  The cut was significantly thinned out over 10 years ago, which somewhat prevents cars from entering the lot heading west on Watertown St.  What's not prevented are cars exiting the parking lot attempting to take a left onto Watertown St, and also cars attempting to enter the lot on the left after just passing through the intersection.  Both scenarios often cause the light to cycle without any traffic moving through the intersection.  
The only solution is to close the opening.  The lot has 3 curb cut openings on the Waltham St side.
Possibly one of our officials could explain why this hasn't already been done?

Jim


 

Jim Cote

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Sep 18, 2023, 12:24:43 PM9/18/23
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That would work, and also in the past we worked on a recommendation that could never get funding from the state in 2014 to create a bridge over the MassPike (yes another bridge).  The bridge would keep you on Washington street and take you behind Tody's, if your goal was to stay on Washington St, and pick up Washington St around Trader Joes.
This would cut down on West Newton Sq traffic allowing for more business use.



Shari G

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Sep 18, 2023, 12:47:13 PM9/18/23
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Or, instead of closing off Watertown Street, close off Waltham Street at this point (Washington and Webster) and re-route traffic along Webster Street, and also remove parking on Webster.  

I know, that sounds kinda crazy, too, but so does rerouting Watertown Street and blocking it off and then creating or opening up another street (not really used) to connect Washington St and Watertown Street.  Let’s keep in mind the increase in traffic that will happen along both Watertown and Washington Streets when Dunstan East and other apartment complexes developed. 

There is no easy solution and there will continue to be changes, as well as increased traffic.  The City of Newton police department is right there in the square - two buildings.  Why aren’t they more engaged and active?   Can a request be submitted?  There are traffic violations occurring - does this mean that it’s ok to not follow traffic guideline? Or does it mean that they’re just guidelines?  What about safety?  









Michael Halle

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Sep 18, 2023, 1:13:04 PM9/18/23
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The reason I suggested the idea of closing off the end of Watertown St and opening up another connector between Watertown and Washington is to simplify the Watertown / Washington / Waltham St (“WWW”) intersection into a simpler T. Irregular intersections like WWW are difficult to time and keep flowing, and are also difficult for pedestrian to cross. 

One of the reason that WNSq is difficult is because of the Watertown St leg. The turn lane for Watertown St fills up the interior of WNSq. It only works because left turns aren’t allowed at Waltham St. Close off the end of Watertown St, and now left turns into and out of Waltham St *could* (but don’t need to be) allowed. That takes significant weight off of the side streets between Waltham and Watertown. 

Eastbound drivers on Washington St wanting to go to Watertown St would go one block further east to a new street somewhere between Davis Ct and Dunstan St. That allows that turning traffic to queue up outside of WNSq., simplifying traffic operations. Since there are few or no residences between Washington and Watertown St close to the square, I believe creating a new through road would have limited direct residential impact. 

The plaza between CVS and Sweet Tomatoes could then be closed up and turned into open space, while at the same time the simpler intersection would improve traffic flow. 

This is just an idea. Not official. No one’s acting on it. But better get it out there for discussion while development in the area continues than before it’s too late.

—Mike



Shari G

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Sep 18, 2023, 3:43:31 PM9/18/23
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What happened to the 2014 proposal for the bridge/road that goes behind Tody's? 

Jim Cote

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Sep 18, 2023, 4:02:25 PM9/18/23
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While we're at it, wouldn't an inside turn lane at the end of Albemarle St as it intersects with Craft St eliminate a lot of the newly created bottleneck at that point?  This would allow you to reverse direction on Albemarle without entering Craft St. It requires some bridge work but solves a lot of headaches. The proposed current solution seems unmanageable.
See attached rough sketch.
Jim


—Mike



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Your Referrals are my Greatest Compliment

James R. Cote, MBA
Financial Advisor
Speaker, Financial Education Institute (FEI)
Do you have peace of mind and comfort in your personal financial risk management plan?  That's what I offer!

