ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets
Town of Hadley
March 2014
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) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
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. Traffic Signal Indications and Coordination ............................................................. 8
Safety Issue #2. Intersection Geometry ............................................................................................. 11
Safety Issue #3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations ............................................................... 13
Safety Issue #4. Signage and Pavement Markings ............................................................................ 15
Safety Issue #5. Lighting ................................................................................................................... 16
Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 17
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
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets ................................................... 6
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 4
Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements ....................................................................... 18
Page 1
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The intersection of Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple streets in Hadley, Massachusetts, is
listed as a High Crash Location within the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) region. The
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has determined that Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) funding would be allowed 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 the autumn of 2014, construction is scheduled to begin on MassDOT Project #605144, part of which
will install sidewalks and pedestrian ramps on the south side of Route 9 from South Maple Street to Snell
Street, east of the intersection.
The project will also include improvements to pedestrian
accommodations, driveway reconstruction, pavement markings, crosswalks, and signage in various
locations along Route 9. The project will not provide new sidewalks to the west of North and South
Maple streets, nor will it provide sidewalks on the north side of Route 9 in the vicinity of the intersection.
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 future 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.
Page 2
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
ROUTE 116
Locus Map
NORTH MAPL
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Figure 1.
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SOUTH MAPL
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RSA Study Area
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the intersection of Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South
Maple streets on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. 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
Damion Shanley
Michael Spanknebel
Michael Klimoski
Gary E. Girouard
Khyati Parmar
Luke Hayes
John Hillman
Craig Roberts
Corey O’Connor
Ted Brovitz
Mike Tremblay
Agency/Affiliation
Hadley Police Department
Hadley Fire Department
Town of Hadley DPW
Town of Hadley DPW
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC)
MassDOT District 2 Traffic
MassDOT District 2 Traffic
MassDOT Highway Safety
MassDOT Highway Safety
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 intersection of Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South
Maple streets based on crash records supplied by the Hadley Police Department. Thirty-six crashes
occurred at the intersection from 2010 to 2012, including 21 (or 58%) rear-end crashes, 10 (28%) angle
crashes, three (8%) head-on crashes, and two (6%) sideswipe crashes. Most crashes (29, or 81%)
occurred on dry pavement. Thirteen crashes (36%) occurred after dark, and an additional three crashes
(8%) occurred at dusk. Eight (22%) of the 36 crashes resulted in personal injury.
Appendix C provides the detailed crash data for the intersection.
Page 4
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Project Location Description
The RSA focused on the intersection of Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple streets in the
Town of Hadley, as shown in the aerial image in Figure 2.
Russell Street (Route 9)/North Maple Street/South Maple Street is a signalized four-way intersection.
The Russell Street (Route 9) eastbound and westbound approaches each consist of an exclusive left-turn
lane, two through lanes, and a channelized, yield-controlled right-turn lane. U-turns are permitted from
the Russell Street (Route 9) westbound approach; vehicles may turn left into a jughandle lane on the
southeast corner of the intersection and merge with Russell Street (Route 9) eastbound traffic downstream
of the intersection. U-turns are not permitted on the Russell Street (Route 9) eastbound approach to the
intersection. The South Maple Street northbound approach consists of an exclusive left-turn lane, a
through lane, and an exclusive right-turn lane. The North Maple Street southbound approach to the
intersection consists of an exclusive left-turn lane, two through lanes, and an exclusive right-turn lane.
Except for a post-mounted far-side signal for the South Maple Street northbound approach, all signal
indications at the intersection are located on a single span wire between the northwest and southeast
corners of the intersection.
This intersection is the junction of the following roadways, which are categorized according to MassDOT
Office of Transportation Planning functional classifications:
Russell Street (Route 9) is classified by MassDOT as a principal arterial, and falls under MassDOT
jurisdiction. Russell Street runs east-west between the Amherst Town Line to the east, where it becomes
Northampton Road, and the Northampton Town Line to the west, where it becomes Bridge Street. The
cross-section of Russell Street varies between one and two travel lanes in each direction, widening to up
to four travel lanes in each direction at some intersections, including at North and South Maple streets. A
raised median divides Russell Street eastbound and westbound traffic in the thickly settled area east of the
Home Depot driveway, approximately 750 feet west of the intersection. Sidewalks and bicycle
accommodations are not provided on Russell Street in the vicinity of North and South Maple streets.
