ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47)
Town of Hadley
May 2012
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Data................................................................................................................................. 4
Project Location Description ..................................................................................................... 5
Road Safety Audit Observations and Potential Enhancements .............................................7
Safety Issue #1. Congestion .......................................................................................................... 7
Safety Issue #2. Limited Visibility of Traffic Signal Indications ................................................. 9
Safety Issue #3. Intersection Geometry....................................................................................... 10
Safety Issue #4. Utility Pole/Signal Post Placement ................................................................... 10
Safety Issue #5. Access Management ......................................................................................... 11
Safety Issue #6. Pedestrian Accommodations............................................................................. 12
Safety Issue #7. Pavement Conditions ........................................................................................ 13
Safety Issue #8. Bicycle Accommodations ................................................................................. 13
Safety Issue #9. Transit Accommodations ....................................................................................... 14
Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 14
List of Appendices
Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D. RSA Meeting Agenda RSA Audit Team Contact List Detailed Crash Data Speed Regulations List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure 2. Locus Map.............................................................................................................................. 3
Russell Street (Route 9)/Middle Street (Route 47)................................................................. 6
List of Tables
Table 1. Table 2. Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 4
Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements ....................................................................... 16
Page 1
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The intersection of Russell Street (Route 9)/Middle Street (Route 47) in the Town of Hadley,
Massachusetts, is listed in the Top 5% of High Crash Locations within the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission (PVPC) area. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has determined
that the Town of Hadley would be eligible to receive Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
funding for reconstruction of the intersection if a Road Safety Audit (RSA) were conducted and the
proposed design incorporated the safety improvements identified in the RSA. In general, the RSA is
intended to identify potential safety improvements that can be evaluated and included as part of the design
process for the reconstruction of the intersection. The short-term, low-cost potential improvements could
be considered by the responsible agency for immediate implementation prior to reconstruction, as
appropriate. The RSA study area is illustrated in Figure 1.
The intersection is currently at the 25% design stage, funded by MassDOT (#33086/#34453) with
reconstruction planned to commence in Winter 2014/2015. The Project was initiated in 2003 in response
to the high incidence of crashes at the intersection, which were predominantly angle type. The 25%
design plans, initially submitted to MassDOT in 2004, proposed to widen Route 9 from a 4- to a 5-lane
cross-section to allow for the creation of a dedicated left-turn lane in each direction; however, according
to team members, the widening was not pursued due to concern over the resulting negative impacts on the
adjacent historic properties including the Town Hall, public library, a former public school and the Town
Common.
Since that time, MassDOT changed the
signal phasing on Route 9 from permitted to
split phasing in an effort to improve safety.
While this change has been successful at
virtually eliminating the occurrence of the
typically more severe angle type crashes
(only one angle crash within the intersection
reported from March 2007 – December
2009), the team noted the change may have
resulted in worsened queuing conditions on
Route 9 and also led to an increase in often
less-severe rear-end type crashes (9 reported
at the Route 9 eastbound and westbound
approaches during the same time period).
In 2010, revised 25% design plans were
Signal phasing changes have improved safety
submitted to MassDOT that propose to
significantly, but resulted in increased queues on Rte. 9
maintain the current 4-lane cross section on
Route 9, but would include some minor widening to allow for a 4-foot shoulder (no shoulder is currently
provided and only a 1-foot off-set exists).
Page 2
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9)/Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley
Figure 1.
Locus Map
r
Rive
t
u
c
cti
Conne
t. (Route
Middle S
47)
East St.
West St.
East St.
Rusell St. (Route
l
Trai
tu
wot
Nor
ail
ck R
9)
East St.
Middle St. (Route 47)
West St.
Bay
Rd.
RSA Focus Area
Bay Rd. (Rou
te
47)
Source: MassGIS
Not to scale.
Not to scale.
