ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Loring Avenue
City of Salem
November 2013
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Data................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Location Description ..................................................................................................... 4
Road Safety Audit Observations and Potential Enhancements .............................................5
Safety Issue #1. Speed ......................................................................................................................... 7
Safety Issue #2. Pavement Markings................................................................................................... 9
Safety Issue #3. Signage .................................................................................................................... 10
Safety Issue #4. Signal Indications .................................................................................................... 12
Safety Issue #5. Pedestrian Accommodations ................................................................................... 13
Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 15
List of Appendices
Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. RSA Meeting Agenda RSA Audit Team Contact List Detailed Crash Data List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure 2. Locus Map.............................................................................................................................. 3
Loring Avenue (Route 1A)..................................................................................................... 6
List of Tables
Table 1. Table 2. Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 4
Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements ....................................................................... 16
Page 1
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
In collaboration with the City of Salem and the Salem State University Police Department, the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) conducted a Road Safety Audit (RSA) along
the segment of Loring Avenue (Route 1A) between Intervale Road and Harrison Road in Salem (see
Figure 1). The RSA was conducted in response to concerns from the City and the University regarding
safety along this section of roadway. The roadway segment has experienced 33 crashes in an
approximately three and a half year time frame, including a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred in June
2013. The crash rate for the segment is about 2.0 crashes per million vehicles entering, which is below
the State average for principal arterials.
The purpose of this RSA was to identify both short- and long-term safety improvements that can be made
to increase safety along the corridor. The short-term, low-cost potential improvements could be
considered by the responsible agency for immediate implementation, as appropriate.
Project Data
On the day of the audit, road work was underway to repair a culvert at the Forest River, approximately
350 feet south of Leggs Hill Road. The road work narrowed Loring Avenue with concrete barriers in the
vicinity of the culvert, which appeared to slow motor vehicle traffic within the study area. A temporary
crosswalk south of the Forest River, and a temporary sidewalk along the west side of Loring Avenue
between the temporary crosswalk and the existing crosswalk south of Leggs Hill Road were provided to
accommodate a pedestrian detour around the work zone. RSA team members were uncertain as to
whether the temporary crosswalk or sidewalk would remain after work is completed.
The audit team conducted an RSA for Loring Avenue on Friday, November 15, 2013. The RSA agenda
appears in Appendix A. Table 1 lists the audit team members and their affiliations. Appendix B
provides contact information for all team members.
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Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Figure 1.
Locus Map
RSA Study Area
Salem State
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Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Robert Preczewski
David W. Cody
Giovanna Zabaleta
James Gargano
Rick Wilson
Peter Gfatter
Corey O’Connor
Joe SanClemente
Mike Tremblay
Agency/Affiliation
Salem Police Department
Salem Fire Department
City of Salem Engineering Department
Salem State Police Department
MassDOT Highway Division
MassDOT Highway District 4
MassDOT, Highway Division Safety Section
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
Prior to the RSA, in order to begin assessing possible safety issues, the audit team reviewed collision
diagrams and a crash detail summary for the segment of Loring Avenue (Route 1A) between Intervale
Road and Harrison Road. The data was provided by the Salem Police Department. From January 1, 2010
to June 29, 2013, 33 crashes were reported to the Salem Police Department. Of the 33 reported crashes,
thirteen (or 40%) were single-vehicle crashes; 12 (36%) were angle crashes; six (18%) were rear-end
crashes; one (3%) was a head-on crash, and one (3%) was a sideswipe crash. Most crashes occurred
during the day (23, or 70%), during clear weather (22, or 67%), and on dry pavement (25, or 76%).
Eleven (33%) of the 33 crashes resulted in personal injury, and one additional crash resulted in a
pedestrian fatality. One crash involved a bicyclist and two crashes, including the fatality, involved
pedestrians. One rear-end crash occurred when a vehicle unexpectedly stopped to allow a pedestrian to
cross Loring Avenue, but the pedestrian was not struck in the crash.
Appendix C provides the detailed crash data for the intersection. This data includes crash data for the
intersection of Loring Avenue/Pickman Road; however, these crashes (#3, 4, 5, 11, 15, 17, 24, 26, 27, 30,
31, 39, 42, 44, and 47) were not included in the analysis for this RSA. .
