ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Cherry Street at Homestead Avenue
Cherry Street at Soldier’s Home Road/I-91 NB Ramps Cherry Street at I-91 SB Ramps/Community Field Road
City of Holyoke
November 19, 2012
Prepared For:
MassDOT Highway Division
Prepared By:
BETA Group, Inc.
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table of Contents
Project Data .................................................................................................................................1
Background .................................................................................................................................2
Project Description .....................................................................................................................2
Audit Observations .....................................................................................................................8
Potential Safety Enhancements ...............................................................................................14
Summary of Road Safety Audit...............................................................................................20
List of Appendices
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
Appendix E.
Appendix F.
RSA Meeting Agenda
RSA Audit Team Contact List
Detailed Crash Data
Speed Regulations
Internet Mapping Directions
Holyoke Police Report
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Location Map ......................................................................................................................... 3
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 1
Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown ..................................................................... 15
Potential Safety Enhancement Summary ............................................................................. 21
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Project Data
A Road Safety Audit for Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road in the City of
Holyoke was held on September 17, 2012 at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, MA. The audit focused on
the intersections of Cherry Street at Homestead Avenue, Cherry Street at Soldiers Home Road/I-91
Southbound Ramps, and Cherry Street at I-91 Northbound Ramps/Community Field Road. As indicated
in Table 1, the audit team consisted of representatives from State, Regional and Local agencies and
included a cross-section of engineering, planning, legislative and emergency response expertise.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Agency/Affiliation
Lisa Schletzbaum
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Laurie Scarbrough
MassDOT Highway Division – District 2
Warren Tanguay
Holyoke Fire Department
Joe O’Connor
Holyoke Fire Department
Jeff Burkott
Holyoke Planning Department
Khyati Parmar
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC)
Matt Sokop
Holyoke Department of Public Works
Trung Vo
MassDOT Highway Division – District 2 Traffic
Paul Barbani
Soldiers’ Home – Superintendent
Aaron Vega
Holyoke City Council
David K. Bartley
Holyoke Ward 3 Councilor
Don Sargent
Soldiers’ Home
Greg Lucas
BETA Group, Inc.
Justin Curewitz
BETA Group, Inc.
Page 1
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Background
The Federal Highway Administration defines a Road Safety Audit (RSA) as the formal safety
examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. The
purpose of an RSA is to identify potential safety issues and possible opportunities for safety
improvements considering all roadway users. A Road Safety Audit was scheduled for three intersections
along Cherry Street – Cherry Street at Homestead Avenue, Cherry Street at Soldiers Home Road/I-91
Southbound Ramps, and Cherry Street at I-91 Northbound Ramps/Community Field Road. All three
intersections are within the top 5% of high crash locations in the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
(PVPC) region, and a RSA is required by MassDOT design guidelines for high crash locations. A project
is currently under development that would reconstruct the intersections of Cherry Street at Soldiers Home
Road/I-91 Southbound Ramps and Cherry Street at I-91 Northbound Ramps/Community Field Road. The
RSA is intended to identify potential short and long term safety improvements that can be made at the
intersections, and what improvements can be incorporated into the planned reconstruction project to the
greatest extent practicable.
Project Description
Cherry Street, shown in Figure 1, is a major arterial serving the City of Holyoke via an interchange with
Interstate 91, which provides a connection to the MassPike, Springfield and Hartford, CT to the south and
to Greenfield and Vermont to the north. Cherry Street carries US Route 202 in the vicinity of I-91. Route
202 generally follows a southwest to northeast alignment and is signed as a north-south route in
Massachusetts, but follows the east-west alignment of Cherry Street at its interchange with I-91. Route
202 departs Cherry Street and follows Homestead Avenue in a southerly alignment towards Holyoke
Community College, then departs Homestead Avenue and follows a southwesterly alignment towards the
MassPike and Westfield. Cherry Street carries Route 202 to the east through Holyoke towards Granby
and Belchertown, and Cherry Street west of I-91 and Homestead Avenue provides access to residential
neighborhoods. Cherry Street becomes Jarvis Avenue approximately 1,600 feet west of Homestead
Avenue.
Cherry Street is state-owned in the immediate vicinity of I-91 (between Homestead Avenue and Queen
Street) but is City-owned elsewhere within the study area. Cherry Street is functionally classified as an
Urban Principal Arterial east of Homestead Avenue, which shares the same classification and is Cityowned. Cherry Street is classified as an Urban Collector west of Homestead Avenue. Soldiers Home
Road and Community Field Road are not classified and provide connection only to the Soldiers’ Home
and Community Field, respectively.
The three intersections included in the audit are discussed in detail below.
Cherry Street/Homestead Avenue
Cherry Street and Homestead Avenue form a T-type intersection under traffic signal control. Homestead
Avenue approaches Cherry Street from the south and serves as a major connection to Holyoke
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Cherry Street from
Homestead Ave to
Community Field Rd
Holyoke, MA
Figure 1
Location Map
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Community College, located approximately ½ mile to the south, and I-91. Land use in the immediate
vicinity of the intersection is residential. Cherry Street provides two lanes in each direction at Homestead
Avenue. The westbound approach provides a left turn lane to Homestead Avenue and a through lane. The
eastbound approach provides a through lane and a shared through/right turn lane. It was noted that the
large radius on the southwest corner allows additional separation for eastbound right turning vehicles, but
striping does not designate an official right turn lane. Homestead Avenue provides a two lane approach,
with separate lanes for left and right turning vehicles. All three intersection legs provide a median
dividing the approach and departure lanes.
The traffic signal provides protected-permissive phasing for the left turn from Cherry Street westbound to
Homestead Avenue. This is a heavy turning movement in the morning, when traffic is coming from I-91
via Cherry Street and Homestead Avenue to access Holyoke Community College (HCC). Permissive left
turns are allowed during the Cherry Street phase, but it was noted that vehicles often wait in the
intersection, past the stop line, and do not have a visible signal indication to tell them when the clearance
period occurs. A phase for Homestead Avenue follows the Cherry Street phase. It should be noted that
there is no overlap phase for right turns from Homestead Avenue. The traffic signal is semi-actuated,
providing an actuated phase only for Homestead Avenue. As a result, the protected left turn phase
remains green for periods of time when no vehicles are present, especially during off-peak periods, which
reduces the efficiency of the overall system.
A pedestrian phase is provided for the crosswalk across Cherry Street on the east leg of the intersection,
but it was noted on the day of the audit that the pedestrian pushbutton is missing and no pedestrian head is
provided on the southeast corner of the intersection. Pedestrians crossing from this corner have no
opportunity to activate the exclusive pedestrian phase, and pedestrians crossing from the other side have
no indication of the WALK/DON’T WALK timing. A sidewalk is provided on the north side of Cherry
Street west of the intersection, ending at the crosswalk across Cherry Street. A continuous sidewalk is
provided along the east side of Homestead Avenue and along the south side of Cherry Street through the
intersection limits. A guardrail is provided along the street side of the sidewalk on the southeast corner of
the intersection, with damage from a vehicle strike evident on the day of the audit. It was suggested that
the guardrail was intended to keep turning trucks from encroaching on the sidewalk, and several trucks
were observed on the day of the audit maneuvering through the available width by nearly encroaching on
both the guardrail and the median dividing the east leg of the intersection. Visors have been removed
from several signal heads at the intersection due to the number of times previously provided visors have
been struck by trucks.
Crash data obtained from the Holyoke Police Department and summarized by MassDOT show 28 crashes
for the period from March 2009 to December 2011. The prevalent crash type were angle crashes,
comprising 15 of the 28 total crashes. Fourteen of these angle crashes occurred between a vehicle turning
left from Cherry Street westbound to Homestead Avenue and an eastbound Cherry Street vehicle. This is
likely a result of the permissive phasing, and comments provided in the crash summary indicate clearance
violations and in one case, confusion over the protected-permissive phasing. It should be noted that the
majority of crashes at this intersection occur between 6:00 and 10:00 AM, and typically involve younger
drivers, which is most likely related to the number of HCC students using the intersection to commute to
school. Rear-end crashes occurred on all three intersection approaches, with five on the Cherry Street
westbound approach, four on the Cherry Street eastbound approach, and one on the Homestead Avenue
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Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
approach. It should also be noted that there was a crash where a pedestrian in the crosswalk was struck by
a vehicle. The location of the crosswalk, the guardrail and high shrubs along the southeast corner of the
intersection may all reduce visibility of the crosswalk for approaching vehicles. A summary of crash data
and a collision diagram are included in the Appendix.
Cherry Street/Soldiers Home
Road/I-91 Southbound Ramps
Cherry Street, Soldiers Home Road
and the I-91 Southbound Ramps form
an expansive four-way intersection
under two-way STOP control. Cherry
Street provides two lanes in each
direction at the intersection, with left
turns accommodated in the shared left
travel lane. Soldiers Home Road has a
small island at its approach to Cherry
Street, and provides a widened
approach that can accommodate both
left and right turning vehicles side by
side under stop sign control.
Cherry Street at I-91 Southbound Ramps
(looking west)
The I-91 Southbound on-ramp merges from two separate ramps separated by an island, with an entry
ramp for westbound traffic located approximately 350 feet in advance of Soldiers Home Road and an
entry ramp for left turns from Cherry Street eastbound and vehicles crossing from Soldiers Home Road
located directly across from Soldiers Home Road. The I-91 Southbound off-ramp is also separated by an
island, with a ramp for lefts to Cherry Street eastbound and through vehicles to Soldiers Home Road
under stop sign control, and a ramp for right turns to Cherry Street westbound under yield control.
Soldiers Home Road provides access to the Soldiers’ Home, a multifaceted health care facility serving
veterans of the Commonwealth. The facility provides outpatient services as well as residential care.
Soldiers Home Road provides the primary vehicle entrance to the facility, which also has access to
Fairmount Road, which connects to Homestead Avenue.
A continuous sidewalk is provided along the south side of Cherry Street through the intersection,
although no crosswalk is provided across Soldiers Home Road. It was noted that the nose of the island
separating Soldiers Home Road encroaches on the pedestrian path where the crosswalk would typically be
located. Existing handicap ramps were noted to be in poor condition and not compliant with ADA and
MassDOT guidelines.
Crash data obtained from the Holyoke Police Department and the State Police and summarized by
MassDOT show 55 crashes for the period from January 2009 to December 2011. The prevalent crash type
were angle crashes, comprising 41 of the 55 crashes. Twelve angle crashes involved a vehicle turning left
into Soldiers Home Road and an eastbound through vehicle. This may be the result of the turning driver
misjudging the rate of speed of the eastbound through vehicle, or may be the result of “courtesy crashes”
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Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
where a driver in the inside travel lane stops and the turning driver is struck by a through vehicle in the
outside travel lane. Eight angle crashes involved a vehicle turning left from the I-91 off-ramp and a
westbound through vehicle, while six angle crashes involved a vehicle turning left onto the I-91 on-ramp
and a westbound through vehicle. Five additional angle crashes involved vehicles crossing from Soldiers
Home Road to the I-91 on-ramp being struck by a westbound through vehicle, while three occurred when
vehicles crossing from the I-91 off-ramp to Soldiers Home Road were struck by an eastbound through
vehicle. One pedestrian crash occurred at the intersection, involving a pedestrian that ran out into traffic.
A higher percentage of crashes at this intersection involved drivers over 70 years old when compared with
the intersection at Homestead Avenue, perhaps reflecting users of outpatient services at the Soldiers’
Home.
The intersection ranked 158th on MassDOT’s statewide list of the Top Crash Intersections from 2007 to
2009. The ranking is based on the number of crashes in MassDOT’s database which can be georeferenced
to a cluster area around the intersection. This cluster area experienced 36 crashes in the three year period,
with 16 crashes involving an injury and one fatality. The ranking is based on a weighted system which
calculates the Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) rating of the intersection. Fatal crashes are
weighted 10 times and injury crashes are weighted 5 times.
Cherry Street/I-91 Northbound
Ramps/Community Field Road
Cherry Street and the I-91 Northbound
Ramps form a 4-way intersection with
the I-91 off-ramp under STOP control.
Cherry Street provides two through
lanes in each direction at the
intersection, with left turns to I-91
northbound accommodated in a left
turn pocket that is not clearly
delineated as a separate lane. The I-91
northbound off-ramp is separated by
an island, with a ramp for left turns to
Cherry Street at I-91 Northbound Ramps
Cherry Street westbound and a ramp
(looking east)
under yield control for Cherry Street
eastbound. The on-ramp is also
separated by an island, with an entry ramp for westbound vehicles located approximately 150 feet in
advance of a ramp for left turns from Cherry Street eastbound. The ramp to Cherry Street westbound and
the ramp from Cherry Street eastbound are slightly offset, with a channelizing island on Cherry Street
separating the two travel paths. Vehicles coming from the off-ramp headed west on Cherry Street must
cross the path of vehicles intending to turn from Cherry Street to the I-91 on-ramp. It was noted that some
vehicles departing the off-ramp headed west on Cherry Street wait in the refuge area provided between
the channelizing island and the median for Cherry Street, allowing them to cross Cherry Street in stages It
is unclear if this refuge area is intended to accommodate vehicle storage, but it clearly cannot safely
accommodate larger vehicles.
Page 6
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Community Field Road is located approximately 120 feet east of the I-91 northbound on-ramp. Cherry
Street is median divided in this area, so access is only allowed to Community Field Road from Cherry
Street westbound. The location of Community Field Road in relation to the I-91 northbound on-ramp may
cause confusion for approaching motorists, especially given the location of guide signs for the ramp.
A continuous sidewalk is provided along the south side of Cherry Street through the intersection, and
along the north side of Cherry Street from the east ending at Community Field Road. No crosswalks are
provided across Cherry Street in the vicinity of the intersection. The nearest crosswalk crossing Cherry
Street is at Hillside Avenue, approximately 600 feet east of Community Field Road.
Crash data obtained from the Holyoke Police Department and the State Police and summarized by
MassDOT show 27 crashes for the period from February 2009 to December 2011. The prevalent crash
type were rear-end crashes, with eleven occurring on the yield controlled I-91 northbound off-ramp to
Cherry Street eastbound. Rear-end crashes with this type of geometry typically occur when two drivers
are both looking to the left for an available gap, and the following driver assumes the lead driver will go
and accelerates before the lead driver has accelerated. Nine angle crashes occurred between eastbound
through vehicles and vehicles turning left from the I-91 northbound off-ramp, perhaps indicating issues
with visibility of approaching vehicles or misjudging available gaps due to the speed of approaching
vehicles.
Speed regulations maintained by MassDOT Highway Division establish a 35 MPH speed limit for Cherry
Street in the vicinity of the I-91 ramps. Speed regulations are included in the Appendix. The Holyoke
Police Department assessed speeding at and near the intersection of Cherry Street and Homestead Avenue
following the RSA; their report is included in the Appendix.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Audit Observations
Following a brief introduction to the RSA process and a summary of existing geometry, crash and speed
regulation information, the audit participants were asked to discuss safety issues at the three subject
intersections. Audit participants then visited each of the intersections as a group, at which time they
offered observations on safety issues. A summary of those major safety considerations is as follows:
Cherry Street/Homestead Avenue