Sixth Floor
230 Third Ave,
Waltham, MA 02451
 
Albermarle Inside Reverse Turn.pdf

Nancy Mazzapica

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Sep 18, 2023, 4:02:48 PM9/18/23
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
And way back when you  could take a left from Waltham st onto Washington going east and west 

Jim Cote

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Sep 18, 2023, 4:12:24 PM9/18/23
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Nothing happened with the proposal after it was discussed, deemed to be way out of the budget range for the state, and tabled.  Since that discussion there were various other proposals such as decking over the turnpike in West Newton and other locations, but all of this would require a developer with deep pockets along with the various government entities.
Jim

Noa Rensing

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Sep 18, 2023, 4:27:10 PM9/18/23
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One good thing about that proposed solution is that the u turn would not cross any bike lanes or crosswalks, as opposed to the current situation that crosses two of each.

Michael Halle

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Sep 18, 2023, 4:37:12 PM9/18/23
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I have mentioned the idea of an inside turn to the MassDOT consultants working on the signalized intersection design for their consideration. A major complicating factor is the width of the bridge. Widening the bridge, or otherwise removing the turn lane to make the inside turn possible, would require taking parkland / wetlands. That would be difficult locally and at the state level, and from what I understand it’s out of scope for what MassDOT is prepared to do. 

Regardless, I have raised the idea and will make sure it gets a hearing.

In retrospect, if one were to design a recreational facility with parking from scratch, designing the main parking lot with one entrance, one long row of cars, and one exit is NOT what you’d likely choose today. There are real limits to capacity of Albemarle as a city-wide destination-type recreational facility, especially for tournament-type sports where teams travel from outside Newton. 

I hope that some day the city will consider the design of a new high quality city-wide recreational facility that is accessible by road, public transit, and walking/biking, should the land for such a facility become available. The Albemarle could return to more of a north-side neighborhood park and school playing fields.

—Mike


Lynne LeBlanc

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Sep 18, 2023, 7:17:52 PM9/18/23
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Thanks for pointing this out Jim. The current iteration is completely unmanageable. It may look nice on paper but in reality? Oy! A mess. I'd be happy to suggest a few things that I and neighbors have thought would work ;-)
Lynne

Michael Halle

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Sep 18, 2023, 7:43:44 PM9/18/23
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There's a MassDOT Safe Routes to School grant to (likely) signalize the intersection, coordinate the signal with North St, and install a flashing pedestrian beacon at the crosswalk of North at Albemarle.

-Mike


From: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Lynne LeBlanc <lynnel...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 7:17:56 PM
To: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [WNewton] West Newton traffic pattern-Albermarle and Craft

Thanks for pointing this out Jim. The current iteration is completely unmanageable. It may look nice on paper but in reality? Oy! A mess. I'd be happy to suggest a few things that I and neighbors have thought would work ;-)
Lynne

On Mon, Sep 18, 2023 at 4:02 PM Jim Cote <jim...@gmail.com> wrote:
While we're at it, wouldn't an inside turn lane at the end of Albemarle St as it intersects with Craft St eliminate a lot of the newly created bottleneck at that point?  This would allow you to reverse direction on Albemarle without entering Craft St. It requires some bridge work but solves a lot of headaches. The proposed current solution seems unmanageable

Helen Makadia

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Sep 19, 2023, 9:27:04 AM9/19/23
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I saw a diagram of the traffic pattern changes in W. Newton somewhere - here or Facebook, not sure and did not have the time to look at it carefully at the time.  I am unable to find the diagram anymore.  
Does anyone have the diagram to share or a link, if it is online?  I have tried combing through this thread, unsuccessfully as well as searching online.

Thank you,
Helen

Michael Halle

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Sep 19, 2023, 9:44:59 AM9/19/23
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The West Newton Square changes were discussed and approved at Traffic Council, item TC36-23. 

Diagram is on page 68 of this PDF, or starting on page 73 of the document. 
https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/105210/638263901541200000#page=68

—Mike


Helen Makadia

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Sep 19, 2023, 9:31:34 PM9/19/23
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Thanks, Mike. 
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