Project Location Description
The RSA focused on the following roadway, which is categorized according to MassDOT Office of
Transportation Planning functional classifications:
Loring Avenue (Route 1A) is classified as a principal arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction
within the study area. Loring Avenue runs north-south between Lafayette Street to the north and Essex
Street on the Swampscott Town Line to the south. Loring Avenue generally consists of one travel lane in
each direction. On-street parking is generally prohibited within the study area. Sidewalks are
consistently provided along the east side of Loring Avenue. On the west side of Loring Avenue,
sidewalks are provided north of the Salem State University Upper South campus, as well as south of
Riverview Street. Sidewalks are not provided along the inside of the horizontal curve between the Salem
State University Upper South Campus and Riverview Street. Dedicated bicycle accommodations are not
Page 4
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
provided. The speed limit on Loring Avenue is 30 miles per hour (mph) within the study area, with the
exception of a short 40 mph zone between Oakview Avenue and Intervale Road. A passing zone is
located within the 40 mph speed limit zone, which begins as a northbound passing zone, transitions into a
two-way passing zone, and ends as a southbound passing zone as the roadway continues to the north until
the speed limit reverts to 30 mph just ahead of the curve.
Loring Avenue (Route 1A) is a major north-south corridor through the City of Salem. Salem State
University’s Upper South Campus is located just south of Harrison Road on the north side of the study
area. The University’s South Campus, and associated surface parking area, may be accessed using
Harrison Road. The University’s Central Campus is located approximately 0.5 miles north of Harrison
Road. According to city officials attending the RSA, class schedules at Salem State University can
dictate traffic volumes on Loring Avenue. Similarly, traffic volumes tend to be higher in the fall and
spring than in the summer and winter, when fewer students commute to the university.
An aerial image of Loring Avenue between Intervale Road and Pickman Road is shown in Figure 2.
Road Safety Audit Observations and
Potential Enhancements
Based on RSA team discussions on Friday, November 15, 2013, Loring Avenue has the following issues
that affect safety between Intervale Road and Harrison Road:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Speed;
Pavement Markings;
Signage;
Signal indications; and
Pedestrian accommodations.
The following sections describe in more detail the safety issues and enhancements determined during the
RSA. Several of these issues require further study and engineering judgment to determine the feasibility
of implementing enhancements to address them.
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Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Figure 2.
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Loring Avenue (Route 1A)
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Salem State University,
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Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #1. Speed
Observations:
The speed limit along Loring Avenue is generally
30 mph, except for a 40 mph zone between Oakview Avenue and Riverview Street. Public safety officials attending the RSA stated that the prevailing speed on Loring Avenue is generally
around 40 mph, consistent with the speed regulations. These speeds may be comfortable to motorists approaching or navigating the curve due to Loring Avenue’s wide cross-section. Passing is generally permitted in one or both directions The speed limit on Loring Avenue
increases to 40 mph for a short
between Intervale Street and Riverview Street. distance.
The only fatality within the study area occurred within the 40 mph passing zone in the vicinity of Oakview Avenue. Parking is prohibited on Loring Avenue, as it is a state
highway. The parking restriction is enforced within the
horizontal curve on Loring Avenue to prevent
obstructions to sight lines, although parking is typically
not enforced south of Riverview Street, or north of
Harrison Street, to allow residents or visitors to park on
the roadway. However, during the RSA, there were few
cars parked in the shoulder. As a result, motorists treat
the roadway as one wide travel lane, and are comfortable
traveling at higher speeds. Within the curve, the Loring
Loring Avenue has a wide crossAvenue northbound shoulder is significantly wider than
section, which may encourage
the northbound travel lane itself, which may make
higher travel speeds.
motorists more comfortable navigating the curve at high
speeds. Seven of the 13 single-vehicle crashes that occurred near the curve involved Loring
Avenue northbound vehicles approaching or travelling through the curve, including six fixedobject crashes, where speed may have been a contributing factor. In the southbound direction, the
white edge line is faded completely, indicating that motorists often encroach into the shoulder
when navigating the curve. Since the edge line is no longer visible, the southbound travel lane
appears to be extremely wide, which may encourage faster travel speeds around the curve. While
not reflected in the crash data, RSA team members also stated that vehicles sometimes form two
lanes along Loring Avenue as more aggressive motorists pass turning or slower moving traffic.