North Maple Street is classified by MassDOT as a major collector, and falls under the jurisdiction of the
Town of Hadley. North Maple Street runs north-south between North Hadley Street to the north, where it
becomes Roosevelt Street, and Russell Street at the study area intersection to the south. North Maple
Street typically consists of one travel lane in each direction; however, in the study area, North Maple
Street consists of between three and four southbound travel lanes with one northbound travel lane with a
short segment of two northbound travel lanes approaching the Home Depot driveway approximately 400
feet north of Russell Street. Sidewalks and bicycle accommodations are not provided along North Maple
Street.
Page 5
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
APLE STR
EET
Figure 2. Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets
NORTH M
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SOUTH MAPL
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TRADER JOES
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
South Maple Street is classified by MassDOT as a major collector, and falls under the
jurisdiction of the Town of Hadley. South Maple Street runs north-south between Russell Street
at the study area intersection to the north and Bay Road to the south. South Maple Street
typically consists of one travel lane in each direction; however, in the study area, South Maple
Street consists of two travel lanes in each direction, widening to three northbound lanes at Russell
Street. Sidewalks and bicycle accommodations are not provided along South Maple Street. The
Norwottuck Rail Trail intersects South Maple Street approximately 0.3 miles south of Russell
Street. RSA team members stated that pedestrians and cyclists sometimes utilize South Maple
Street to access the malls located on either side of the roadway; however, there are no sidewalks
or bicycle accommodations on South Maple Street between Russell Street and the Norwottuck
Rail Trail.
Road Safety Audit Observations and
Potential Enhancements
Based on RSA team discussions on Thursday, March 13, 2014, the RSA team determined that the
intersection of Russell Street at North and South Maple Streets has the following issues that affect safety:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Traffic Signal Indications
Intersection Geometry
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations
Signage and Pavement Markings
Lighting
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.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #1. Traffic Signal Indications and Coordination
Observations:
RSA team members stated that Russell Street experiences routine congestion during the evening
peak period, which is exacerbated by events at area colleges and universities. It was also noted
that it is not uncommon that vehicles must stop at the two adjacent signalized commercial
driveways to the east and west in addition to the signal North and South Maple Street. Team
members stated that they have been experiencing difficulty coordinating the three signals,
possibly due to a malfunctioning signal controller, and that they were considering switching to
time-based coordination to overcome the poor coordination in the signal network. Congestion, in
part due to poor signal coordination, can lead to inattention or distraction at the intersection.
Thirteen rear-end crashes occurred on Russell Street eastbound and westbound, and inattention
contributed to eight of these crashes. Two of the rear-end crashes was caused by a vehicle
following too closely, which may be a sign of frustration due to congestion.
With the exception of a post-mounted far-side signal
indication for the South Maple Street northbound
right-turn lane, all signal indications at the
intersection are located on a span wire between the
northwest and southeast corners of the intersection.
As a result, some signals are located closer to the
stop lines than others. For example, the South Maple
Street northbound and North Maple Street
southbound right-turn indications are each located 25
to 30 feet from their respective stop bars. The
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD) requires that signal indications be located
Some signal indications are located
no less than 40 feet beyond the stop bar. This can
too close to the stop line due to
placement on the span wire.
create rear-end crashes or additional delay when a
motorist at the stop bar cannot see the signal
indication. In some cases, the signal indications do not line up laterally with their respective
lanes. This can create confusion as to which signal indication applies to which lane. Team
members stated that Russell Street eastbound or westbound through vehicles sometimes proceed
into the intersection upon seeing the left-turn arrow turning green and assuming they too have
received a green light. Emergency response team members commented that the signal goes into
its failsafe flash mode after the emergency preemption is used.
The North and South Maple Street approaches operate with protected-permissive left-turn
phasing. Five crashes occurred between South Maple Street northbound and North Maple Street
southbound vehicles in which one vehicle was turning left and the other was traveling through the
intersection.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
The left-turn arrows on the South Maple Street northbound approach and North Maple Street
southbound approach are located on the bottom of the signal indications for the adjacent through
lane. Both the green and yellow arrows appear on the same signal face. Team members stated
that these bi-color signal faces are more difficult to distinguish a changing color than if the green
and yellow indications were on different signal faces, particularly for the colorblind.