Signal Phasing – The existing Cherry Street westbound phasing has a protected/permissive phase for
left turns, providing a protected advance green arrow and then allowing permissive turns while the
green is displayed for Cherry Street in both directions. Traffic congestion during peak hours results in
vehicles getting trapped in the center of the intersection during the clearance phase. It was also noted
that vehicles waiting in the center of the intersection have passed the overhead signal indication and
do not have a signal indication visible to them indicating the current status of the protected/permissive
movement. This may be a factor in the history of angle crashes at the intersection. Traffic congestion
during peak periods may also be a factor in angle crashes, as frustrated drivers may be more likely to
take a chance on an unacceptable gap. The lack of an overlap right arrow for Homestead Avenue
northbound right turns was also noted as a potential safety issue, as vehicles must navigate available
gaps and are not aware of when Cherry Street eastbound traffic has a red indication.

Clearance Phase Timing – There was concern amongst audit participants that the yellow and all red
clearance time may not be sufficient. Rear-end crashes at the intersection may be indicative of
clearance time deficiencies, and insufficient clearance times would exacerbate the concerns regarding
signal phasing described above.

Eastbound Lane Configuration – The
Cherry Street eastbound approach
provides two through lanes, with right
turns allowed from the right travel lane.
The right lane widens at the intersection,
allowing some separation for right
turning vehicles. It was noted that
vehicles intending to turn right onto
Homestead Avenue often must wait in
queue during peak periods before
accessing this widened area to make a
right turn.
Cherry Street eastbound approach

Pavement Markings – Pavement markings are faded at the intersection, which decreases visibility of
defined lane use.

Westbound Lane Trap – Cherry Street provides two through lanes westbound from the east side of I­
91 until Homestead Avenue, when the left lane becomes an exclusive turn lane. The lack of advance
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Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
signage creates a potential trap for vehicles intending to continue westbound. This may have been a
contributing factor in the one sideswipe crash reported at the intersection.

Truck Turns – The median island dividing the east leg of the intersection limits available pavement
width for trucks turning from Homestead Avenue to Cherry Street eastbound, which is the continuous
alignment of US 202 northbound providing access to I-91. It was noted that the existing guardrail
along the curb on this corner was installed to prevent trucks from encroaching on the sidewalk, and
that signal head damage and knockdowns from trucks are common.
Multiple trucks were observed on the day of the audit carefully
making this turn, nearly encroaching on both the guardrail and the
signal head mounted on the southeast corner. Visors have been
removed from this signal head because of repeated damage.

Guardrail Damage – The existing guardrail on the southeast corner
was damaged on the day of the audit, likely as the result of an
errant vehicle.