MassDOT officials attending the RSA stated that the roadway was likely striped five to six years
ago, and is scheduled to be restriped in the spring of 2014.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. Restripe shoulders to create a visual narrowing of the roadway and to encourage
motorists to drive slower and within the travel lanes.
2. Increase enforcement along Loring Avenue, particularly in the 30 mph zone, to discourage speeding. 3. Consider the use of radar speed feedback signage showing the speed limit on Loring
Avenue and “Slow Down” text when vehicles exceed the speed limit.
4. As part of long-term planning and reconstruction efforts, consider the safety benefits of
narrowing Loring Avenue, where appropriate to reduce the comfortable travel speed on
Loring Avenue.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #2. Pavement Markings
Observations:
At Leggs Hill Road, lane lines are no longer
visible, and diagrammatic lane use pavement
markings within the Loring Avenue northbound
right-turn lane and Loring Avenue southbound
left-turn lane are in poor condition. According to
RSA team members, Loring Avenue through
vehicles often do not shift into the appropriate
lane when approaching Leggs Hill Road, treating
the approach as one single wide travel lane. The
lack of clear pavement markings may contribute
to speed along the corridor and may also make it
more difficult for Leggs Hill Road westbound
Longitudinal and diagrammatic
pavement markings for turn lanes
vehicles to determine whether a Loring Avenue
onto Leggs Hill Road are not visible.
vehicle is going through the intersection or
stopping to turn onto Leggs Hill Road. Three
angle crashes involved Leggs Hill road westbound left-turning vehicles and Loring Avenue
northbound through vehicles. Team members observed motorists forming two travel lanes ahead
of the designated turn lanes, with through vehicles driving around slower, turning vehicles.
RSA team members stated that Loring Avenue northbound vehicles sometimes cross over the
centerline when navigating the curve, encroaching into the Loring Avenue southbound travel
lane.
Longitudinal lane line markings are also worn at the intersection of Loring Avenue/Harrison
Road. Diagrammatic lane use pavement markings are in good condition at this location.
Enhancements:
1. Restripe all longitudinal pavement markings to help delineate the travel lane and the
auxiliary turning lane, and repaint diagrammatic lane use pavement markings at Leggs
Hill Road to increase clarity. Supplement with appropriate signage.
2. Consider expanding median gore areas, where appropriate, to further separate northbound
and southbound traffic, discourage motorists from crossing into the opposing travel lane,
and to help create a visual narrowing to guide vehicles through the curve in a slower, and
safer manner. Consider the use of textured markings to discourage vehicles from
encroaching into the median.
3. Place recessed reflectorized pavement markings along the double yellow center line and
center painted medians to increase visibility of the centerline.
4. Remove the passing zone pavement markings to the south of the curve.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #3. Signage
Observations:
A flashing yellow beacon is provided along the outside of the curve alerting motorists in both the northbound and southbound direction, which according to team members has been helpful. However, the beacon is supplemented with a curve warning sign (W1-2) in each direction. Team
members commented that the W1-2 signage is typically placed in advance of a curve and may not provide motorists with sufficient warning of the severity of the horizontal curve. Curve warning signage is inconsistent
RSA team members noted that there is general sign
on Loring Avenue southbound.
clutter along Loring Avenue within the study area.
This includes a large sign for the Salem Rotary Club and a faded sign for the Salem Willows
Amusement Park, posted on a utility pole. A large amount of signs can cause confusion, and
signs that do not inform or direct a motorist cause an unnecessary distraction from the roadway.
The “Reduced speed limit ahead” signage (W3-5) along the Loring Avenue northbound approach
to the curve is obstructed by the utility poles and pedestrian signage, making it less effective.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. Place appropriate and consistent curve warning signage (W1-2) signage along the Loring
Avenue northbound and southbound in advance of the horizontal curve. Remove the
curve warning sign posted within the curve on Loring Avenue northbound. Consider the
appropriateness of using advisory speed plaques below warning signage to reinforce the
safe travel speed around the curve, as shown in MUTCD Figure 2C-2 (below).