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
RSA Focus A
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
The team discussed operational and safety tradeoffs between the current and prior 25% design alternatives
at a general level of detail; the 25% design plans were not reviewed during the audit. Overall, the team
agreed that the recent change in signal phasing along Route 9 (from permitted to split) has resulted in a
substantial improvement to safety at the intersection. According to team members, the tradeoff between
the queuing conditions with the existing 4-lane cross-section (and split phasing) that would generally be
maintained with the current 25% design plans and the potential operational benefits of the prior 25%
design alternative (widening the roadway to a 5-lane cross-section) was not worth the impacts on the
adjacent historic properties.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the intersection of Route 9/Route 47 on Friday, May 18, 2012. 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.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Khyati Parmar
Bruno Campea
Dennis Hukowicz
Gary E. Girouard
Mike Klimoski
Margaret Freeman
Ginger Goldsbury
Trung Vo
Bao Lang
Lisa Schletzbaum
Ted Brovitz
Joe SanClemente
James Kicza
Ed Dudkiewicz
Michael Spanknebel
David Nixon
Agency/Affiliation
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Bayside Engineering, Inc.
Chief of Police
Hadley DPW Director
Hadley DPW Superintendent
Hadley Historical Commission
Hadley Historical Commission
MassDOT, District 2
MassDOT, District 2
MassDOT, Highway Division Safety Section
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Hadley Fire Chief
Hadley Fire Department
Hadley Fire Captain
Town Administrator
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 intersection of Route 9/Route 47 based on crash records
supplied by the Hadley Police Department. From March 2007 through December 2009, 24 crashes were
reported at the intersection, of which a majority of the crashes were rear-end type (14 or 58%) and
generally occurred during daylight conditions (21 or 88%) and on dry pavement (21 or 88%). Of the 24
crashes, 5 (or 21%) resulted in personal injury; no fatalities or pedestrian/bicycle-related crashes were
reported during this time period. Appendix C provides the detailed crash data for the intersection. Speed
regulations in the vicinity of the intersection are presented in Appendix D.
Page 4
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Project Location Description
The RSA focused on the intersection of Route 9/Route 47 in the Town of Hadley, as shown in the aerial
image in Figure 2.
Route 9/Route 47 is a four-way signalized intersection. The Route 9 eastbound and westbound
approaches each consist of one shared left-turn/through lane and one shared through/right-turn lane. The
Route 47 northbound and southbound approaches each consist of one dedicated left-turn lane and one
shared through/right-turn lane. The traffic signal currently operates with split phasing on Route 9 and
permitted phasing on Route 47. Crosswalks and push-button activated pedestrian indications are
provided across each of the intersection approaches; however, accessible curb ramps are not provided.
The intersection forms the junction of the following roadways, which are categorized according to
MassDOT Office of Transportation Planning functional classifications:
Russell Street (Route 9) is a principal arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction. Russell Street
(Route 9) is an east-west roadway and runs between the Amherst town line to the east, where it turns into
Northampton Road (Route 9) and the Northampton town line to the west, where it turns into Bridge Street
(Route 9). Route 9 provides connection to Interstate 91 (I-91) at exit 19 approximately 2 miles west of
Route 47 and to Westgate Center Drive (Route 116), approximately 3 miles east of Route 47. In the
vicinity of the intersection, Route 9 generally consists of two travel lanes in each direction. The speed
limit along Route 9 is posted at 35 mph.
Middle Street (Route 47) is an urban principal arterial south of Route 9 and is an urban minor arterial
north of Route 9. Middle Street falls under Town jurisdiction in the vicinity of the intersection and
generally consists of one travel lane in each direction. Middle Street is a north-south roadway and runs
between North Lane to the north, where it turns into River Drive, and to Bay Road to the south where it
turns into South Middle Street. Within the vicinity of the intersection, the speed limit is posted at 30
miles per hour (mph) for vehicles approaching the intersection and 35mph for vehicles departing the
intersection.
Page 5
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9)/Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley
Figure 2. Russell Street (Route 9)/Middle Street (Route 47)
t. (Route
Middle S
47)
Donut
Man
TD
Bank
Rusell St. (Route 9)
Hadley
Town Hall
Hadley
Farm
Museum
North
Star
Hopkins
Academy
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Source: MassGIS
Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit Observations and
Potential Enhancements
Based on field observations on Friday, May 18, 2012, the RSA team determined that the intersection of
Route 9/Route 47 has the following issues that affect safety:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Congestion;
Limited visibility of traffic signal indications;
Intersection geometry/Constrained Radii;
Utility Pole/Signal Post Placement;
Access Management;
Limited pedestrian accessibility;
Worn pavement conditions;
Limited bicycle accommodations; and
Limited transit 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.