RSA team members reported that solar glare can be an issue, particularly during the evening peak
period, when sunset often coincides with peak traffic volumes. The signal indications at the
intersection are not equipped with backplates. One rear-end crash on Russell Street westbound
was attributed to solar glare.
Enhancements:
1. In the short-term, continue efforts to coordinate the intersection with the adjacent signalized
commercial driveways to the east and west to reduce motorist inattention and frustration.
Consider a time-based coordination system, but consider the impact on operations that may
occur when switching to a less adaptive signal control.
2. Identify and, if possible, fix the issue that causes the signal to enter failsafe mode after
emergency preemption is used to eliminate the possibility of the signal reverting to an unsafe
signal control.
3. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, repair, modify, or replace the signal cabinet if it is
determined to be dysfunctional to allow for an actuated, coordinated signal system to ease
congestion and reduce the number of rear-end crashes caused by motorist frustration or
inattention.
4. In the mid-term, provide far-side signal indications on the Russell Street eastbound and
westbound approaches and on the North Maple Street southbound approach to the
intersection to allow motorists to look elsewhere if they are impacted by solar glare or are
stopped too close to the stop bar or large truck to see the overhead indications.
5. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, mount all overhead signal indications on mast
arms located at least 40 feet from each respective stop bar for added visibility. Align signal
indications with the appropriate lane.
6. Consider equipping signal faces with tunnels or optically programmed indications so that
motorists do not mistakenly react to an adjacent lane’s signal indication.
7. Replace bi-color left-turn indications on the North and South Maple Street left-turn lanes with
separate signal faces for green and yellow arrows for added perceptibility. Consider using
flashing yellow arrows during permissive left-turn phases, which have shown in studies to
reduce the number of left-turn angle crashes.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
8. Consider converting to protected-only left-turn phasing on the South Maple Street
northbound and North Male Street southbound approaches to reduce the occurrence of angle
crashes. Consider the impact on operations and queues.
9. Consider equipping signal indications with backplates with retroreflective tape to increase
signal visibility at night and when motorists are impacted by solar glare.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #2. Intersection Geometry
Observations:
While North and South Maple Streets run approximately north-south, Russell Street runs
somewhat northeast-southwest through the intersection. This creates a skew which causes turns
to be significantly sharper or softer than a typical 90-degree intersection. For example, North and
South Maple Street left turns are sharper than a typical intersection, while North and South Maple
Street right-turns are less severe than a typical intersection. The Russell Street eastbound and
westbound channelized right-turn lanes allow vehicles, including trucks, to make a more gradual
turn onto North or South Maple Street than if a turn was made at the intersection.
A median island is located between the North Maple
Street approach and departure. North Maple Street
consists of four southbound lanes and one northbound
lane in the vicinity of the island. According to team
members, this unusual lane configuration plus the skew of
the intersection sometimes causes motorists to mistakenly
turn left from Russell Street eastbound onto North Maple
Street using the North Maple Street southbound approach
lanes if no vehicles are at the stop line. Public safety
officials noted that, while no crashes were reported, there
have been several near-misses due to these errors. “Enter
Here” signage is posted in the triangular island to the east
of North Maple Street, and diagrammatic “Keep Right”
signage is located in the median, angled toward the
Russell Street eastbound right-turn lane.
Vehicles sometimes fail to keep to
the right of the splitter island
when turning left onto North
Maple Street.
The placement of the median island on North Maple Street also causes an offset alignment
between the South Maple Street northbound through lane and the North Maple Street northbound
departure. This forces vehicles traveling northbound through the intersection to shift
approximately 10 feet to the east in order to enter the departure lane, which may cause motorist
confusion and may result in northbound motorists entering North Maple Street on the southbound
side of the roadway. This need to shift may also make it difficult for North Maple Street
southbound left-turning vehicles to judge the speed and direction of oncoming South Maple
Street through vehicles.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
A jughandle, located on the southeast corner of the
intersection, allows motorists to make a U-turn from
Russell Street westbound onto Russell Street
eastbound by turning left into the jughandle and
merging with Russell Street eastbound traffic
downstream of the intersection. This movement is
not necessary for passenger vehicles, which can make
a traditional U-turn within the typical cross-section of
the roadway; as a result, some passenger vehicles use
the jughandle when making a U-turn, and some do
not. RSA team members noted that there is no
control at the merge point between Russell Street
eastbound and the jughandle. One rear-end crash
occurred within the jughandle.