2. Remove the existing warning signage within the horizontal curve and place chevron
signage (W1-8) along the outside of the curve on both Loring Avenue northbound and
southbound to alert motorists of the significant change in roadway alignment.
3. Remove any unnecessary signage from the edge of the roadway to reduce sign clutter.
4. Consider placing the W3-5 sign in an area in which it will have better visibility to Loring
Avenue northbound vehicles.
Figure 2C-2 of the MUTCD shows an example layout of
curve warning signage and chevron placement around a
horizontal curve.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #4. Signal Indications
Observations:
A pedestrian actuated signal crossing is provided on Loring Avenue approximately 50 feet north
of Intervale Road. The pedestrian signal rests on green unless a pedestrian activates the signal.
During the audit, team members noted that the
southbound signal indication on the west side of
the roadway is partially blocked by the presence
of a utility pole and overgrown vegetation, which
may make it difficult for motorists to see. The
utility pole is also positioned in the middle of the
sidewalk, making it difficult for pedestrians to
pass, particularly those with disabilities.
RSA team members also noted that the pedestrian signal was not functional on October 4, 2013, however, was working properly at the time of this audit. Tree branches and a utility pole
obstruct the view of the Loring Avenue
southbound approach to the pedestrian
crossing.
The signal indications at the signalized pedestrian
crossing near Intervale Road and at the signalized intersection of Loring Avenue/Harrison Road
are not equipped with backplates. One rear-end crash was reported at each of these locations.
Limited visibility of the signal indications may have been a contributing factor to the occurrence
of these rear-end crashes.
Enhancements:
1. Trim overgrown vegetation that is currently blocking the visibility of the southbound signal
indication at the pedestrian signal near Intervale Road.
2. Relocate utility pole that is currently located in front of the pedestrian signal near Intervale
Road to improve visibility of the southbound signal indication and to improve accessibility at
along the sidewalk.
3. Consider the safety benefits of installing backplates at the pedestrian signal near Intervale
Road and at the intersection of Loring Avenue/Harrison Road to improve visibility of the
traffic signal indications.
Page 12
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #5. Pedestrian Accommodations
Observations:
Of the 33 crashes reported along Loring Avenue, two involved pedestrians, one of which resulted
in a pedestrian fatality. According to public safety officials at the audit, the pedestrian fatality
was a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian who crossed Loring Avenue north of the
pedestrian signal. The crash occurred on a Saturday morning, during daylight conditions and on a
dry pavement surface. The other crash occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. in the vicinity of
Lincoln Road and involved a motorist who was operating under the influence; the pedestrian was
reportedly walking in the middle of the roadway. The crash occurred when it was raining and on
a wet pavement surface.
An unsignalized pedestrian crosswalk is provided to the south of Leggs Hill Road. Prior to the
ongoing road work to repair a culvert at the Forest River, this crosswalk did not lead to a
pedestrian sidewalk, as none were provided along the west side of Loring Avenue in this area.
During the audit, the sidewalk on the east side of Loring Avenue was closed due to road work,
and a temporary sidewalk was constructed on the west side of Loring Avenue between the
crosswalk and Riverview Street, where permanent sidewalks are provided. A pedestrian
crosswalk is also provided at Riverview Street, approximately 700 feet south of the Leggs Hill
Crossing. Both of these crossings are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), since they are not provided with curb ramps. Team members also noted that the
crosswalk near Leggs Hill Road is not located at the intersection, but is located about 60 feet
south of the Loring Avenue northbound right-turn lane stop line at Leggs Hill Road. Team
members commented that both crossings, in such a short distance seemed unnecessary.
RSA team members noted that the temporary pedestrian warning signage (W11-2) has a black
image on a yellow background. According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), signage relating to pedestrian crossings may use a fluorescent yellow-green
background for added visibility.
Except for the temporary pedestrian warning signage installed due to construction, there is no
pedestrian warning signage along the Loring Avenue southbound approach to the crosswalk.