Safety Issue #1. Congestion
Observations:
Of the 14 rear-end type crashes
reported at the intersection from March
2007 to December 2009, 5 occurred
along the Route 9 eastbound approach
and 4 occurred along the Route 9
westbound approach – these crashes
were generally (nearly 80%) the result
of driver inattention or motorists
following too closely. As noted above,
the audit team discussed that the recent
change in signal phasing along Route 9
from permitted to split phasing has
likely resulted in increased queuing
Vehicle queue at Route 9 westbound.
conditions/ congestion, which can add
to driver frustration and inattention and
may contribute to the occurrence of the rear-end type crashes along Route 9 eastbound and
westbound.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
While not explicitly reported in the crash data, the Town of Hadley Police Chief commented that
the “inattention” is often the result of younger drivers talking on their cell phones or text
messaging, while other crashes are often caused by driver frustration with queuing conditions
resulting in motorists following too closely.
Route 9, a principal arterial roadway, serves as a key east-west access route through Hadley,
linking neighboring Amherst with I-91 and Northampton. Team members commented that
congestion can build up along the corridor, particularly during sports and entertainment events
associated with the educational institutions in Amherst and Northampton. Route 9 also serves as
a major regional shopping district in the region. As a result, it was reported that motorists often
use Bay Road to bypass Route 9.
With regard to queuing, a team member commented that traffic along Route 9 eastbound at the
intersection with East Street (approximately 1/3-mile east of Route 47) can often extend into the
intersection of Route 9/Route 47, potentially impacting operations at that location. A team
member also commented that in the Route 9 westbound direction, rear end crashes could be
resulting from the frequently observed red light running because of long queues at the Route 9
and East Street intersection and drivers stopping for the yellow and red light being hit by other
frustrated drivers.
Enhancements:
1. Consider providing driver safety education (e.g., safety program at the high school,
newspaper article, etc.) specifically noting high crash locations in Town, the risks of
texting and cell phone use while driving, and emphasizing safe driving techniques.
2. Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of coordinating the traffic signal at the
intersection of Route 9/Route 47 with the adjacent intersections along Route 9 to improve
traffic progression and reduce congestion along the corridor.
3. Enforce red light running violations.
4. Review, and adjust as necessary, clearance intervals per current standards in an effort to
reduce rear-end crashes.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #2. Limited Visibility of Traffic Signal Indications
Observations:
During field observations the team noted that the visibility of the post-mounted traffic signal indication for Route 9 westbound located on the northwest corner of the intersection is blocked by
the presence of wayfinding signage (facing Route 9 eastbound) located on the northeast corner of the intersection. Similarly, the visibility of the postmounted traffic signal indication for
Route 9 eastbound located on the
southwest corner of the intersection is
blocked by a utility pole and a Pioneer
Visibility of the post-mounted traffic signal
Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) bus
indication along Route 9 westbound is blocked by
signage.
stop sign located on the southwest corner
of the intersection. It was also noted that
the D6/D8 signs (wayfinding signs) are not located according to the MassDOT Guide Sign Policy
for Secondary State Highways. While it may not contribute significantly to the crash history, the
current sign location may be unexpected by motorists.
Enhancements:
1. Relocate wayfinding signage (facing Route 9 eastbound) located at northeast corner of
intersection to improve visibility of the post-mounted traffic signal indication for Route 9
westbound located on the northwest corner.
2. Relocate utility pole and PVTA bus stop sign at southwest corner of intersection to
improve visibility of the post-mounted traffic signal indication for Route 9 eastbound
located at the southeast corner of the intersection.
3. Relocate wayfinding signage in accordance with the MassDOT Guide Sign Policy for
Secondary State Highways.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #3. Intersection Geometry
Observations:
During field observations, the team noted that large heavy vehicles have difficulty making right-turns at the intersection due to small corner radii and typically use both travel lanes to turn right. Enhancements:
Increase corner radii where feasible to facilitate right-turns for large trucks. Large trucks have difficulty making turns at
intersection.
Safety Issue #4. Utility Pole/Signal Post Placement
Observations:
The RSA team noted that the traffic signal post and the utility pole on the southwest of the intersection, and the signal post on the southeast corner of the
intersection are located very close to the edge of roadway creating another obstacle and potential hazard for large trucks making right turns onto Route 47.
The team also noted that utility poles located along the south side of Route 9 are generally located close to the edge of the roadway limiting sight lines at driveways and could have played a role in the angle crash of the driver exiting Hopkins Academy.