Pedestrian Accommodation – Several safety issues related to the
existing crosswalk and pedestrian signal were discussed.
Guardrail Damage
o Pedestrians may not be visible to traffic turning from
Homestead Avenue due to tall hedges, the guardrail and signal equipment located on the
southeast corner of the intersection. It should be noted that one pedestrian crash occurred
at this intersection, involving a turning vehicle and a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
o The crosswalk is angled crossing the Cherry Street eastbound lanes and then
perpendicular to the Cherry Street westbound lanes. This creates an angle point in the
crosswalk at the center median, which may present challenges to blind or low-vision
pedestrians.
o No pedestrian pushbutton or pedestrian signal head is provided on the southeast corner.
This means that pedestrians crossing from the southeast corner cannot activate the
pedestrian phase, and pedestrians crossing from the north side of Cherry Street do not
have a pedestrian indication.
o

Existing pedestrian ramps are not ADA compliant.
Signal Equipment – The lack of visors and the history of damage to signal
heads and posts was noted as a safety issue. The relatively tight intersection
geometry creates many strikes and near-strikes of signal equipment, and the
Holyoke Fire Department personnel in charge of traffic signal maintenance
noted that they make frequent repairs at this intersection. It was also noted that
the signal head facing eastbound traffic is turned slightly, which may reduce
visibility for approaching traffic.
Missing
Visors
Page 9
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.


Pavement Condition – There is some wear, settlement and cracking of pavement at the intersection.
Several audit participants commented on darker pavement through the turning path from Cherry
Street westbound to Homestead Avenue, but it was noted that this is new asphalt tracked through the
intersection as trucks departed I-91 during a recent interstate resurfacing project. Worn pavement may
reduce pavement friction, which may be a concern during rain, snow and icy conditions.
Speeding - It was suggested that vehicles traveling eastbound on Cherry Street may be traveling at
excessive speed through the intersection due to the downhill grade of Cherry Street. No speed data
were available at the time of the audit to determine whether speeds exceed posted speed limits. The
Holyoke Police Department assessed speeding at and near the intersection of Cherry Street and
Homestead Avenue following the RSA; their report is included in the Appendix.

Distracted Driving – It was suggested that the younger drivers traveling through the intersection to
HCC may be distracted by texting while driving.

Emergency Preemption – The lack of emergency preemption was noted as a safety
concern, as it affects response times for emergency vehicles.

Signage – A sign for US 202 South is partially obstructed by hedges on the
southeast corner of the intersection.

Holyoke Community College – An audit participant suggested that improvements
at Cherry Street and Homestead Avenue should be extended to include the
intersection of Homestead Avenue at Holyoke Community College. The intersection is currently
unsignalized with an unprotected crosswalk crossing Homestead Avenue.

Bus Stop – A Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) bus stop is located on the departure side of
the intersection on the south side of Cherry Street. It was suggested that this area provides limited
visibility of both waiting passengers and stopped buses for approaching traffic. PVTA buses provide
service to both HCC and the Soldiers’ Home.

Truck Cut-Through Traffic – It was suggested following the audit that trucks traveling westbound on
the MassPike exit onto I-91 north, then use the Cherry Street exit to access Homestead Avenue and
follow Route 202 to Westfield, potentially to save on tolls. This cut-through relocates trucks to roads
that are not as well suited for truck traffic.
Cherry Street/Soldiers Home Road/I-91 Southbound Ramps

Lane Configurations – The lack of pavement markings for turning lanes was noted as a safety
concern, which led into a larger discussion regarding lane configurations for Cherry Street in both
directions at the Soldiers’ Home and I-91 southbound ramps. It was suggested that an exclusive lane
should be provided for left turning vehicles in each direction, either through widening or through
reconfiguration of the existing two lane section in each direction. Turning vehicles are involved in the
majority of crashes at the intersection, some of which may be “courtesy crashes”.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Speeding - It was suggested that vehicles traveling eastbound on Cherry Street may be traveling at
excessive speed through the intersection due to the downhill grade of Cherry Street. No speed data
were available to determine whether speeds exceed posted speed limits.

Queuing – Queuing was noted as a concern on the I-91 southbound off-ramp, specifically during peak
periods. Traffic congestion may increase driver frustration, which in turn may cause drivers to take
chances on unacceptable gaps. This may be a factor in the history of angle crashes involving vehicles
exiting I-91.

Visibility – Another factor in angle crashes on this approach may be limited visibility offered by the
horizontal and vertical geometry of Cherry Street in this area. Cherry Street approaches the I-91 offramps and Soldiers’ Home Road from the east on an uphill grade in a horizontal curve to the left
immediately after passing under I-91. It was also noted that overgrowth of islands may restrict
visibility both for and of turning vehicles. This may be a factor in the number of angle crashes
involving vehicles exiting the Soldiers’ Home and vehicles turning to the I-91 southbound on-ramp
from Cherry Street eastbound.

Lane Control Signage – The lack of lane control signage was noted as a potential factor in crashes at
the intersection. Lack of advance indication of lane control is typically a factor in sideswipe crashes,
although sideswipe crashes at this intersection
may also be the result of vehicles changing
lanes to avoid stopped turning vehicles.

Pedestrian Accommodations – No crosswalk is
provided across Soldiers Home Road, although
there is a continuous sidewalk on both sides of
the approach. It was also noted that the nose of
the island for Soldiers Home Road blocks the
path where a pedestrian would typically cross.

Signage – Several safety issues related to
signage were discussed during the audit.
No crosswalk across Soldiers Home Road
o Signage for the Soldiers’ Home was discussed as a potential safety concern at both I-91
ramp intersections. It was suggested that signs for the Soldiers’ Home in each direction
on Cherry Street are not optimally located and may cause drivers to miss the turn
altogether, stop short or make abrupt lane
changes.
o The W4-1R graphical Merge sign on Cherry Street in advance of the yield-
controlled I-91 southbound off-ramp is slightly turned, reducing its visibility for
approaching traffic.
Angled W4-1R sign &
missing R4-7 sign
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Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
o No R4-7 graphical “Keep Right” signs are provided on the nose of the island for Soldiers
Home Road or the I-91 southbound ramps.

GPS/Internet Directions – An audit participant noted that directions provided by a popular online map
program direct the motorist bound from I-91 northbound to the Soldiers’ Home to make a U-turn
from Cherry Street westbound to access the Soldiers’ Home, although a direct left turn is allowed. It
is unknown if common GPS programs provide similarly confusing directions. This adds further
confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the area, especially in conjunction with the signage deficiencies
noted above. An example of internet directions is included in the Appendix.

Pavement Markings – Pavement markings are faded at the intersection, which decreases visibility of
defined lane use.

Pavement Condition – There is some wear, settlement and cracking of pavement at the intersection.
Worn pavement may reduce pavement friction, which may be a concern during rain, snow and icy
conditions.
Cherry Street/I-91 Northbound Ramps/Community Field Road

Left Turn Lane – The lack of delineation of the left turn pocket was noted as a safety concern. Audit
participants suggested that adequate width does not exist to mark this as a dedicated lane.

Visibility – Audit participants expressed several concerns regarding overgrowth of vegetation and its
effect on visibility.
o Overgrowth and an existing guardrail
in the island between the I-91 northbound off-ramps constrains visibility both for vehicles
approaching the ramp and for
vehicles attempting to yield to Cherry
Street traffic when exiting I-91. This is a likely contributing factor to the
history of rear-end collisions on this ramp, which may also be affected by
variances in driver behavior and aggressiveness related to the yield control.
o
Overgrowth near the I-91 NB off-ramps
Overgrowth along the south side of Cherry Street in advance of the I-91 northbound offramps may also hinder visibility between cars approaching on Cherry Street and cars
exiting the ramp. This may be a factor in the history of angle collisions between these
two movements.
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Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
o Overgrowth in advance of the intersection blocks visibility of the guide sign for I-91, which reduces awareness and may increase the potential for
abrupt, unexpected lane changes or turning
maneuvers.


Channelizing Island – The location of the existing
channelizing island may cause confusion as to the intended
vehicle path, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
The channelizing island separates the flow of vehicles exiting
and entering I-91, but requires these vehicle paths to cross.
Arrow on sign is not clearly
visible
Signage – In addition to the overgrown vegetation affecting the I-91 guide sign discussed above,
other signage-related safety concerns were discussed at the audit.
o A one-way sign at the end of the I-91 northbound off-ramp is angled, which may confuse
drivers unfamiliar with the area.
o The guide sign for I-91 facing Cherry Street westbound traffic is located between
Community Field Road and the I-91 on-ramp, with an angled right arrow directing
vehicles to I-91. It was noted that drivers often turn onto Community Field Road,
thinking that it is the on-ramp to I-91.
I-91 guide sign between Community Field Road (foreground) and I-91 on-ramp
o Signage directing vehicles to the Soldiers’ Home from the I-91 off-ramp is located at the
end of the ramp, past the decision point to turn left or right onto Cherry Street.
o An object marker sign on the island separating the I-91 northbound on-ramps violates
MassDOT guidelines and should be removed. The Massachusetts amendments to the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) state that an H1-2 warning
cluster panel should be used in place of MUTCD standard object markers, and that H1-2
panels shall be used only where traffic can pass on both sides (immediately to the right or
Page 13
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
left side) of a gore, island, or other obstruction. The H1-2 object marker on this island is
visible to eastbound vehicles on Cherry Street, but passing immediately the right side of
the island would have them going the wrong way on the westbound side of Cherry Street.
o There is a bent speed limit sign in the island between the I-91 off-ramps.