Page 13
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. Evaluate the location of the pedestrian crossing south of Leggs Hill Road. Consider vehicle
sight distance of the crossing, distance from Leggs Hill Road, pedestrian desire lines, and the
availability of an accessible pedestrian sidewalk on the west side of Loring Avenue. Consider
the appropriateness of consolidating the pedestrian crossings.
2. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing permanent sidewalk along the
west side of Loring Avenue so that pedestrians do not have to cross Loring Avenue to access
a sidewalk.
3. Provide ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps at the pedestrian crossings near Leggs Hill Road
and at Riverview Street.
4. Place pedestrian warning signage (W11-2) with W16-7P plaques on each side of the
crosswalk on each approach. Consider using signage with a fluorescent yellow-green
background for added visibility.
5. Place “Ahead” (W16-9P) plaques on advance pedestrian warning signage.
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Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Recommendations
Based on its review of data, on-site field observations and group discussion, the RSA team identified
the following possible enhancements that could improve safety on Loring Avenue. Further study and
design work will need to be conducted to determine the feasibility of making some of the
improvements.
Table 2 summarizes the safety issues, possible enhancements, estimated safety payoff, time frame,
cost, and responsibility. Safety payoff estimates are based on engineering judgment and are
categorized as low, medium, and high. The time frame is categorized as short-term (<1 year), midterm (1 to 3 years), or long-term (typically >3 years). Long-term improvements are typically
considered to be substantial improvements with an expected time frame for implementation greater
than 3 years. The costs are categorized as low (<$10,000), medium ($10,001 to $50,000), or high
(>$50,000).
Short-term enhancements include, but are not limited to:

Restripe pavement markings;

Improve signage;

Remove unnecessary signage;

Increase enforcement;

Add backplates to signals; and

Evaluate crosswalk locations.
To enhance the safety of the corridor, the long-term enhancements are to:

Narrow the cross-section of Loring Avenue; and

Provide continuous sidewalks along the west side of Loring Avenue.
The RSA is intended to identify potential safety improvements that can be evaluated and included as
part of the design process for a reconstruction project. The short-term, low-cost potential
improvements could be considered by the responsible agency for immediate implementation, as
appropriate.
Page 15
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements
Safety Issue
Speed
Pavement
Markings
Pavement
Markings
Safety Enhancement
Restripe shoulders to create a visual narrowing of the
roadway and to encourage motorists to drive slower and
within the travel lanes.
Increase enforcement along Loring Avenue, particularly in the
30 mph zone, to discourage speeding.
Consider the use of radar speed feedback signage showing
the speed limit on Loring Avenue and “Slow Down” text when
vehicles exceed the speed limit.
As part of long-term planning and reconstruction efforts,
consider the safety benefits of narrowing Loring Avenue,
where appropriate to reduce the comfortable travel speed on
Loring Avenue.
Restripe all longitudinal pavement markings to guide
motorists into the correct travel lanes help delineate the travel
lane and the auxiliary turning lane, and repaint diagrammatic
lane use pavement markings at Leggs Hill Road to increase
clarity. Supplement with appropriate signage.
Consider expanding median gore areas, where appropriate,
to further separate northbound and southbound traffic,
discourage motorists from crossing into the opposing travel
lane, and to help create a visual narrowing to guide vehicles
through the curve in a slower, and safer manner. Consider
the use of textured markings to discourage vehicles from
encroaching into the median.
Place recessed reflectorized pavement markings along the
double yellow center line and center painted medians to
increase visibility of the centerline.
Remove the passing zone pavement markings to the south of
the curve.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
Low
Salem Police
Department
Low
Short-term
Low
Salem Police
Department
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Page 16
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Signage
Signal Indications
Pedestrian
Accommodations
Safety Enhancement
Place appropriate and consistent curve warning signage (W12) signage along the Loring Avenue northbound and
southbound in advance of the horizontal curve. Remove the
curve warning sign posted within the curve on Loring Avenue
northbound. Consider the appropriateness of using advisory
speed plaques below warning signage to reinforce the safe
travel speed around the curve, as shown in MUTCD Figure
2C-2.