Signal posts and utility poles are located close to
the edge of roadway along Route 9 eastbound.
Enhancements:
1. Relocate signal post and utility pole at southwest corner and signal post at southeast
corner of the intersection farther away from the edge of road to reduce potential conflicts
with large trucks making turns at the intersection.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
2. Where possible, consider the feasibility of relocating the utility poles located along the
south side of Route 9 farther away from the edge of the road to improve sight lines at
driveways.
Safety Issue #5. Access Management
Observations:
The RSA team made the following observations regarding access management at driveways in the vicinity of the intersection: Donut Man Driveway at Route 47
Of the 24 crashes reported at the
intersection, 3 involved motorists exiting
the Donut Man driveway onto Route 47
with vehicles traveling along Route 47
southbound. The Route 47 southbound
approach currently widens from one to two
Route 47 southbound widens to two lanes just
lanes approximately 30 feet north of the
north of the Donut Man driveway.
Donut Man driveway to allow for turning
lanes at the intersection with Route 9. Thus, a motorist traveling along Route 47 southbound may
stop to allow a vehicle to turn out of the Donut Man driveway; however, a second vehicle
traveling in the other southbound lane may not expect, or be able to perceive and react to, a
turning vehicle exiting the driveway.
Donut Man/Bank Driveway at Route 9
During field observations, a team member commented that the Donut Man/Bank driveway at
Route 9 seems to be off-set from the drive aisle in the parking area, which can result in exiting
vehicles conflicting with those trying to enter from Route 9. Team members also commented
that the drive-thru at Donut Man can occasionally extend into the Route 9 westbound travel lane
during the morning peak period. According to the crash data, one rear-end collision was reported
along Route 9 westbound in the vicinity of the driveway. Operations at the driveway may have
contributed to the crash at that location.
Team members also noted that motorists traveling along Route 9 eastbound often bypass the leftturn queue at the traffic signal by cutting through various commercial properties on the north side
of Route 9 to access Route 47 northbound including the Donut Man/Bank parking lot (located on
the northwest corner of the intersection), TD Bank, and the adjacent commercial property.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Town Hall Driveway at Route 9
An RSA team member commented that it was difficult for motorists traveling along Route 9
eastbound to slow down and turn right into the Town Hall parking lot driveway due to the lack of
a shoulder. It was also noted that the parking spaces in the lot are close to the edge of roadway
making it difficult for a vehicle entering the lot to maneuver into them without impacting vehicles
traveling along Route 9.
The driveway currently provides two-way access to the parking area behind Town Hall.
However, a driveway connecting the parking area with Route 47 is signed as a one-way entering
the parking area. Team members noted that vehicles traveling along Route 9 westbound destined
for Route 47 southbound often cut through the Town Hall parking area and apparently ignore the
one-way restriction.
Enhancements:
1. Consider the operational and safety benefits of reducing Route 47 southbound to one lane
in advance of the Donut Man driveway to reduce driver confusion and the incidence of
angle type crashes.
2. Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of modifications to the Donut Man/Bank
driveway at Route 9 to improve traffic circulation/operations and minimize cut-through.
3. Consider the appropriateness of making the Town Hall driveway at Route 9 one-way
exiting only or right-in/right-out if shoulder is widened. Discuss potential changes with
church and museum.
Safety Issue #6. Pedestrian Accommodations
Observations:
Crosswalks are currently provided across each of the intersection approaches, although the crosswalk pavement markings are generally worn. Accessible curb ramps and detectable warning strips are not provided at the intersection. The team also noted that an unsignalized mid-block crosswalk is provided across Route 9 between the Town Hall and the former Church building, less than 200 feet east of signalized intersection at Route 47. According to team members, this Crosswalks are not accessible.
Page 12
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
crosswalk is not well utilized and may provide a false sense of security for pedestrians that would
have to cross four lanes of traffic, which are often partially blocked by vehicles queued at the
Route 9 westbound approach at the intersection with Route 47. Accessible curb ramps are not
provided at the mid-block crosswalk.
Enhancements:
1. Re-strip and maintain durable crosswalk pavement markings at the intersection.
2. Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of installing accessible curb-ramps and
detectable warning strips to improve safety for physically and/or visually impaired
pedestrians.
3. Remove the mid-block crosswalk located across Route 9 located between Town Hall
parking lot and the former Church building.
