ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line
Town of Winchendon
June 2012
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Data................................................................................................................................. 5
Project Location Description ..................................................................................................... 5
Road Safety Audit Observations ...............................................................................................6
Safety Issue #1. Safety Issue #2. Safety Issue #3. Safety Issue #4. Safety Issue #5. Safety Issue #6. Safety Issue #7. Safety Issue #8. Access Management ........................................................................................... 7
Drowsy and/or Distracted Drivers ...................................................................... 9
Passing Zones ................................................................................................... 10
Climbing Lanes/Merge Areas ........................................................................... 11
Deceleration Lanes ........................................................................................... 12
Signage ............................................................................................................. 13
Drainage............................................................................................................ 13
Pedestrian Conditions ....................................................................................... 14
Potential Safety Enhancements ...............................................................................................14
List of Appendices
Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D. RSA Meeting Agenda RSA Audit Team Contact List Detailed Crash Data Additional Information List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure 2. Locus Map.............................................................................................................................. 3
Gardner Road at Commercial Street/Dunkin Donuts/Irving Gas Station ............................... 4
List of Tables
Table 1. Table 2. Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 5
Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements ....................................................................... 16
Page 1
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The Road Safety Audit (RSA) focused on the segment of Gardner Road (Route 140) in Winchendon,
Massachusetts from just south of Teel Road to the Gardner City line. Within this segment, #93 Gardner
Road has an equivalent property damage only (EPDO) that qualifies it as a top 5% high crash location
within the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) area. The Massachusetts Department
of Transportation (MassDOT) has determined that the Town of Winchendon would be eligible to receive
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding for resurfacing of this roadway segment if a RSA
were conducted and the proposed design incorporated the safety improvements identified in the RSA.
The RSA study area is illustrated in Figure 1.
According to crash records provided by the Town of Winchendon Police Department, 15 crashes (or
45%) occurred in the vicinity the Dunkin’ Donuts/Irving Gas Station Driveways located at #93 Gardner
Road from March 2008 to December 2010 (see Figure 2). Since 2010, Commercial Drive was
constructed opposite the #93 Gardner Road southern driveway and provides access to an approximately
176-acre business park that is only currently occupied by a small manufacturing facility with a deck
hockey recreational facility; the facility manufactures deck hockey blades and pucks and has national
deck hockey league games on weekends. According to Town officials, additional future development is
planned off of Commercial Street within the business park. Meanwhile, 18 other crashes were reported
along the approximately 2.5 mile stretch of Gardner Road between just south of Teel Road to the Gardner
city line during the same time period.
The segment of Gardner Road from just south of Teel Road to the Gardner city line is an approved
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) project due to be redesigned by MassDOT District 2 (Project
#607219). The District 2FFY2013 TIP project will consist of safety improvements and roadway
resurfacing; the project is partially programmed with Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
funds, eligible due to crash history in the corridor. While not included as part of the current safety and
resurfacing project, the RSA team noted safety issues north of Teel Road and south of the Gardner city
line. To the north of Teel Road, Gardner Road falls under Town of Winchendon jurisdiction; safety
enhancements along that stretch of roadway could be considered for implementation by the Town. South
of the Gardner city line, a previously identified high lane-departure crash corridor, Route 140 (Green
Street) lies within MassDOT District 3 and falls under City of Gardner jurisdiction. District 2 should
consider the feasibility of expanding the resurfacing project into Gardner in coordination with District 3
and the City of Gardner. The MRPC conducted a corridor study along Route 140 in January 2012
(Westminster – Gardner – Winchendon Route 140 North Corridor Profile) that included the section of
Gardner Road evaluated as part of this RSA. The study included an evaluation and recommendations of
environmental, traffic, and safety conditions along the corridor. The study is included in Appendix D.
In general, the RSA is intended to identify potential safety improvements that can be evaluated and
included as part of current and/or future design efforts for resurfacing/reconstruction. The short-term,
low-cost potential improvements could be considered by the responsible agency for implementation prior
to resurfacing, as appropriate.
Page 2
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner Town Line, Winchendon
Old
Gardne
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Figure 1. Locus Map
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WINCHENDON
93 Gardner Rd.
Dunkin’
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Irving Gas
ASHBURNHAM
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Not to scale.
Source: Mass GIS
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner Town Line, Winchendon
Figure 2. Gardner Road at Commercial Street/Dunkin’ Donuts/Irving Gas
93 Gardner Rd.
Dunkin’
Donuts/
Irving Gas
Co
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Dr
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Gar
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oad
(Ro
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Source: Google Earth
Not to scale.
Not to scale.
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the Gardner Road corridor between Teel Road and the Gardner city
line in Winchendon, Massachusetts, on Thursday, June 14, 2012. The RSA agenda appears in Appendix
A. Table 1 lists the audit team members and their affiliations. Appendix B provides contact information
for all team members.
Prior to the RSA, in order to begin assessing possible safety issues, the team reviewed collision diagrams
and a crash detail summary based on crash records supplied by the Winchendon Police Department for
the corridor. Appendix C provides the detailed crash data for the study area.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Ellen DeCoteau
David Walsh
Thomas Smith
Scott Livingston
John M. Deline Jr.
John White
George Snow
Ron Muller
Tom Healey
Laurie Scarbrough
John Larareo
Bao Lang
Douglas Halpert
Corey O’Connor
Bonnie Polin
Lisa Schletzbaum
Ted Brovitz
Joe SanClemente
Agency/Affiliation
Town of Winchendon – Planner
Winchendon Police Department
Winchendon Fire Department
Winchendon Police Department
Winchendon Public Works Department
Winchendon Planning Board
Montachusett Regional Planning Commission
Ron Muller & Associates
Nouria Energy – Irving Site
MassDOT, District 2
MassDOT, District 2
MassDOT, District 2
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Project Location Description
The RSA focused on Gardner Road (Route 140) between Teel Road and the Gardner city line in
Winchendon. Gardner Road generally runs north-south between Spring Street (Route 12) and the
Gardner city line, where it turns into Green Street. According to MassDOT Office of Transportation
Planning 2010 Road Inventory File, Gardner Road is classified as a rural principal arterial and falls under
MassDOT jurisdiction between Teel Road and the Gardner city line; the jurisdiction of Gardner Road was
Page 5
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
transferred from the Town of Winchendon to MassDOT approximately 10 years ago. North of Teel
Road, Gardner Road falls under Town of Winchendon jurisdiction. In Gardner, Green Street (Route 140)
lies within MassDOT District 3 and falls under City of Gardner jurisdiction. Within the vicinity of the
study area, Gardner Road generally consists of one travel lane in each direction with passing zones and
climbing lanes provided at several locations to allow motorists to pass slower vehicles. The speed limit is
posted at 50 miles per hour (mph) in both directions.
Route 140 serves as a primary north-south connection through the study area and provides a connection to
other key regional roadways such as Route 2, Route 12, and Route 101. According to team members, the
corridor is well utilized in the fall during foliage season; the winter as a route to ski areas in New
Hampshire and Vermont; and other destinations throughout the year such as Mount Monadnock in
Jaffrey, New Hampshire and two local State Parks, including Lake Dennison and Otter River State Parks.
Route 140 also serves as the main roadway linking Winchendon and Gardner and provides a connection
to major employment centers in the area such as Heywood Hospital in Gardner and Wachussett
Community College. There are numerous driveways throughout the corridor serving private residents and
some small businesses. The North Central Pathway, a paved multi-use path runs north-south between
Gardner and Winchendon just to the east of Route 140.
Road Safety Audit Observations
Based on field observations on Thursday, June, 14, 2012, the RSA team determined that segment of
Gardner Road (Route 140) between Teel Road and the Gardner city line in Winchendon have the
following issues that affect safety:









Access Management;
Drowsy Drivers and/or Distracted Drivers;
Passing Zones;
High Travel Speeds;
Climbing Lanes/Merge Areas;
Deceleration Lanes;
Signage;
Drainage; and
Limited Pedestrian Accommodations.
The following sections describe in more detail the safety issues and potential enhancements determined
during the RSA. Several of these issues require further study and engineering judgment to determine the
feasibility of implementing the improvements to address them.
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Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #1. Access Management
Observations:
According to crash records provided by the Town of Winchendon Police Department from January 2008
through December 2010, 15 of the 33 crashes (45%) reported along the corridor occurred in the vicinity of #93 Gardner Road. While note included in the detailed crash data, team members also noted that a fatal crash involving a tractor trailer occurred at this location in April 2012 that resulted in the truck knocking down the gas station sign.
Large curb cuts and confusing/hard to read signage at
#93 Gardner Road
Of the 15 crashes reported at this
location, 8 were rear-end type involving motorists traveling along Gardner Road northbound and
attempting to make a left-turn into #93 Gardner Road. The property, which is located along the
west side of the roadway, is currently occupied by a convenience store/Dunkin’ Donuts with
drive through and a Irving Gas Station with separate pump stations for diesel and regular fuel. In
the vicinity of this property, Gardner Road consists of one travel lane and a wide shoulder in each
direction; however, dedicated turning lanes are not provided and vehicles are allowed to pass in
both directions along this segment of the roadway – the passing zone ends just north of #93
Gardner Road. Team members noted that these rear-end crashes, which the Police noted 6 of the
8 crashes reported were the result of driver inattention, are likely due to motorists unexpectedly
slowing down (from the 50 mph speed limit) in the Gardner Road northbound through travel lane
to make a left-turn into the Dunkin’ Donuts/gas station. During field observations, team members
noted that motorists traveling along
Gardner Road northbound must use the
shoulder to pass left-turning vehicles.
Team members also observed that
undefined site access and unclear
signage at the Dunkin’ Donuts/gas
station add to driver confusion and
hesitation for motorists making a leftturn into the site from Gardner Road
northbound. This likely further
contributes to the occurrence of rear-end
crashes at this location, specifically:
A motorist using the shoulder to pass a left-turning
vehicle along Gardner Road northbound
Page 7
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.