Replace Remove the existing warning signage within the
horizontal curve with and place chevron signage (W1-8)
along the outside of the curve on both Loring Avenue
northbound and southbound to alert motorists of the
significant change in roadway alignment.
Remove any unnecessary signage from the edge of the
roadway to reduce sign clutter.
Consider placing the W3-5 sign in an area in which it will
have better visibility to Loring Avenue northbound vehicles.
Trim overgrown vegetation that is currently blocking the
visibility of the southbound signal indication at the pedestrian
signal near Intervale Road.
Relocate utility pole that is currently located in front of the
pedestrian signal near Intervale Road to improve visibility of
the southbound signal indication and to improve accessibility
at along the sidewalk.
Consider the safety benefits of installing backplates at the
pedestrian signal near Intervale Road and at the intersection
of Loring Avenue/Harrison Road to improve visibility of the
traffic signal indications.
Evaluate the location of the pedestrian crossing south of
Leggs Hill Road. Consider vehicle sight distance of the
crossing, distance from Leggs Hill Road, pedestrian desire
lines, and the availability of an accessible pedestrian
sidewalk on the west side of Loring Avenue. Consider the
appropriateness of consolidating the pedestrian crossings.
Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Mid-term
Medium
MassDOT/Utility
owner
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Page 17
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Safety Payoff Time Frame
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing
permanent sidewalk along the west side of Loring Avenue so
High
Long-term
that pedestrians do not have to cross Loring Avenue to access a
sidewalk.
Provide ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps at the pedestrian
Medium
Long-term
Pedestrian
crossings near Leggs Hill Road and at Riverview Street.
Accommodations
Place pedestrian warning signage (W11-2) with W16-7P plaques
on each side of the crosswalk on each approach. Consider
Low
Short-term
using signage with a fluorescent yellow-green background for
added visibility.
Place “Ahead” (W16-9P) plaques on advance pedestrian
Low
Short-term
warning signage.
Cost
Responsible Party
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
MassDOT
Low
MassDOT
Low
MassDOT
Page 18
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda Road Safety Audit
Salem, MA
Loring Avenue, Route 1A at “Dead Man’s Curve”
Meeting Location: Salem State University Police Dept.
73 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Friday, October 4th, 2013
10:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Type of meeting:
High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
10:00 AM
Welcome and Introductions
10:15 AM
Discussion of Safety Issues
• Crash history, Speed Regulations – provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
11:00 AM
Site Visit
• Drive to the curve on Loring Avenue (Route 1A)
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
11:30 AM
Discussion of Potential Improvements
• Discuss observations and finalize safety issue areas
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
12:00 noon
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on October 4th, participants are encouraged to drive/walk
through the intersection and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List
with a focus on safety.
• All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participants
are encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the
synergy that develops and respect for others’ opinions are key elements to the
success of the overall RSA process.
• After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked to comment and respond to the
document materials to assure it is reflective of the RSA completed by the
multidisciplinary team.