Safety Issue #7. Pavement Conditions
Observations:
Team members noted that the pavement is generally in poor condition and rutted in the vicinity of
the intersection, particularly along Route 9. Rutted pavement could potentially reduce the ability
of a vehicle to maneuver.
Enhancements:
Resurface roadway to improve travel conditions for motorists.
Safety Issue #8. Bicycle Accommodations
Observations:
No bicycle provisions are currently
provided at the intersection. Route 9
has a narrow shoulder (only
approximately 1-foot wide) resulting in
cycists using the travel lane or the
sidewalk. Meanwhile, Route 47, which
provides connection to the Norwottuck
Rail Trail located approxiamtely 800
feet north of Route 9 has a wide
shoulder in some locations but no
bicycle pavement markings or signage.
Bicycle accommodations are limited at the
intersection.
Page 13
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
While no crashes involving cyclists were reported between March 2007 and December 2009,
team members noted that a cyclist traveling along Route 47 northbound, destined for the rail trail
was struck by a vehicle the day before the audit.
Enhancements:
1. Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of providing bicycle accommodations within the
study area (i.e., shared lanes and/or within a 4-foot shoulder, bicycle detection at signals,
signage, and pavement markings) in accordance with the 2006 Project Development and
Design Guide.
2. As part of long-term planning efforts, consider the appropriateness/feasibility of
improved bicycle accommodations (e.g., bike lanes, sharrows, signage, etc.) along Route
47 connecting to the rail trail.
Safety Issue #9. Transit Accommodations
At least two reported crashes involved a PVTA bus. Because of current queuing and congestion
along Route 9, vehicles are changing lanes to avoid waiting behind a stopped bus, which has resulted
in rear-end and side-swipe crashes.
Enhancements:
1. Review locations of PVTA bus stops and provide pull-outs if feasible.
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 at the intersection of Route 9/Route
47 in the Town of Hadley. Further study and design work will need to be conducted to determine the
feasibility of making some of the improvements.
Short-term enhancements include:

Review and adjust clearance intervals;

Enforce red light running;

Driver Education;

Improve visibility of traffic signal indications; and

Improve pedestrian accessibility and safety.
Page 14
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
To enhance the safety of the intersection, the long-term enhancements are to:

Consider improvements to/feasibility of traffic signal coordination;

Relocate utility poles and traffic signal posts;

Improve intersection geometry;

Improve pavement conditions;

Evaluate driveway access near intersection;

Consider improvements for bicycles; and

Improve transit accommodations.
Table 2 summarizes these 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; however, the project is scheduled to commence in Winter 2014/2015. Therefore, the
improvements categorized as long-term may be implemented in less than 3 years. The costs are
categorized as low (<$10,000), medium ($10,001 to $50,000), or high (>$50,000).
It is the responsibility of MassDOT to ensure that the designer incorporates the relevant safety
enhancements identified as part of this RSA. The RSA is intended to identify potential safety
improvements that can be evaluated and included as part of the design process for the reconstruction.
The short-term, low-cost potential improvements could be considered by the responsible agency for
immediate implementation, as appropriate.
Page 15
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Consider providing driver safety education (e.g., safety
program at the high school, newspaper article, etc.)
specifically noting high crash locations in Town, the risks of
texting and cell phone use while driving, and emphasizing
safe driving techniques.
Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of coordinating the
Congestion
traffic signal at the intersection of Route 9/Route 47 with the
adjacent intersections along Route 9 to improve traffic
progression and reduce congestion along the corridor.
Enforce red light running violations.
Review, and adjust as necessary, clearance intervals per
current standards in an effort to reduce rear-end crashes.
Relocate wayfinding signage (facing Route 9 eastbound)
located at northeast corner of intersection to improve visibility
of the post-mounted traffic signal indication for Route 9
westbound located on the northwest corner.
Limited Visibility of
Relocate utility pole and PVTA bus stop sign at southwest
Traffic Signal
corner of intersection to improve visibility of the post-mounted
Indications
traffic signal indication for Route 9 eastbound located at the
southeast corner of the intersection.
Relocate wayfinding signage in accordance with the
MassDOT Guide Sign Policy for Secondary State Highways.
Intersection
Increase corner radii where feasible to facilitate right-turns for
Geometry
large trucks.
Relocate signal post and utility pole at southwest corner and
signal post at southeast corner of the intersection farther
away from the edge of road to reduce potential conflicts with
Utility Pole/Signal large trucks making turns at the intersection.