There is no control at the merge
point between Russell Street
eastbound and the jughandle.
Enhancements:
1. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider realigning the intersection to form a 90­
degree intersection to create more typical and predictable turning movements.
2. Provide dashed lane extensions through the intersection for all left turns to help guide
vehicles through the intersection, particularly Russell Street eastbound left-turning vehicles
onto North Maple Street.
3. Consider the safety benefits of providing text “Keep Right” signage in addition to the existing
graphic signage in the North Maple Street median to reinforce to motorists that the North
Maple Street departure lane is to the right of the median. Consider applying a white
reflective strip on the sign post for added visibility.
4. Consider modifying or removing the North Maple Street median island as part of long-term
reconstruction efforts to reduce confusion at the intersection. Consider the safety impacts and
operational benefits of having two North Maple Street northbound departure lanes if the
median is removed.
5. Place “Yield” signage at the jughandle’s intersection with Russell Street eastbound to
reinforce to vehicles in the jughandle that they must yield to Russell Street eastbound
vehicles.
6. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider removing the island between the
jughandle and Russell Street eastbound so that no control is needed for u-turning vehicles.
Russell Street westbound vehicles may make a U-turn directly onto Russell Street eastbound
or use the former jughandle area if extra space to complete the U-turn is needed. Overall
pavement area may be reduced if the island is removed, allowing the space to be used for
other amenities, such as a sidewalk, shoulder, or bicycle lane.
Page 12
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations
Observations:
There are currently no pedestrian accommodations at the
intersection.
Sidewalks and pedestrian ramps are
scheduled to be constructed on the south side of Russell
Street from South Maple Street to Snell Street, east of the
intersection, beginning in autumn 2014 as part of
MassDOT Project #605144. However, this work does
not include any new sidewalks on the west side or the
north side of the intersection, and does not include any
pedestrian crossings.
No pedestrian crashes were
reported at the intersection; however, the lack of
accommodations may result in a low level of pedestrian
activity in the area. Several pedestrians were observed
crossing Russell Street on the day of the audit.
Sidewalks and crosswalks are not
provided at the intersection.
A Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) bus stop and bus shelter is located on the north side
of Russell Street, just west of the Home Depot driveway to the west of North and South Maple
Streets. This bus stop has a sidewalk connecting the bus stop to the driveway, but otherwise has
no outside connections. Two bus stops are located in the commercial parking areas to the east
and west of South Maple Street.
Dedicated bicycle accommodations are not provided at the intersection. Signage is posted
indicating that bicycle detection is provided. The Norwottuck Rail Trail intersects South Maple
Street approximately 0.3 miles south of Russell Street. RSA team members stated that cyclists
sometimes use South Maple Street to access the commercial areas on either side of South Maple
Street in the vicinity of the intersection.
According to MassDOT’s Healthy Transportation Policy Directive, which outlines methods to
reach MassDOT’s mode shift goal of tripling distance traveled by walking, bicycling, and transit
by 2030, sidewalks shall be provided on both sides of roadway rights-of-way on non-limited
access roadways in urbanized areas. Additionally, sidewalks must be provided on the roadways
adjacent to commercial development. Finally, existing and proposed walking, bicycling, and
transit routes within a 2-mile radius of a proposed project, critical connections to downtowns and
transit facilities, and all Bay State Greenway routes (such as the Norwottuck Rail Trail) shall be
clearly identified.
Page 13
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing sidewalks along both sides of
Russell Street on each side of the intersection, and providing crosswalks across Russell Street
and across North and South Maple Streets for added pedestrian mobility and safety.
Sidewalks should connect to the westbound PVTA bus stop west of the intersection in the
vicinity of the Home Depot driveway.
2. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing sidewalks along both sides of
South Maple Street to provide connections from Russell Street to the commercial areas and
PVTA bus stops on either side of South Maple Street. Sidewalks should extend to the
Norwottuck Rail Trail to provide a pedestrian connection between the rail trail and the
commercial areas near the intersection.
3. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing sidewalks along both sides of
North Main Street to connect pedestrians to the commercial areas on each side of North
Maple Street.