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
Friday, November 15, 2013
Location: Salem State University Police Department, 85 Margin Street, Salem, MA
Audit Team Members
Agency/Affiliation
E-mail Address
Phone Number
Robert Preczewski
Salem Police Department
rpreczewski@salempd.net
978-744-0171 x115
David W. Cody
Salem Fire Department
dcody@salem.com
978-244-6990
Giovanna Zabaleta
City of Salem Engineering Department
gzabaleta@salem.com
978-619-5671
James Gargano
Salem State Police Department
jgargano@salemstate.edu
978-744-6990
Rick Wilson
MassDOT Highway Division
richard.wilson@mhd.state.ma.us
857-368-9628
Peter Gfatter
MassDOT Highway District 4
peter.gfatter@state.ma.us
781-641-8459
Corey O’Connor
MassDOT, Highway Division Safety Section
corey.oconnor@state.ma.us
857-368-9638
Joe SanClemente
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
jsanclemente@hshassoc.com
617-348-3334
Mike Tremblay
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
mtremblay@hshassoc.com
617-348-3347
Road Safety Audit
Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data Crash Data Summary Table
Loring Avenue, Salem MA
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
Time of Day
1
1/10/10
Sunday
4:03 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway Snow
Dry
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
2
1/11/10
Monday
4:45 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Dry
Other improper action
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
Road Surface
Type
D1
Ages
D2
MV lost out of control and struck a hydrant and telephone pole
20
23
Comments
D3
33
3
4
5
6
2/26/10
4/14/10
4/16/10
4/30/10
Friday
Wednesday
Friday
Friday
1:17 PM
12:18 PM
1:30 PM
11:32 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Clear
Rain
Clear
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Unknown
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
25
36
33
21
47
23
38
27
7
5/27/10
Thursday
12:33 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
33
18
8
6/1/10
Tuesday
3:34 PM
Angle
Daylight
Rain
Wet
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
9
10
11
6/18/10
7/5/10
11/1/10
Friday
Monday
Monday
4:11 PM
2:00 PM
9:20 AM
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
12
13
12/6/10 Monday
12/20/10 Monday
1:20 AM
2:59 PM
Head on
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Snow
Dry
Snow
14
1/1/11
Saturday
12:20 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Clear
Dry
15
2/3/11
Thursday
1:20 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
16
2/13/11
Sunday
6:00 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
23
19
40
22
24
51
22
53
Dry
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
No Improper Driving
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Dry
Unknown
78
93
MV3(uninvolved) was traveling very slowly in front of MV1 and MV2. MV1
and MV2 were both trying to pass MV3 and each claimed that the other MV
was at fault for crash. 219 Loring Avenue
MV's stopped in traffic. 221 Loring Avenue
MV's stopped in traffic. 223 Loring Avenue
MV2 pulled out in front of MV1 in an attempt to reverse direction and collided
with MV1
MV1 in lane designated for a right hand turn, MV2 collided with MV1. 220
Loring Avenue
MV's stopped in heavy traffic, MV was distracted by someone at the side of
the road. 220 Loring Avenue
256 Loring Avenue
MV's stopped in traffic
27
20
MV struck flashing yellow traffic light and a telephone pole
MV slid into the guardrail due to the inclement weather
27
MV swerved in road striking a snowbank
23
MV struck parked car
32
MV turning into driveway at 462 Loring Avenue
49
67
Operator claims he saw a pedestrian in the middle of the road which caused
him to swerve to the right and strike a tree. Operator charged with OUI
MV crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, drove over the curb and struck
house at 221 Loring Ave, charged for OUI
MV stopped at traffic light was rear-ended
MV stopped for a turkey in the road was rear-ended. 452 Loring Avenue
17
3/10/11
Thursday
12:57 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
18
19
20
4/2/11
4/8/11
4/12/11
Saturday
Friday
Tuesday
2:25 AM
8:30 AM
10:30 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Daylight
Cloudy
Wet
Dry
Dry
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Followed too closely
18
65
65
21
6/16/11
Thursday
3:30 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Dry
46
22
6/25/11
Saturday
1:05 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Illness
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
23
24
7/2/11
7/13/11
Saturday
Wednesday
10:59 AM
3:00 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Distracted
Followed too closely
33
53
28
41
MV struck a pedestrian who was walking along the solid double yellow line,
MV charged with OUI
Operator of MV2 was distracted and rear-ended MV1 as traffic slowed. 430
Loring Avenue
MV's stopped in traffic. 229 Loring Avenue
25
26
8/3/11
9/19/11
Wednesday
Monday
3:02 PM
12:04 PM
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Made an improper turn
Followed too closely
45
24
35
26
MV attempted to make an illegal U-Turn. 270 Loring Avenue
MV's stopped in traffic at Loring Ave & Harrison Rd