Post Placement
Where possible, consider the feasibility of relocating the utility
poles located along the south side of Route 9 farther away
from the edge of the road to improve sight lines at driveways.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
Low
Short-term
Low
Town of Hadley
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
Low
Town of Hadley
Medium
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Low
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Medium
Town of Hadley/
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Low
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Page 16
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Consider the operational and safety benefits of reducing Route
47 southbound to one lane in advance of the Donut Man
driveway to reduce driver confusion and the incidence of angle
type crashes.
Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of modifications to the
Access
Donut Man/Bank driveway at Route 9 to improve traffic
Management
circulation/operations and minimize cut-through.
Consider the appropriateness of making the Town Hall
driveway at Route 9 one-way exiting only or right-in/right-out if
shoulder is widened. Discuss potential changes with the
museum and former church building.
Re-stripe and maintain durable crosswalk pavement markings
at the intersection.
Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of installing accessible
Pedestrian
curb-ramps and detectable warning strips to improve safety for
Accommodations physically and/or visually impaired pedestrians.
Remove the mid-block crosswalk located across Route 9
located between Town Hall parking lot and the Old Church
building.
Pavement
Resurface roadway to improve travel conditions for motorists.
Conditions
Consider the feasibility/appropriateness of providing bicycle
accommodations within the study area (i.e., shared lanes
and/or within a 4-foot shoulder, bicycle detection at signals,
signage, and pavement markings) in accordance with the
Bicycle
2006 Project Development and Design Guide.
Accommodations
As part of long-term planning efforts, consider the
appropriateness/feasibility of improved bicycle
accommodations (e.g., bike lanes, sharrows, signage, etc.)
along Route 47 connecting to the rail trail.
Transit
Review locations of PVTA bus stops and provide pull-outs if
Accommodations feasible.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
Medium
Short-term
Low
Town of Hadley
Low
Long-term
Medium
Town of Hadley/
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
Town of Hadley/
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
Town of Hadley/
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
High
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Low
Town of Hadley
Low
Long-term
Low
MassDOT/PVTA
Page 17
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda Road Safety Audit
Hadley
Route 9 (Russell St) and Route 47 (Middle St)
Meeting Location: Hadley Town Hall #203
100 Middle Street, Hadley
Friday, May 18, 2012
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Type of meeting:
High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
10:30 AM
Welcome and Introductions
10:45 AM
Discussion of Safety Issues
• Crash history, Speed Regulations – provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
11:15 AM
Site Visit
• Walk to the intersection of Russell Street and Middle Street
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
12:00 PM
Discussion of Potential Improvements
• Discuss observations and finalize safety issue areas
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
12:30 PM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on May 18th, 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
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data •
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H ighway Division
COLLISION DIAGRAM
CITYffOWN: _H_a_dl_e"-'y,_M_A_ _ _ _ _ _ __
REGION:
PVPC
PREPARED BY:
ROADWAY NAMES:
TIME PERIOD ANALYZED:
1-May-2012
DATE PREPARED:
Dominic Caiazzo
Russell Street (Route 9) and Middle Street (Route 47)
March 16,2007- December 11,2009
Local Police Department
SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS:
"11
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*Crash #21 was not able to be mapped.
SYMBOLS
________ ..,.
TYPES OF CRASH
Moving Vehicle
Head On
Backing Vehicle
Non-Involved Vehicle
Angle
Pedestrian
Turning Move
Parked Vehicle
Fixed Object
Rear End
Bicycle
Sideswipe
Animal
-C::S"tSCS
...