4. In the short-term, consider providing shared lane markings on each side of South Maple
Street to raise motorist awareness of cyclists traveling between the Norwottuck Rail Trail and
commercial businesses on either side of South Maple Street.
5. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing bicycle accommodations such
as a 4-foot shoulder or a 5-foot bicycle lane along both sides of Russell Street and South
Maple Street in order to encourage bicycling.
Page 14
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #4. Signage and Pavement Markings
Observations:
RSA team members noted that a “No Turn on Red”
sign on the South Maple Street northbound approach
is posted adjacent to the stop line and is located too
high on the post to see for a motorist in a vehicle on
the stop line to see. Additionally, the “No Turn on
Red” sign is located behind lane use signage, so it
may not be visible to vehicles in the right-turn lane
as they approach the intersection. Illegal right-turns
on red may lead to rear-end crashes on Russell
Street eastbound when an eastbound vehicle
unexpectedly slows or stops for an exiting vehicle
and a following vehicle cannot react in time.
A “No Turn on Red” sign is located
behind lane use signage and is not
visible from the stop line.
RSA team members noted that the pavement markings at the intersection are generally worn.
Motorists may become confused if they cannot see longitudinal or lane use pavement markings
when approaching an intersection.
Enhancements:
1. Consider moving the “No Turn on Red” on the South Main Street northbound approach
closer to the intersection, as appropriate, for additional visibility. Consider moving the lane
use signage upstream of the intersection so that it does not block the “No Turn on Red”
signage.
2. Consider placing supplemental, oversized “No Turn on Red” signage on the triangular island
between North Maple Street and the Russell Street westbound right-turn lane.
3. Consider adding advance street name signage for North and South Maple streets along
Route 9. Also consider providing street name signage on the existing span wire. If signal
indications are moved to mast arms in the future, provide street name signage on the mast
arm, as appropriate.
4. Consider restriping all pavement markings with thermoplastic markings, which are more
durable and visible than paint.
Page 15
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #5. Lighting
Observations:
RSA team members noted that lighting may be inadequate at the intersection. Sixteen of the 36
crashes reported at the intersection occurred at or after dusk.
Enhancements:
1. Consider adding additional lighting to the intersection to increase visibility after dark.
Page 16
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
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 at the intersection of Russell Street
and North and South Maple streets. 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), mid­
term (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:
�
Coordinate signals;
�
Provide dashed lane extensions through the intersection;
�
Reinforce the South Maple Street northbound “No Turn on Red” signage; and
�
Restripe all pavement markings with retroreflective thermoplastic;
To enhance the safety of the corridor, the long-term enhancements are to:
�
Replace the span wire with mast arms;
�
Modify or remove the island on North Maple Street;
�
Realign intersection so roadways intersect at 90-degree angles;
�
Provide pedestrian sidewalks, crossings, ramps, and connections to transit;
�
Provide bicycle accommodations and connections to transit and the Norwottuck Rail Trail; and
�
Improve lighting.
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 17
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements
Safety Issue
Traffic Signal
Indications
Safety Enhancement
In the short-term, continue efforts to coordinate the intersection
with the adjacent signalized commercial driveways to the east and
west to reduce motorist inattention and frustration. Consider a
time-based coordination system, but consider the impact on
operations that may occur when switching to a less adaptive signal
control.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, repair, modify, or
replace the signal cabinet if it is determined to be dysfunctional to
allow for an actuated, coordinated signal system to ease
congestion and reduce the number of rear-end crashes caused by
motorist frustration or inattention.
In the mid-term, provide far-side signal indications on the Russell
Street eastbound and westbound approaches and on the North
Maple Street southbound approach to the intersection to allow
motorists to look elsewhere if they are impacted by solar glare or
are stopped too close to the stop bar or large truck to see the
overhead indications.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, mount all overhead
signal indications on mast arms located at least 40 feet from each
respective stop bar for added visibility. Align signal indications
with the appropriate lane.
Consider equipping signal faces with tunnels or optically
programmed indications so that motorists do not mistakenly react
to an adjacent lane’s signal indication.
Replace bi-color left-turn indications on the North and South Maple
Street left-turn lanes with separate signal faces for green and
yellow arrows for added perceptibility. Consider using flashing
yellow arrows during permissive left-turn phases, which have
shown in studies to reduce the number of left-turn angle crashes.