27
28
9/25/11 Sunday
10/14/11 Friday
2:27 AM
11:45 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Rain
Dry
Wet
28
23
23
MV swerved to the right and struck standing traffic light tower
Entering Salem State University South Campus
29
11/19/11 Saturday
12:30 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Dry
Exceeded authorized speed limit
Failed to yield to right of way
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
30
31
1/12/12
2/19/12
Thursday
Sunday
11:24 PM
11:30 AM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Dry
Exceeded authorized speed limit
No Improper Driving
22
62
21
32
4/6/12
Friday
11:16 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Inattention
18
18
Clear
Clear
Operator may have blacked out and and struck a fire hydrant and utility pole
21
24
MC traveling at a high rate of speed and "doing wheelies" , lost control and
crashed onto the pavement
MV traveling at a high rate of speed crossed over the solid white lines
striking parked MV. 208 Loring Avenue
36 MV's stopped in traffic
MV2 was following a friend when turning out of Lincoln Rd. and did not see
MV1. 206 Loring Avenue
Crash Data Summary Table
Loring Avenue, Salem MA
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
Road Surface
Type
33
5/16/12
Wednesday
5:41 PM
Head on
Daylight
Clear
Dry
34
35
6/22/12
7/25/12
Friday
Wednesday
3:13 AM
10:00 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
36
37
38
39
8/10/12
8/26/12
9/14/12
9/28/12
Friday
Sunday
Friday
Friday
9:55 AM
2:01 PM
9:00 AM
10:35 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
23
68
Dry
Dry
Made an improper turn
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
No Improper Driving
24
48
47
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
43
71
28
36
35
69
47
39
19
38
52
42
30
40
41
42
12/2/12
2/2/13
2/5/13
Sunday
Saturday
Tuesday
9:23 PM
9:30 AM
5:26 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Daylight
Clear
Dusk
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
43
3/1/13
Friday
3:20 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Exceeded authorized speed limit
59
44
45
46
47
3/4/13
3/26/13
4/23/13
5/6/13
Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Monday
11:33 AM
6:49 AM
1:38 PM
11:12 AM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
21
28
59
45
48
6/29/13
Saturday
9:11 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Unknown
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Salem Police Department
Ages
D2
unk
51
24
87
Comments
D3
MV2 attempted to make an illegal U-Turn on Loring Avenue from the SB
lane into the NB lane and was hit by MV1 who was traveling NB on Loring
Avenue; No injuries reported.
MV traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a utility pole
31 MV's stopped in traffic
Bicylcist operating outbound on Loring Ave (Inbound Breakdown lane) & hit
MV.
MV stopped for pedestrians crossing the street. 450 Loring Avenue
Stopped for traffic light
MV traveling at high rate of speed, hitting the curb and striking utlity pole and
then guardrail
MV's stopped in traffic
MV's stopped in traffic. 214 Loring Avenue
MV took his eyes off the road and drove up on the curb, struck a hydrant
MV failed to stay in marked lanes and struck legally parked MV's. 220 Loring
Avenue
MV backing out of a driveway at 223 Loring Avenue
Turning out of the Salem State University Driveway
MV's stopped for traffic. 215 Loring Avenue
Hit & run crash; Pedestrian struck & killed while crossing the street in front of
her residence
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Loring Avenue, Salem MA
CRASH MONTH
20%
17%
15%
13%
11%
10%
9%
9%
9%
6%
9%
6%
6%
4%
5%
2%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
30%
20%
25%
17%
15%
10%
10%
10%
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
10%
0%
Monday
Friday
Saturday
13%
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
19% 19%
20%
15%
17%
13%
8%
10%
5%
0%
2% 2%
2%
6AM­
8AM
8AM­
10AM
10AM­
12PM
12PM­
2PM
2PM­
4PM
4PM­
6PM
6PM­
8PM
8PM­
10PM
4%
10PM­
12AM
6% 6%
2%
12AM­
2AM
2AM­
4AM
4AM­
6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
38%
40%
30%
27%
27%
20%
10%
0%
CrashData_LJ.xlsx
2%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
2%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
3 of 4
4%
Head on
0%
0%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
9/18/2013
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Loring Avenue, Salem MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
73%
80%
60%
40%
25%
20%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
0%
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
Rain
4%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
13%
Cloudy
17%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
67%
Clear
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Daylight
2%
Snow
0%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
79%
19%
Dry
Wet
38%
40%
2%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand, mud, Water
dirt, oil, (standing,
gravel
moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
30%
19%
20%
10%
0%
CrashData_LJ.xlsx
15%
9%
8%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
4 of 4
50-59
8%
60-69
3%
3%
70-79
80+
9/18/2013