U-Turns - An eastbound vehicle must make a U-turn to access Community Field Road, which is only
accessible from the westbound side of Cherry Street. Audit participants discussed whether U-turns
can be safely allowed at Hillside Road, which provides the next break in the median for eastbound
traffic. U-turns are also a concern for vehicles exiting the park who wish to travel east.

Pavement Markings – Pavement markings are faded at the intersection, which decreases visibility of
defined lane use.

Pavement Condition – There is some wear, settlement and cracking of pavement at the intersection.
Worn pavement may reduce pavement friction, which may be a concern during rain, snow and icy
conditions.

Sidewalks – Sidewalks are generally in poor condition, with settlement, uneven surfaces and non­
compliant handicap ramps.

Slope Runoff – Debris in the sidewalk and the roadway appear to be the result of slope runoff
between the I-91 northbound and southbound bridge structures. Soil and rock debris presents a hazard
for pedestrian travel and may impact pavement friction for stopping and turning vehicles at the
intersection.
Runoff debris in sidewalk (left) and
roadway (above)
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Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Potential Safety Enhancements
After the site visit, audit participants returned to the meeting location to discuss the safety issues and
consider improvements. Audit participants were encouraged to consider both short and long term
improvements for each issue. Each improvement considered has been categorized as short-term, mid­
term, or long-term based on the definitions shown in Table 2. Additionally, a cost category has been
assigned to each improvement based on the parameters set forth in Table 2.
Table 2. Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown
Time Frame
Short-term
<1 year
Costs
Low
Mid-term
1–3 years
Medium
Long-term
>3 years
High
<$10,000
$10,000–$50,000
>$50,000
The following improvements were suggested by audit participants to improve safety issues at the
intersections of Cherry Street at Homestead Avenue, Cherry Street at Soldiers Home Road/I-91
Southbound Ramps, and Cherry Street at I-91 Northbound Ramps/Community Field Road.
Cherry Street/Homestead Avenue

Reconstruct the intersection. A number of safety issues discussed by the audit team can be addressed
by a reconstruction of the intersection with new traffic signal equipment and geometric
improvements. Widening can better accommodate turning trucks, and new traffic signal equipment
can be optimally placed both for visibility and to avoid potential knockdowns. Potential
improvements should also eliminate the angled crosswalk that exists today with a crosswalk with no
angle points, preferably perpendicular to the roadway edge on both sides. Emergency preemption
equipment should be included as part of the new traffic signal system. This is a long term, high cost
improvement.
The following improvements can be constructed independent of a full reconstruction of the intersection,
but should also be incorporated into any overall improvements planned at the intersection.


Provide actuation of the Cherry Street westbound left turn. The left turn currently operates under
protected/permissive phasing, but is not actuated, resulting in periods of time when the protected
green arrow is active but no vehicles are waiting. This reduces the efficiency of the overall traffic
signal system and adds to queues on both Cherry Street eastbound and Homestead Avenue. Actuation
can be accomplished by construction of loop detectors, which can be cut into the existing pavement as
a lower cost alternative. This is a short term, low cost improvement.
Consider phasing changes. Phasing changes considered should include protected only westbound left
turns and a right turn overlap from Homestead Avenue that operates in conjunction with the protected
left turn phase. This is a short term, medium cost improvement that should not be implemented until
the pedestrian button and pedestrian signal on the southeast corner have been replaced, as noted
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Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
below. Implementation of a right turn overlap would eliminate gaps along Cherry Street that are
needed for traffic entering and exiting Soldiers Home Road.










Study clearance times. The existing yellow and all red clearance times should be determined from the
existing traffic signal controller and compared to minimum requirements calculated based on the
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) methodology. If existing clearance times are insufficient,
clearance times should be increased accordingly. This change in clearance times could reduce the
number of crashes occurring at the intersection. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Provide a ground-mounted far side signal head for the westbound left turn. This short-term, low cost
improvement would provide a visible indication for vehicles already in the intersection waiting to
turn left during the permissive phase.
Consider changes to lane assignments for the eastbound Cherry Street approach. It was noted that the
right lane is wide enough to accommodate separation of one to two right turning vehicles at the stop
line. Widening would be required to formally establish a right turn lane, which does not appear
feasible due to slopes and a house on the corner located close to the roadway. A review of traffic
volumes and intersection operations should be conducted to determine if a modification to a single
through lane and a dedicated right turn lane is feasible. If the right lane is designated as an exclusive
right turn lane, a painted gore area should be included to provide channelization. Study of the
intersection is a short-term, medium cost improvement; implementation of potential changes would
be a mid-term, medium cost improvement.
Reapply pavement markings. This is a short-term, medium cost improvement.
Install lane usage signage. It was suggested that lane control signage is needed for all approaches. It is
recommended that R3-8 series graphical signs be provided. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement that would provide advanced warning of the westbound left turn trap.
Repair or replace the guardrail on the southeast corner of the intersection. Damage from a recent
vehicle strike was noted on the day of the audit. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Consider No Turn on Red for Homestead Avenue right turns. This was suggested in concert with
pedestrian improvements. Visibility constraints exist that may obstruct the view of a pedestrian in the
crosswalk for a vehicle turning from Homestead Avenue. This may have been a factor in the
pedestrian collision that occurred at the intersection. The existing condition allows right turns on red,
including during the protected WALK phase. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Provide a pedestrian pushbutton and pedestrian signal head on the south side of Cherry Street. Both
were missing on the day of the audit. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Reconstruct handicap ramps as ADA-compliant concrete ramps. This will provide adequate facilities
for wheelchair-bound pedestrians. This is a short-term, medium cost improvement.
Realign signal head facing eastbound traffic, and verify alignment of all existing signal heads at the
intersection. Frequent vehicle strikes have been known to damage signal heads and knock them out of
Page 16
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
proper alignment. The misaligned signal head facing eastbound traffic that was identified by an audit
participant should be realigned and all other signal heads should be checked to ensure that they are
properly aligned. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.







Rehabilitate pavement. The pavement should be rehabilitated at the intersection, with the appropriate
method determined based on the results of subsurface exploration. This is a mid-term, high cost
improvement.
Increase speed enforcement at the intersection and along the Cherry Street corridor. Additional
enforcement is a short-term improvement with no cost, except for the cost of potential reduced
enforcement elsewhere.
Work with Holyoke Community College to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving
and the state’s law against texting while driving. It was suggested that posters on the campus or other
educational tools could be implemented to increase awareness. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement that involves coordination with HCC.
Trim hedges along the southeast corner of the intersection to increase visibility for turning vehicles
and visibility of the existing US 202 sign. It was noted that the existing hedges may be on private
property, which would require consideration of City regulations and perhaps require coordination
with the property owner. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Consider relocation of the existing bus stop on the south side of Cherry Street. The City should work
with PVTA to accommodate bus operations along the corridor. This may include relocation of the bus
stop, but could also include widening the road to provide bus turnouts to avoid having a bus block a
travel lane when stopped.
Investigate potential causes of truck cut-through traffic on Route 202. It was suggested that truck
drivers may depart the MassPike onto I-91 north, then follow Route 202 to Westfield to save on tolls.
Tolls should be reviewed by MassDOT and modified if needed. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement.
Consider signalization of the intersection of Homestead Avenue and Holyoke Community College.
The intersection is outside of the scope of the audit study area, and would require project review and
approval from MassDOT before improvements can be considered under the State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP). It should be noted that none of the study intersections currently have
approved funding under the STIP. This is a potential long-term, high cost improvement.
Cherry Street/Soldiers Home Road/I-91 Southbound Ramps

Reconstruct the intersection with a traffic signal or roundabout. As previously discussed, a project is
currently under development that would reconstruct both intersections of Cherry Street and the I-91
ramps. The audit team debated the merits of both a traffic signal and a modern roundabout. Providing
a fully actuated traffic signal with protected phases for left turns would address the safety concerns
brought up by the audit team and would address the number of angle crashes involving turns to and
from Soldiers Home Road, the I-91 off-ramp and the I-91 on-ramp. Constructing a modern
Page 17
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
roundabout would also address the history of angle crashes and would reduce speeds along Cherry
Street. The audit participants agreed that adequate right-of-way seems to exist for construction of a
roundabout meeting MassDOT standards, but a more formal review will be required as part of the
design process. This is a long-term, high cost improvement.
The following improvements can be constructed independent of a full reconstruction of the intersection,
but should also be incorporated into any overall improvements planned at the intersection.