Consider converting to protected-only left-turn phasing on the
South Maple Street northbound and North Maple Street
southbound approaches to reduce the occurrence of angle
crashes. Consider the impact on operations and queues.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
High
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
High
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Page 18
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Traffic Signal
Indications
Intersection
Geometry
Safety Enhancement
Consider equipping signal indications with backplates with
retroreflective tape to increase signal visibility at night and
when motorists are impacted by solar glare.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider
realigning the intersection to form a 90-degree intersection to
create more typical and predictable turning movements.
Provide dashed lane extensions through the intersection for
all left turns to help guide vehicles through the intersection,
particularly Russell Street eastbound left-turning vehicles
onto North Maple Street.
Consider the safety benefits of providing text “Keep Right”
signage in addition to the existing graphic signage in the
North Maple Street median to reinforce to motorists that the
North Maple Street departure lane is to the right of the
median.
Consider modifying or removing the North Maple Street
median island as part of long-term reconstruction efforts to
reduce confusion at the intersection. Consider the safety
impacts and operational benefits of having two North Maple
Street northbound departure lanes if the median is removed.
Place “Yield” signage at the jughandle’s intersection with
Russell Street eastbound to reinforce to vehicles in the
jughandle that they must yield to Russell Street eastbound
vehicles.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider removing
the island between the jughandle and Russell Street
eastbound so that no control is needed for u-turning vehicles.
Russell Street westbound vehicles may make a U-turn
directly onto Russell Street eastbound or use the former
jughandle area if extra space to complete the U-turn is
needed. Overall pavement area may be reduced if the island
is removed, allowing the space to be used for other
amenities, such as a sidewalk, shoulder, or bicycle lane.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Page 19
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing
sidewalks along both sides of Russell Street on each side of the
intersection, and providing crosswalks across Russell Street and
across North and South Maple Streets for added pedestrian
mobility and safety. Sidewalks should connect to the westbound
PVTA bus stop west of the intersection in the vicinity of the
Home Depot driveway.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing
sidewalks along both sides of South Maple Street to provide
connections from Russell Street to the commercial areas and
PVTA bus stops on either side of South Maple Street.
Sidewalks should extend to the Norwottuck Rail Trail to provide
Pedestrian and
a pedestrian connection between the rail trail and the
Bicycle
commercial areas near the intersection.
Accommodations
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing
sidewalks along both sides of North Main Street to connect
pedestrians to the commercial areas on each side of North
Maple Street.
In the short-term, consider providing shared lane markings on
each side of South Maple Street to raise motorist awareness of
cyclists traveling between the Norwottuck Rail Trail and
commercial businesses on either side of South Maple Street.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider providing
bicycle accommodations such as a 4-foot shoulder or a 5-foot
bicycle lane along both sides of Russell Street and South Maple
Street in order to encourage bicycling.
Consider moving the “No Turn on Red” on the South Main Street
northbound approach closer to the intersection, as appropriate,
for additional visibility. Consider moving the lane use signage
Signage and
upstream of the intersection so that it does not block the “No
Pavement
Turn on Red” signage.
Markings
Consider placing supplemental, oversized “No Turn on Red”
signage on the triangular island between North Maple Street and
the Russell Street westbound right-turn lane.
Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT/Town of
Hadley
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT/Town of
Hadley
Low
Short-term
Low
DCR/Town of Hadley
Medium
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Page 20
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Signage and
Pavement
Markings
Lighting
Safety Enhancement
Safety Payoff
Consider adding advance street name signage for North and
South Maple streets along Route 9. Also consider providing
street name signage on the existing span wire. If signal
Low
indications are moved to mast arms in the future, provide street
name signage on the mast arm, as appropriate.
Consider restriping all pavement markings with thermoplastic
Low
markings, which are more durable and visible than paint.
Consider adding additional lighting to the intersection to increase
Medium
visibility after dark.