Out of Control
SEVERITY
0
Injury Accident
0
Fatal Accident
Crash Data Summary Table
Intersection of Russell Street (Route 9) and Middle Street (Route 47); Hadley, MA
2/16/2007 - 1217/2009
--
'
Cr­
•
~o.v
Dol8
Time ofO.V
M-ofColllolon-
~ -
1 3/16/07
2 619/07
3 9/19/07
Friday
Salutday
Wodnaoday
LlahiC­
Type
1yPo
2 :08PM
5:38PM
3:21PM
A nolo
Rear-and
Roar-and
DayiiQhl
Daylight
Daylight
-c­
1yPo
B - Sand, Snow
Cloudy
Claar
Roads..rr­
1yPo
Snow
llri¥w c~ coc1o
1yPo
No Improper Driving
- ot
18
57
26
lnaHenUon
Dry
jDry
No Improper Driving
Dl
All"
03
or
c­
-
24
22
60
22
Vehicle 2 exiting Donut Man parking
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11/29/07
12/4/07
1/16/08
4/23/08
7/25/08
8/3/08
813/08
Thunsdav
Tuaoday
Wedneoday
Wednaoday
Friday
Sunday
Sunday
3:08PM
2 :57PM
1:01PM
4:44PM
6:22PM
5:43AM
5:17PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Roar-end
Rear-and
11
12
13
14
15
16
9/16/08
9/26/08
10/22108
10/31/08
1(7109
2/19109
Tueoday
Friday
3:55PM
12:33 PM
6:06PM
5:31PM
12:18PM
5:17PM
Anglo
Sidu'lt'ipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Sideewipe, same direction
Rear.end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daytlghl
17
18
19
20
2/27/09
419109
4130/09
6/4109
Thuroday
Thuroday
3:11PM
6:13PM
9:27AM
8:41AM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daytlghl
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
21 7/21/09
Tuaa~_
1:22PM
Wednesday
Friday
Wodneoday
Thuroday
Friday
Thuraday
Rear-end
Rear.end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dayl_lgll_l
Daylight
Dawn
Daylight
Duak
Rain
Clear
Wei
Clear
Dry
Dry
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
40
19
53
52
20
24
54
52
44
24
65
33
19
27
lnattenlion
33
22
40
24
59
17
16
23
39
30
82
19
Failed to yield lo rlghl of way
No Improper Driving
Other improper action
Inattention
39
46
22
50
43
34
67
42
57
56
running off road
Unknown
43
48
46
36
~____!mpropera~
~_71
Inattention
Followed too cloaaly
Followed too clooaly
lnaHenUon
Clear
Dry
Inattention
Claar
Dry
Followed too cloooly
Clear
Rain
Cloudy
Claar
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Failed lo ytald to right of way
Failed to yiald lo right of way
Dry
Dry
Cloudy
Clear
Dry
Dry
Clear
Clry
Clear
Dry
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Failed lo yield to rlghl of way
40
lot Vehicles 1 and 2 hit a third vehicle
that was waiting in a queue of traffic.
Vehicle 2 exiting Donut Man parking
lot
Vehicle 1 exiting Donut Man parktng
lot
Incident report only, crash cannot be
mapped.
Failure to keep In proper lane or
22 9/4/09
Friday
23 1217109 Monday
24 12/11109 Friday
2:49PM
11 :38AM
2:08PM
Angle
Rear-and
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Dayflght
Out ofArea
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Hadley Police Department
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
-­
-
31
L___
,ll_e~extung~ins Acad9f11L
'
Crash Data Summary Tables and
~harts
CRASH MONTH
20%
17%
15%
10%
5%
0%
J
F
M
M
A
J
J
s
A
0
D
N
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
40%
29%
30%
21%
20%
10%
21%
13%
8%
4%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
40o/o
20%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Crash_Data_Entry_Hadley Rt 9 and Rt 47
Angle
Sideswipe,
same
direction
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
1 of 2
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
5/1/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Daylight
Dawn
Dusk
oo/o
0%-
(!)%
-0%
0%-­
DarkLighted
Roadway
DarkRoadway
not lighted
Darkunknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
....ro
c:
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Cll
(3
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0
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0
(3
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CllCilO::
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4%. -€)% i!>0/o­
e-o/o --(!) 0 0
--0o/o
en
.!:
Cll ~
> en
Cll en
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E.:.!
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en o
- E
~en
u.
en
....
c:
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0
.:.!
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-c
ClO
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·-
en
­
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e
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0
c:
c:
::J
ID ro
en
()
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Dry
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
4o/o
4 9/o
0%
Wet
Snow
Ice
0%
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
0%
0% malo
Slush
Other
18%.
20%
,.---­
18.%_
r­
1~o-
-
r-­
8%_
-
-·-
2--9/o
rr
15-20
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
24%
-
0%
21-29
Crash_Data_Entry_Hadley Rt 9 and Rt 47
30-39
40-49
50-59
2 of2
60-69
70-79
0%
80+
5/1/2012
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) & Middle Street (Route 47), Hadley, MA
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix D. Speed Regulations