Consider changes to lane assignments for Cherry Street in both directions. It was suggested that
Cherry Street in both directions could be modified to provide an exclusive left turn lane to Soldiers
Home Road and to the I-91 southbound on-ramp. This would reduce potential conflicts between
through vehicles and turning vehicles, may reduce abrupt lane changes, and would require turning
vehicles to cross just one lane of through traffic, which may reduce the number of “courtesy crashes”
that may be occurring under present conditions. A review of traffic volumes and intersection
operations should be conducted to determine if a modification in lane assignments is feasible. If lane
modifications are implemented, appropriate pavement markings and lane control signage should be
implemented. Study of the intersection is a short-term, medium cost improvement; implementation of
potential changes would be a mid-term, medium cost improvement.
Increase speed enforcement at the intersection and along the Cherry Street corridor. Additional
enforcement is a short-term improvement with no cost, except for the cost of potential reduced
enforcement elsewhere.
Install lane usage signage. It was suggested that lane control signage is needed the Cherry Street
approaches. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Trim overgrowth and maintain mowing of the ramp islands to avoid future visibility restrictions. This
short-term, low cost improvement would eliminate visibility constraints that may be contributing to
crashes involving turning vehicles. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Provide a crosswalk across Soldiers Home Road. This improvement will also involve modifying the
nose of the existing median island to accommodate the crosswalk, and should include reconstruction
of handicap ramps to meet ADA requirements. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement.
Review directional signage for the Soldiers’ Home. The sign facing westbound traffic should be
relocated from the far side of the I-91 southbound off-ramp to the near side, increasing awareness for
drivers approaching the Soldiers’ Home from the east. Further modifications to signage should be
implemented if determined to be necessary. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Realign W4-1R Merge sign in the I-91 southbound off-ramp island. This sign was turned slightly,
reducing its effectiveness. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Install R4-7 Keep Right signs on the nose of the median island for both Soldiers Home Road and the
I-91 off-ramp. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Reapply pavement markings. This is a short-term, medium cost improvement.
Page 18
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Rehabilitate pavement. The pavement should be rehabilitated at the intersection, with the appropriate
method determined based on the results of subsurface exploration. This is a mid-term, high cost
improvement.
Cherry Street/I-91 Northbound Ramps/Community Field Road








Reconstruct the intersection with a traffic signal or roundabout. As previously discussed, a project is
currently under development that would reconstruct both intersections of Cherry Street and the I-91
ramps. The audit team debated the merits of both a traffic signal and a modern roundabout. Providing
a fully actuated traffic signal with a protected phase for left turns from Cherry Street would address
the safety concerns brought up by the audit team and would address the number of angle crashes
involving turns from the I-91 off-ramp. Constructing a modern roundabout would also address the
history of angle crashes and would reduce speeds along Cherry Street. Either traffic control method
should incorporate the currently yield-controlled I-91 off-ramp to potentially address the number of
rear-end crashes. The audit participants agreed that adequate right-of-way seems to exist for
construction of a roundabout meeting MassDOT standards, but a more formal review will be required
as part of the design process. This is a long-term, high cost improvement.
Trim overgrowth at the intersection and maintain mowing of the ramp islands to avoid future
visibility restrictions. This short-term, low cost improvement would eliminate visibility constraints
that may be contributing to crashes involving turning vehicles, and would restore adequate visibility
of the guide sign for the I-91 on-ramp. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Evaluate need for the guardrail in the island between the I-91 northbound off-ramps, and remove if
unnecessary. If there is no slope change requiring a guardrail, this guardrail should be removed to
eliminate the potential visibility restriction. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Realign the one-way sign at the end of the I-91 northbound off-ramp. This would eliminate potential
confusion over which roadway is one-way. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Relocate the guide sign for I-91 facing westbound Cherry Street traffic to the ramp gore. This would
eliminate confusion that currently has vehicles turning onto Community Field Road instead of the I­
91 northbound on-ramp. This is a short-term, low cost improvement that can be implemented into an
I-91 signing update project currently in design.
Relocate the sign for the Soldiers’ Home on the I-91 off-ramp so that it is located before the ramp
decision point. This is a short-term, low cost improvement that will eliminate potential confusion for
drivers bound for the Soldiers’ Home.
Remove H1-2 object marker sign from the island separating the I-91 northbound on-ramps. This sign
is inappropriate for this location. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Realign the existing speed limit sign in the island between the I-91 on-ramps. This would increase
visibility of the sign for approaching traffic. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Page 19
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.