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Page 21
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit
Hadley, MA
Route 9 (Russell Street) at North and South Maple Streets
Meeting Location: Hadley Police Department
15 East Street, Hadley, MA
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
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 intersection of Route 9 (Russell Street) at North and South Maple
Streets
• 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 March 12th, 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) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Location:
Hadley Town Hall, 5 Beach Road, Hadley, MA
Audit Team Members
Agency/Affiliation
E-mail Address
Damion Shanley
Michael Spanknebel
Michael Klimoski
Gary E. Girouard
Khyati Parmar
Luke Hayes
John Hillman
Craig Roberts
Corey O’Connor
Ted Brovitz
Mike Tremblay
Hadley Police Department
Hadley Fire Department
Town of Hadley DPW
Town of Hadley DPW
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC)
MassDOT District 2 Traffic
MassDOT District 2 Traffic
MassDOT Highway Safety
MassDOT Highway Safety
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
shanleyd@hadleyma.gov
fireprevention@hadleyfd.com
dpwdir@hadleyma.gov
laparmar@pvpc.org
luke.hayes@state.ma.us
john.hillman@state.ma.us
craig.roberts@state.ma.us
corey.oconnor@state.ma.us
tbrovitz@hshassoc.com
mtremblay@hshassociates.com
Phone
Number
413-584-0883
413-584-0874
413-586-2390
413-320-1296
413-781-6045
413-582-1525
413-582-0553
857 368-9638
617-348-3308
617-348-3347
Road Safety Audit
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Crash Data Summary Table
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley, MA
2010 - 2012
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
Time of Day
1
1/19/10
Tuesday
5:45 PM
Angle
Light Condition
Type
Dark - roadway not
lighted
2
2/3/10
Wednesday
8:44 PM
Head on
3
5/2/10
Sunday
5:24 PM
4
5/4/10
Tuesday
5
6/10/10
6
6/28/10
7
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Manner of Collision
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
Road Surface
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
Ages
D2
Comments
D3
Wet
Inattention
32
22
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
21
18
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Inattention
33
52
Vehicles 1 and 2 traveling WB on Russell Street, sudden stop resulted in
accident.
3:25 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Inattention
49
17
Vehicle 1 stopped waiting to merge into traffic SB on South Maple Street,
Vehicle 2 checked for traffic not realizing Vehicle 1 was still stopped.
Thursday
9:19 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
19
24
Both vehicles stated they had a green left turn light.
Monday
9:37 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
21
24
8/4/10
Wednesday
5:19 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
57
55
8
8/7/10
Saturday
9:22 PM
Head on
Dusk
Clear
Dry
Distracted
20
60
9
8/9/10
Monday
11:49 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
17
19
10
10/31/10 Sunday
6:25 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Followed too closely
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Both vehicles stated they had a green left turn light.
Both vehicles traveling WB on Russell Street, Vehicle 2 attempted to pass
Vehicle 1 while still in the same lane.
Vehicle 1 was texting and saw a green arrow while his light was still red and
proceeded through the light, colliding with Vehicle 2.
Both vehicles traveling WB on Russell Street, Vehicle 1 was stopped at the
red light, Vehicle 2 couldn’t stop due to wet conditions.
22
19
11
11/11/10 Thursday
12:31 PM
Head on
Daylight
Dry
Inattention
29
32
12
11/30/10 Tuesday
5:14 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Unknown
21
58
13
14
15
16
17
12/8/10
2/4/11
2/5/11
3/25/11
4/2/11
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
4:02 PM
4:46 PM
2:27 PM
4:10 PM
2:05 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Head on
Rear-end
Daylight
Dusk
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Cloudy
Rain
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Glare
Unknown
Inattention
Unknown
Other improper action
81
29
20
92
19
62
35
19
53
34
18
4/12/11
Tuesday
8:36 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Inattention
41
49
19
5/10/11
Tuesday
7:02 PM
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Daylight
Clear
Dry
57
29
20
7/8/11
Friday
8:02 AM
Angle
Daylight
Other
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
Bicycle unsteadily crashed into Vehicle 1.
Driver of Vehicle 2 hit the gas pedal instead of brakes.
Vehicle 2 saw green arrow and assumed he had a green light when it was
red.
Vehicle 1 stated he didn’t stop for red arrow thinking the other direction
would be given a longer delay before being given a green light.
27
54
Vehicle 2 said his brakes did not work and swerved into the same lane as
Vehicle 1 and struck her car.
Rain
Clear
Vehicle 1 was turning East onto Russell Street, Vehicle 2 was traveling
North, Vehicle 1 thought Vehicle 2 was turning from South Maple Street.