Determine if U-turns are appropriate at the intersection of Cherry Street and Hillside Avenue.
Eastbound vehicles must make a U-turn to access Community Field Road. The audit team discussed
whether U-turns should be safely allowed at this intersection. If U-turns cannot be safely
accommodated, signage should be erected prohibiting U-turns. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement.
Erect no U-turn signs for westbound traffic at both median islands near the I-91 northbound ramps.
Vehicles may attempt to make u-turns here when leaving Community Field and intending to travel
eastbound. The existing islands are not designed to safely allow U-turns without conflicting with
other turning traffic. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Reapply pavement markings. This is a short-term, medium cost improvement.
Rehabilitate pavement. The pavement should be rehabilitated at the intersection, with the appropriate
method determined based on the results of subsurface exploration. This is a mid-term, high cost
improvement.
Reconstruct sidewalk along Cherry Street. This improvement was specifically brought up in
conjunction with this intersection, but sidewalk improvements should be included along the length of
any potential reconstruction project. Sidewalk improvements should include new concrete handicap
ramps at all intersections. This is a long-term, high cost improvement.
Repair slope and remove slope runoff debris. The slope between the I-91 northbound and southbound
bridge structures should be filled and stabilized to prevent further runoff of soil and debris. Debris
that is currently scattered along the sidewalk and roadway should be removed. This is a short-term,
medium cost improvement.
Evaluate median islands. Several issues were raised related to the design and intent of the existing
Cherry Street median islands at this intersection. The planned reconstruction project should consider
these factors in design. This is a long-term improvement with costs to be determined.
Summary of Road Safety Audit
Table 3 summarizes potential recommendations discussed by the audit team. The recommendations are
categorized based on the potential safety payoff, as well as by time frame and cost. The safety payoff is a
qualitative judgment of the effectiveness of the potential safety improvements. Each recommendation has
a responsibility assigned to it stating whether MassDOT or the City of Holyoke would be responsible for
implementing the recommended improvement. Costs provided are an order of magnitude estimate which
estimates the cost of the improvement if completed independent of other improvements.
Page 20
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Responsibility Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Cherry Street/Homestead Avenue
Signal Phasing, EB Lane
Config., Pavement Markings,
WB Lane Trap, Truck Turns,
Pedestrian Accommodation,
Signal Equipment, Pavement
Condition, Emergency
Preemption
Reconstruct the intersection. This improvement would
incorporate geometric improvements, new traffic signal
equipment, sidewalk construction, crosswalk
improvements, and emergency preemption equipment.
City
High
Long-term
$1,500,000
Signal Phasing
Provide actuation of the Cherry Street westbound left turn.
City
Medium
Short-term
$7,500
Signal Phasing
Consider phasing changes, including protected only
westbound left turns and a right turn overlap.
City
Medium
Short-term
$15,000
Clearance Phase
Timing
Study existing clearance times and make changes, if
appropriate.
City
High
Short-term
$2,000
Signal Phasing/Signal
Equipment
Provide a ground-mounted far side signal head for the
westbound left turn.
City
High
Short-term
$5,000
Eastbound Lane
Configuration
Consider changes to lane assignments for the eastbound
Cherry Street approach.
City
Medium
Short-term
(study)
Mid-term
TBD
Pavement Markings
Reapply pavement markings.
City
High
Short-term
$10,000
Westbound Lane Trap
Install lane usage signage.
City
Medium
Short-term
$2,000
Guardrail Damage
Repair or replace the guardrail on the southeast corner of
the intersection.
City
Medium
Short-term
$3,000
City
High
Short-term
$500
City
High
Short-term
$3,000
(implementation)
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Consider No Turn on Red for Homestead Avenue right
turns. This would eliminate potential conflicts between
turning vehicles and pedestrians during the protected
pedestrian phase.
Provide a pedestrian pushbutton and pedestrian signal
head on the south side of Cherry Street.
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Reconstruct handicap ramps as ADA-compliant concrete
ramps.
City
Medium
Short-term
$15,000
Signal Equipment
Realign signal head facing eastbound traffic, and verify
alignment of all existing signal heads.
City
High
Short-term
$2,500
Signal
Phasing/Pedestrian
Accommodation
Page 21
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Time Frame
Cost
Pavement Condition
Rehabilitate pavement at the intersection.
City
Medium
Mid-term
TBD
Speeding
Increase speed enforcement at the intersection and along
the corridor.
City
Medium
Short-term
Use of
police
resources
Distracted Driving
Work with Holyoke Community College to increase
awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and the
state’s law against texting while driving.
City/HCC
Medium
Short-term
TBD
Pedestrian
Accommodation,
Signage
Trim hedges along the southeast corner to increase
visibility for turning vehicles and visibility of the existing US
202 sign. (This improvement requires consideration of
whether the existing hedges are on private property.)
City
Medium
Short-term
$2,000
Bus Stop
Consider relocation of the existing bus stop on the south
side of Cherry Street. (This improvement requires
coordination with PVTA)
City/PVTA
Medium
Short-term
TBD
Truck Cut-Through
Traffic
Investigate potential causes of truck cut-through traffic on
Route 202. MassPike tolls should be reviewed by
MassDOT and modified if needed.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
TBD
High
Long-term
TBD
High
Long-term
TBD
Medium
Short-term
(study)
Mid-term
TBD
Holyoke Community
College
Consider signalization of the intersection of Homestead
Avenue and Holyoke Community College. This intersection
City
is outside the scope of the audit study area.
Cherry Street/Soldiers Home Road/I-91 Southbound Ramps
Lane Configurations,
Speeding, Queuing,
Pavement Markings,
Pavement Condition
Reconstruct the intersection with a traffic signal or
roundabout.
Lane Configurations
Consider changes to lane assignments for Cherry Street in
both directions. (This would include studying and
determining the feasibility of reassigning one of both
directions to provide an exclusive left turn lane and a single
through lane)
Speeding
Responsibility Safety Payoff
Increase speed enforcement at the intersection and along
the corridor.
MassDOT
MassDOT
(implementation)
City
Medium
Short-term
Use of police
resources
Page 22
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Time Frame
Cost
Lane Control Signage
Install lane usage signage.
Responsibility Safety Payoff
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$2,000
Visibility
Trim overgrowth and maintain mowing of the ramp islands
to avoid future visibility restrictions.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$2,500
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Provide a crosswalk across Soldiers Home Road. This
improvement also involves modifying the nose of the
existing median island and reconstruction of handicap
ramps to meet ADA requirements.
MassDOT
High
Short-term
$20,000
Signage
Review directional signage for the Soldiers’ Home,
including relocation of the sign facing westbound traffic.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$2,000
Signage
Realign W4-1R Merge sign in the I-91 southbound off-ramp
island.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$250
Signage
Install R4-7 Keep Right signs on the nose of the median
island for both Soldiers Home Road and the I-91 off-ramp.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$500
Pavement Markings
Reapply pavement markings.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$10,000
Pavement Condition
Rehabilitate pavement at the intersection.
MassDOT
Medium
Cherry Street/I-91 Northbound Ramps/Community Field Road
Mid-term
TBD
Left Turn Lane,
Channelizing Island,
Pavement Markings,
Pavement Condition
Reconstruct the intersection with a traffic signal or
roundabout.
MassDOT
High
Long-term
TBD
Visibility
Trim overgrowth and maintain mowing of the ramp islands
to avoid future visibility restrictions.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$2,500
Visibility
Evaluate need for the guardrail in the island between the I91 northbound off-ramps, and remove if unneccesary.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$3,000
Signage
Realign one way sign at the end of the I-91 northbound offramp.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$250
Signage
Realign the guide sign for I-91 facing westbound Cherry
Street traffic to the ramp gore. (It is assumed that this will
be incorporated into an I-91 signing project currently in
design.)
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$2,500
Page 23
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Signage
Safety Enhancement
Remove H1-2 object marker sign from the island
separating the I-91 northbound on-ramps.
Responsibility Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$250
Signage
Realign the existing speed limit sign in the island between
the I-91 on-ramps.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$250
U-Turns
Determine if U-turns are appropriate at the intersection of
Cherry Street and Hillside Avenue. If U-turns cannot be
safely accommodated, erect signage prohibiting U-turns.
City
Low
Short-term
$500
U-Turns
Erect No U-Turn signs for westbound traffic at both median
islands near the I-91 northbound ramps.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$500
Pavement Markings
Reapply pavement markings.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$10,000
Pavement Condition
Rehabilitate pavement at the intersection.
MassDOT
Medium
Mid-term
TBD
Sidewalks
Reconstruct sidewalk along Cherry Street.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
TBD
Slope Runoff
Repair slope between the I-91 northbound and southbound
bridge structures to prevent further runoff, and remove
slope runoff debris from the sidewalk and roadway.
MassDOT
High
Short-term
$5,000
Channelizing Island
Evaluate median islands. The planned reconstruction
project should consider the design and intent of the existing
median islands as it relates to planned improvements.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
TBD
Page 24
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit
Holyoke
Cherry Street from Homestead Ave to Community
Field Road
Meeting Location: Soldiers Home, Conference Room A
110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA
Monday, September 17, 2012
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Type of meeting:
High Crash Locations – 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
11:15 AM
Site Visit
• Walk/Drive to the intersections of Cherry Street with Homestead Ave, I-91 SB
ramps, I-91 NB ramps, and Community Field Road
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
12:15 PM
Discussion of Potential Improvements
• Discuss observations and finalize safety issue areas
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
1:00 PM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on September 17th, participants are encouraged to
drive/walk through the corridor 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—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
COLLISION DIAGRAM CITY/TOWN :
-\--\OL'/0 lLE
f\U 6.1JST 'l.' l/2Dt?.­
DATE PREPARED:
PREPARED BY:
___._)?_,\IL..P:......:C==-------RoADWAY NAMEs:
HDMES.TtAb A\IE ~ cwco(2.'1cr
TIME PERIOD ANALYZED :
~~A IZ.CJ-\ 2 oc::q- DF r-f~ BCJL 7D
~.
REGION :
I'
___,_,\D""""-"(-"-t\--'L
=----'-'
V (~)...=.--=-.=l...f
L-\C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS:
~
M O-N£ S
North
2.o~ST
~
2-,--.-I.-\
t
'2Y=12
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'28
b,l,q,tb
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~
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(II
\ I
lj
TYPES OF CRASH
SYMBOLS
Moving Vehicle
-----
<<<­.,.
___
--+t
--+1............;;:1
--+0
--+6><6
--+'J\!P Backing Vehicle
Non-Involved Vehicle
~ ~
+...__ Pedestrian
Parked Vehicle
Fixed Object
SEVERITY
Head On
..I
.
Bicycle
-=v=: Animal
-
<s
t5
=•
Angle
Turning Move
Rear End
Sideswipe
Out of Control
0
Injury Accident
0
Fatal Accident
Crash Data Summary Table
Intersection Homestead Ave & Cherry St; Holyoke, MA
March 2009 - December 2011
#
1
2
3
4
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
Time of Day
3/20/09
3/31/09
6/29/09
8/20/09
11:06 PM
5:53 PM
1:30 PM
1:02 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Light Condition
Type
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Road Surface
Type
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Sunday
Wednesday
Friday
Tuesday
9:57 AM
8:08 AM
8:50 AM
7:20 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
9 6/11/10
10 7/31/10
Friday
Saturday
7:54 PM
9:37 AM
Rear-end
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
11 9/10/10
Friday
10:40 AM
Angle
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
5
6
7
8
9/13/09
10/14/09
10/16/09
12/8/09
Friday
Tuesday
Monday
Thursday
Manner of Collision
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Failed to yield to right of way
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
D1
20
35
48
25
Ages
D2
D3
49
30
30
17
17
18
29
34
25
20
19
26
47
35
41
20
20
48
12 9/20/10
Monday
7:54 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
18
51
13 9/30/10
14 10/7/10
Thursday
Thursday
3:09 PM
7:55 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Rain
Wet
Wet
Unknown
Inattention
46
20
18
19
15 10/26/10 Tuesday
16 11/4/10 Thursday
9:34 AM
1:40 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
17 11/19/10 Friday
18 12/27/10 Monday
Friday
19 2/4/11
7:11 AM
10:29 AM
9:29 AM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
20 2/28/11
Monday
6:46 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
21 4/13/11
Wednesday
10:09 AM
22 7/5/11
Tuesday
23 8/30/11
Tuesday
Cloudy
Rain
Wet
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
19
43
Dry
Snow
Snow
Glare
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
31
32
46
Dawn
Ice
No Improper Driving
48
Angle
Daylight
Rain
Wet
Operating defective equiptment
67
49
6:08 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
25
51
10:53 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
34
21
24 10/12/11 Wednesday
25 10/13/11 Thursday
26 11/4/11 Friday
8:20 AM
7:14 AM
7:44 AM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dry
Wet
Dry
No Improper Driving
Made an improper turn
Failed to yield to right of way
28
47
63
34
20
18
27 11/30/11 Wednesday
28 12/12/11 Monday
5:32 PM
9:00 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Unknown
Operating defective equiptment
Unk
46
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Holyoke Police Department
Clear
Rain
Clear
72
Turning vehicle had green arrow.
Vehicle traveling straight went through
a yellow light.
Veh #2 sideswiped Veh #1 while
manuvering around disabled motor
vehicle.
Traffic signal turned to yellow when
operator was turning onto Homestead
Ave.
Turning vehicle had green arrow.
Vehicle traveling straight went through
a yellow light.
21
20
Clear
Snow
Clear
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing Rain
Comments
D4
An univolved vehicle was backing out
onto the roadway, so vehicle moved
forward.
33
71
50
Vehicle slid through intersection and
hit a light pole.
34
Veh #1 had a broken directional and
attempted to turn into Cherry St. Park.
Turning vehicle had a yellow arrow.
Vehicle traveling straight had a red
light.
Turning vehicle had green light - not
green arrow and attempted to stop
when realized it
Turning vehicle had a yellow arrow.
Vehicle traveling straight went around
a stopped vehicle to proceed through.
19
Hit & run crash; vehicle hit pedestrian
in crosswalk
Stopped due to traffic congestion
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection Homestead Ave & Cherry St; Holyoke, MA
CRASH MONTH
25%
21%
20%
14%
15%
11%
10%
5%
14%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
J
J
A
4%
0%
0%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
25%
18%
Monday
60%
18%
18%
14%
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4%
4%
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
54%
40%
21%
20%
0%
11%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
7%
7%
6-10PM
10-2AM
0%
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
54%
39%
7%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
Homestead Ave & Cherry St Crash Summary Data
0%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
2 of 3
0%
0%
0%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
9/5/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection Homestead Ave & Cherry St; Holyoke, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
Daylight
0%
Dawn
Dusk
11%
Dark Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
57%
0%
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
4%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
Rain
4%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
18%
Cloudy
18%
Clear
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
4%
Snow
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
86%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
64%
25%
7%
Dry
Wet
4%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
27%
30%
20%
20%
18%
22%
10%
5%
4%
4%
60-69
70-79
0%
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
Homestead Ave & Cherry St Crash Summary Data
40-49
50-59
3 of 3
80+
9/5/2012
M:tssachu.sctts Department of Tr-.nsport.ntlon
Highway Division
COLLISION DIAGRAM CITY/TOWN : ..:..H.:..::o;;.~.ly~o.:..:.ke=-----------
Angela Truong
PREPARED BY:
PVPC
REGION:
Aug-12
DATE PREPARED:
ROADWAY NAMES:
Soldiers Home Road and Cherry Street
TIME PERIOD ANALYZED:
January 17, 2009-December 30, 2011
State and Holyoke Police
SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS:
i
North
0+<+-­
@
13
[}4o- c:s:
t
cs
cs
30
~c
7,51
27,39
~c
--·
l@35,@
1 /?0
F
47
:[}10, 14, 24, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 52,@ 56
_ __...,.,..---22
~-------.....,
~
\
Cherry Street
8
Soldiers Home Rd.
*Unable to map crash #55.
Rear-end crash exiting off ramp;
not clear which off ramp.
J
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:cscs~
Out of Control
SEVERITY
0
Injury Accident
0
Fatal Accident
'}JJ
!11!!!~!2Q[ ~
..
jighway Division
COLLISION DIAGRAM
CITYffOWN : ,. ;. .H.;.;:o.:. .IY. .:cO.;. ;.ke;:___ _ _ _ _ _ __
DATE PREPARED:
REGION:
PREPARED BY:
PVPC
ROADWAY NAMES:
TIME PERIOD ANALYZED:
Aug-12
Angela Truong
Soldiers Home Road, Cherry Street, and I -91 SB Off Ramp
January 17, 2009-December 30, 2011
SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS:
State and Holyoke Police
i
North
Rt 1-91 SB-Ramp
Rt 1-91 SB-Ramp
4, 17,@31
@@,@ 49
L
Cherry St.
'Unable to map crash #55.
Rear-end crash exiting off ramp;
not clear which off ramp.
SYMBOLS
<«..
--------~
TYPES OF CRASH
SEVERITY
Moving Vehicle
Head On
Backing Vehicle
Non-Involved Vehicle
Angle
Pedestrian
Turning Move
Parked Vehicle
Fixed Object
Rear End
Bicycle
Animal
Sideswipe
<S
"tS
cs ...
Out of Control
0
Injury Accident
0
Fatal Accident
•
~;l!!1i!~~l2Ql
Highway Division
COLLISION DIAGRAM
CITY/TOWN: . ;. H;.; ;o.:. t.ly. .; .o:. :.cke:.___ _ _ _ _ _ __
REGION:
PREPARED BY:
PVPC
Angela Truong
Cherry Street and On-Ramp 1-91 SB
ROADWAY NAMES:
TIME PERIOD ANALYZED:
Aug-12
DATE PREPARED:
January 17, 2009- December 30, 2011
SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS:
State and Holyoke Police
On Ramp 1-91 SB
North
Off Ramp 1-91
~
...
®
~
Cherry Street
~
"'
~
CD
@® 37,@ 50, 52
__)
:=A=
~
I~
r·~@K@
*Unable to map crash #55.
Rear-end crash exiting off ramp;
not clear which off ramp.
SYMBOLS
TYPES OF CRASH
Moving Vehicle
________..,.
Backing Vehicle
Non-Involved Vehicle
_J ~
+...__
Pedestrian
---+I ............... I
---+0
____..,.eX;
Parked Vehicle
Fixed Object
Bicycle
Animal
SEVERITY
Head On
•I
Turning Move
•
=v=:
-
c::s:
cs
Angle
=~
Rear End
Sideswipe
Out of Control
0
Injury Accident
0
Fatal Accident
42
41,54
Crash Data Summary Table
Soldiers Home Road/Cherry Street/I-91SB Ramps; Holyoke, MA
1/17/09 - 12/30/11
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
1 1/17/09 Saturday
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1/31/09
2/2/09
2/7/09
2/26/09
2/27/09
3/3/09
3/9/09
9 3/31/09
10 4/17/09
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
Cloudy
2:30 PM
Angle
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Saturday
Monday
Saturday
Thursday
Friday
Tuesday
Monday
12:56 PM
8:48 AM
3:27 PM
12:23 PM
9:56 AM
11:02 AM
9:47 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Cloudy
Tuesday
Friday
4:01 PM
12:25 PM
Head on
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
#
11 5/5/09
12 5/27/09
Tuesday
Wednesday
12:11 PM
2:43 PM
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
13 7/3/09
14 7/8/09
Friday
Wednesday
2:22 AM
3:56 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
15 7/23/09
16 8/12/09
17 8/23/09
Thursday
Wednesday
Sunday
8:21 PM
7:39 PM
12:39 PM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Dawn
Cloudy
Daylight
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
18 9/8/09
Tuesday
8:53 AM
Angle
Daylight
19 9/23/09
20 10/7/09
21
Wednesday
Wednesday
8:48 PM
11:09 PM
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Ages
D2
D3
36
68
18
75
19
45
29
79
20
42
43
19
36
57
21
38
27
20
79
62
81
Wet
Dry
23
64
66
Wet
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
27
28
87
19
17
31
Dry
No Improper Driving
70
Wet
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
27
68
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
19
35
Comments
D4
Fatal crash
Operator merged into a lane and
caused a collision with a nearby
vehicle
Vehicle was out of control & hit light
post
Pedestrian ran out into traffic, the
operator did not stop in time and struck
the pedestrian
19
44
Out of Area - Excluded Crash
2:42 PM
3:14 PM
8:16 AM
1:03 PM
2:43 PM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
27 2/8/10
28 2/18/10
29 3/3/10
Monday
Thursday
Wednesday
6:08 PM
10:58 AM
10:07 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Daylight
Snow
Dry
Dry
Wet
30 4/12/10
Monday
6:55 AM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
31 4/21/10
Wednesday
8:10 AM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
4/26/10
7/9/10
8/4/10
9/10/10
11/4/10
Monday
Friday
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
7:41 AM
3:48 PM
12:47 PM
12:32 PM
3:10 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
32
33
34
35
36
D1
21
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Failed to yield to right of way
Friday
Wednesday
Friday
Monday
Friday
22
23
24
25
26
10/16/09
10/21/09
11/20/09
12/14/09
1/29/10
Clear
Road Surface
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Type
Dry
Made an improper turn
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
Dry
manner
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
Dry
Unknown
Dry
Inattention
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Dry
Inattention
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
Failure to keep in proper lane or