Vehicle 1 was turning East onto Russell Street, Vehicle 2 was traveling
North, Vehicle 1 was impatient and went with a green arrow.
Vehicle 1 was stopped, Vehicle 2 couldn’t see due to glare from the sun.
Crash Data Summary Table
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley, MA
2010 - 2012
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
21
22
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
9/13/11 Tuesday
10/25/11 Tuesday
Time of Day
5:22 PM
3:08 PM
Manner of Collision
Type
Rear-end
Rear-end
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Clear
Clear
Road Surface
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Type
Dry
Inattention
Dry
Inattention
D1
Ages
D2
22
23
52
18
23
24
11/21/11 Monday
11/29/11 Tuesday
17:38
4:24 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Rain
Dry
Wet
Followed too closely
Inattention
19
34
18
41
25
12/7/11
4:22 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Inattention
19
21
85
63
Wednesday
Comments
D3
Traveling EB on Russell Street.
Waiting to merge EB Route 9(Russell Street)
WB Russell Street.
Vehicle 1 traveling EB couldn’t stop for red light and collided with Vehicle 2
turning into Hampshire mall with a green arrow.
Vehicle traveling WB on Russell Street traveling through a red light into
60 Vehicles 2 and 3 traveling SB on North Maple Street.
26
12/14/11 Wednesday
12:34 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
27
1/5/12
Thursday
6:05 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Inattention
68
23
28
29
30
31
1/30/12
3/25/12
3/30/12
6/13/12
Monday
Sunday
Friday
Wednesday
5:40 PM
1:45 PM
6:50 PM
3:10 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dusk
Daylight
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Inattention
28
72
69
68
30
30
21
51
32
6/17/12
Sunday
9:39 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Inattention
22
16
33
7/12/12
Thursday
12:54 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Fatigued/asleep
32
50
Operator of Vehicle 1 stated he was tired and thought traffic was moving
faster than it actually was.
34
9/26/12
Wednesday
11:58 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Inattention
32
36
Vehicles 1 and 2 traveling EB on Russell Street, Vehicle 2 was distracted by
the car in his rear view mirror and failed to stop for Vehicle 1.
35
11/4/12
Sunday
8:14 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Inattention
52
23
Vehicle 1 traveling WB on Russell Street turned on red because she was
distracted and collided with Vehicle 2 traveling EB on Russell Street.
36
12/8/12
Saturday
5:02 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Wet
Followed too closely
20
39
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
*Courtesy Crash - A term used to describe a crash that occurs subsequent to a non-involved mainline driver who gives the right of way, contrary to the rules of the road, to another driver.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Hadley Police Department.
Vehicle 2 saw a green left turn arrow and began to travel forward into
Vehicle 1 when his lane had a red signal.
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley, MA
CRASH MONTH
14%
15%
11%
10%
8%
8%
8%
11%
8%
8%
6%
6%
6%
6%
S
O
5%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
25%
22%
19%
20%
15%
11%
11%
11%
11%
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
14%
10%
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
36%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0%
6AM­
8AM
6% 3%
8AM­
10AM
10AM­
12PM
11% 14%
11%
17%
3% 0% 0% 0%
12PM­
2PM
2PM­
4PM
4PM­
6PM
6PM­
8PM
8PM­
10PM
10PM­
12AM
12AM­
2AM
2AM­
4AM
4AM­
6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
58%
28%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
0%
Rear-end
Angle
Crash Data Spreadsheet_Russell_Maple_St.xlsx
3%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
3 of 4
11%
Head on
0%
0%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
3/3/2014
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Russell Street (Route 9) at North and South Maple Streets, Hadley, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
53%
36%
40%
20%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
3%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
67%
0%
3%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
Rain
0%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
17%
Snow
14%
Cloudy
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Daylight
Clear
0%
8%
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
60%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
81%
19%
Dry
Wet
0%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand, mud, Water
dirt, oil, (standing,
gravel
moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
40%
30%
30%
20%
18%
16%
5%
10%
0%
15%
15-20
21-29
30-39
Crash Data Spreadsheet_Russell_Maple_St.xlsx
40-49
4 of 4
10%
1%
50-59
60-69
70-79
4%
80+
3/3/2014