Dry
running off road
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Failed to yield to right of way
Visibility Obstructed
Failed to yield to right of way
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Followed too closely
Visibility Obstructed
Visibility Obstructed
Inattention
Hit & run
43
22
48
25
23
65
47
26
19
29
34
26
37
62
19
19
33
36
55
52
29
38
41
51
82
21
90
Changing lane abruptly
Changing lane
37 11/5/10
38 11/5/10
Friday
Friday
39 11/21/10 Sunday
10:55 AM
8:00 AM
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
8:06 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Rain
Rain
Wet
Wet
Dry
Inattention
Inattention
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
57
16
18
76
45
45
40 11/26/10 Friday
3:30 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
45
36
41 12/19/10 Sunday
5:02 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
80
21
42 1/13/11
Thursday
2:51 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Distracted
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
48
49
43 1/14/11
Friday
4:43 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Visibility Obstructed
89
62
44 2/18/11
Friday
8:12 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Wet
Inattention
25
31
45 2/24/11
46
47 3/2/11
48 3/10/11
Thursday
12:10 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Visibility Obstructed
17
21
49 6/20/11
Wednesday
Thursday
Monday
1:20 PM
5:11 PM
2:24 PM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Dusk
Daylight
Clear
Rain
Clear
Wet
Wet
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
19
20
59
83
37
48
50 9/6/01
51 9/8/11
52 9/30/11
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
9:14 PM
8:10 AM
6:35 AM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Daylight
Rain
Dawn
Clear
Wet
Wet
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Visibility Obstructed
21
20
53
21
24
50
Saturday
Thursday
Saturday
Wednesday
11:36 AM
10:34 AM
9:41 AM
12:02 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
49
19
51
19
39
23
27
58
3:55 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
74
59
53
54
55
56
10/1/11
10/6/11
11/5/11
11/30/11
57 12/30/11 Friday
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Holyoke & State Police Departments
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Inattention
Followed too closely
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Operator entering Soldiers Home Road
swerved to avoid uninvolved vehicle & in
turn hit vehicle exiting Soldiers Home
Road
Obstructed view due to large snow bank
Obstructed view due to large snow bank
Out of Area - Excluded Crash
Operator claims that "something" ran in
front of car and he turned to avoid it
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Soldiers Home Road/Cherry Street/I-91SB Ramps; Holyoke, MA
CRASH MONTH
20%
15%
15%
10%
15%
11%
11%
7%
7%
7%
4%
5%
9%
6%
6%
2%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
20%
S
O
N
D
28%
19%
13%
7%
Monday
7%
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
6%
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
40%
30%
31%
30%
22%
20%
13%
10%
0%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
2%
2%
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
74%
80%
60%
40%
20%
13%
7%
2%
2%
2%
0%
0%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
Data -Cherry Street-Soldiers Home Rd-91SB Ramps
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
3 of 4
9/5/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Soldiers Home Road/Cherry Street/I-91SB Ramps; Holyoke, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
80%
Daylight
4%
2%
Dawn
Dusk
15%
Dark Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
57%
26%
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
0%
0%
0%
Unknown
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
2%
Snow
Rain
Cloudy
15%
Clear
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
69%
60%
31%
40%
20%
0%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
0%
Dry
Wet
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
CRASH DRIVER AGES
27%
30%
20%
15%
13%
14%
10%
10%
8%
6%
7%
70-79
80+
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
Data -Cherry Street-Soldiers Home Rd-91SB Ramps
40-49
50-59
4 of 4
60-69
9/5/2012
Crash Data Summary Table
Intersection between Cherry Street/ I-91NB Ramps / Community Field Road; Holyoke, MA
2/19/09 - 12/12/11
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
1 2/19/09 Thursday
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
10:45 AM
Angle
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Cloudy
2 2/20/09
Friday
10:38 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
3 4/19/09
4 9/25/09
Sunday
Friday
1:26 PM
1:57 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Road Surface
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Type
Wet
No Improper Driving
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
Dry
manner
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
Dry
manner
Dry
Inattention
#
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
10/7/09
11/12/09
12/26/09
3/22/10
4/12/10
6/4/10
7/29/10
10/10/10
10/21/10
2/3/11
2/4/11
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Monday
Monday
Friday
Thursday
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
6:15 PM
1:56 PM
2:05 PM
7:49 AM
7:55 AM
1:22 PM
6:00 PM
1:36 AM
12:11 PM
12:44 PM
8:00 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Snow
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Snow
Wet
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
2/25/11
3/30/11
4/2/11
4/16/11
5/23/11
9/16/11
10/06/11
10/14/11
Friday
Wednesday
Saturday
Saturday
Monday
Friday
Thursday
Friday
1:22 PM
12:36 PM
10:25 AM
7:20 AM
2:31 PM
11:04 AM
7:51 AM
2:59 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Rear-end
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dusk
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Thursday
6:40 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
25 11/25/11 Friday
26 12/11/11 Sunday
11:58 AM
5:04 PM
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
27 12/12/11 Monday
12:28 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - roadway not
lighted
Clear
Dry
24 11/3/11
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Holyoke and State Police Departments
D1
21
Ages
D2
D3
50
79
55
30
47
20
59
No Improper Driving
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Visibility Obstructed
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Wrong side or wrong way
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Inattention
History Heart/Epilepsy/Fainting
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
20
18
44
44
19
58
29
28
48
24
53
21
58
22
22
34
23
48
41
20
18
35
18
24
75
20
47
28
20
60
40
66
No Improper Driving
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Failed to yield to right of way
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
66
19
61
32
75
78
77
Comments
D4
Operator failed to stop for stop sign
High snowbanks blocking visibility
Operator did not stop at stop sign because
her brakes were wet
Hit metal gate
59
88
Operator blacked out & hit light pole
53
39
Hit guardrail
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection between Cherry Street/ I-91NB Ramps / Community Field Road; Holyoke, MA
CRASH MONTH
19%
20%
19%
15%
15%
10%
7%
11%
11%
N
D
7%
4%
5%
4%
4%
0%
0%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
40%
20%
30%
26%
30%
15%
7%
10%
11%
11%
Saturday
Sunday
0%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
52%
60%
Thursday
Friday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
40%
20%
0%
19%
15%
6-10AM
10-2PM
11%
2-6PM
4%
6-10PM
0%
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
48%
37%
11%
4%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
Data for Cherry Street at Queen Street and I-91NB
0%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
2 of 3
0%
0%
0%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
9/5/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection between Cherry Street/ I-91NB Ramps / Community Field Road; Holyoke, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
85%
Daylight
0%
4%
7%
4%
0%
0%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark Lighted
Roadway
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
70%
19%
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
Severe
Crosswinds
Blowing
sand, snow
0%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
Snow
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
4%
Rain
Cloudy
7%
Clear
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
78%
19%
Dry
Wet
4%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
CRASH DRIVER AGES
40%
29%
30%
20%
10%
16%
10%
16%
10%
8%
10%
2%
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
Data for Cherry Street at Queen Street and I-91NB
40-49
50-59
3 of 3
60-69
70-79
80+
9/5/2012
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix D. Speed Regulations
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix E. Internet Mapping Directions
r· !:jU U,..J II II
total14 3 mt
6 . Take exit 25 for Interstate 90/0Massachusetts Turnpike Toll road go 0.4 mi
total14.6 mt
7. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for IM90 W/DWorcester and merge onto IM90 WID Massachusetts
go 77.3 mi
total 91.9 mi
Turnpike
Partial toll road
About 1 hour 20 mins
B. Take exit 4 to merge onto IM91 N toward Holyoke Partial toll road About 4 mins 9. Take exit 16 for US-202 toward Holyoke Center/DS Hadley
10. Turn left onto Cherry St About 3 mins 11. Make a U-turn Destination will be on the right About 3 mins go 3.5 mi
total 95 4 rni
go 0.3 mi
total 95 6 mi
go 0.2 mi
tota l 95.8 mi
go 0.1 mi
tt>tal 95.9 mi
11 0 Cherry St, Holyoke, MA 01 040
~--------------------------------------------------------------------·-------------------- -------
These directions are for planning purposes only You may fmd !hat construction projects. traffic, weather or other events rnay cause conditions to differ from
the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly You rrJIJst obey all signs or not1ces reaarding your route
Map data @2012 Google
Directions weren't rig_tlt? Please find your route on ma~.9~9..9~..:.com an~ click "R~P-Ort_a_ Eroblem" ~~the_l?ottom left.
C
__.__________]
Road Safety Audit—Cherry Street from Homestead Avenue to Community Field Road—Holyoke, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix F. Holyoke Police Report
Holyoke Police Department
Inter-Governmental Correspondence
TO:
Kevin A. Jourdain, City Council President
Anthony Soto, Chair Public Safety Council
FROM:
James M. Neiswanger, Chief of Police
Holyoke Police Department
SUBJECT:
COUNCILORS BARTLEY AND VEGA’S TRAFFIC ORDER
DATE:
NOVEMBER 19, 2012
NUMBER: 12-026
City Council President Kevin Jourdain,
Chair Public Safety Council Anthony Soto,
Councilors David Bartley and Aaron Vega filed an order that the police department
assess speeding in the area of Homestead Avenue, Jarvis Avenue and Cherry Street.
The traffic unit spent numerous days and hours monitoring the situation.
Homestead Avenue - they issued 90 citations.
Jarvis Avenue - they issued 120 citations.
Cherry and Homestead - they issued 19 citations.
We attempted on several occasions to place our traffic counter out on Homestead
Avenue. Unfortunately, it would not stay down on the payment. I believe this may be
due partially to the speed of the vehicles traveling on the road. We are in the process of
trying to acquire other traffic related equipment (speed signs) purchased through grant
funds.
Our traffic unit will continue to monitor the area and enforce the law.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________________
James M. Neiswanger
Chief of Police
JMN/jas
cc:
Mayor Alex B. Morse
Councilor David Bartley
Central Files