The Dunkin’ Donuts/gas station is currently provided with 3 wide curb cuts, including two on
the north and south ends of the site that are each approximately 80 to 90 feet in width and one
in the center of the site that is nearly 140 feet in width. The wide curb cuts allow motorists to
enter the site at high speeds (often diagonally through the driveway) and also result in
undefined entry and exit points that cause conflicts between entering and exiting motorists.
There are commonly multiple vehicles exiting at the same time;

Internal circulation at the Dunkin’
Donuts/gas station site is segmented
due to the drive-through
configuration located in the middle
of the site between the store/nondiesel gas pumps (southern side of
site) and the diesel filling area
(northern side of site). For example,
motorists that use the non-diesel fuel
pumps near the southern end of the
site that then wish to use the drivethrough, must travel northbound
through the center driveway parallel
to the edge of the roadway;

landscaping and drive-through.
Do Not Enter (R5-1) signs located at
the center driveway directly in front
of the Dunkin’ Donuts drive-through entrances are positioned too far back from the edge of
roadway and are positioned such that they are not visible to motorists making a right-turn into
the site from Gardner Road southbound. Furthermore, team members noted that these signs
are generally ignored by motorists because it is unclear how they can access the drivethrough or drivers that do obey the sign generally recognize it too late after slowing down
only to speed up to turn at the next driveway entrance. A representative for the Irving Gas
station noted that the signage was added a few months ago following the fatal crash in April
at the request of the Town in an effort to try to improve site circulation; however, based on
field observations the team noted that they are generally ignored and only add to motorist
confusion;

Signage for the gas station is currently missing after being knocked down by a tractor trailer
during the fatal crash that occurred in April; and

Wayfinding signage for the drive-through directing motorists to the northern driveway is
small and difficult to read, particularly given the 50 mph speed limit on the roadway.
Circulation at #93 Gardner Street is segmented by
While not included in the crash history reviewed by the RSA team, Commercial Drive was
recently constructed (shown under construction in Figure 2) on the eastern side of Gardner Road
opposite the #93 Gardner Road southern driveway. Commercial Drive provides access to an
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Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
approximately 176-acre business park that is currently partially occupied by a small
manufacturing facility with a deck hockey recreational facility. Town officials noted that
additional development was planned within the business park that would increase traffic volumes
at the intersection and may add to motorist confusion at the intersection.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Evaluate the feasibility/appropriateness of providing a dedicated left-turn lane at the
Gardner Road northbound and southbound approaches to provide a safe location for
motorists to make left-turns into #93 Gardner Road and Commercial Drive. Consider the
safety benefits of maintaining a wide shoulder along each side of the roadway to facilitate
right-turns (and reduce the potential for rear-end crashes) and consider providing a raised
median in advance of turning lane(s) to help the transition. Storage lanes should consider
potential future increase in traffic demand at Commercial Drive.
2. Work with landowner of #93 Gardner Road to evaluate ways to improve site circulation,
replace wayfinding signage, and narrow/consolidate driveways, in accordance with the
access management guidelines per the MassDOT Project Development and Design
Guide, in conjunction with the road resurfacing project to reduce driver confusion and
improve safety. Consider heavy vehicle access requirements at the diesel fueling area.
3. Remove “Do Not Enter” (R5-1) signs at #93 Gardner Road center driveway to reduce
motorist confusion. Landowner to contact Town authority that requested this signage
prior to removing and note the recommendation from this RSA.
Safety Issue #2. Drowsy and/or Distracted Drivers
Observations:
Of the 33 crashes reported along the Route 140 corridor, 4 (or 12%) involved driver fatigue
and/or falling asleep. All of these crashes occurred during daylight hours on dry pavement; two
of the crashes involved the motorist crossing the centerline, while the other two involved the
motorist running off the road on the right-hand side. From review of the crash data, the team
noted a high incidence of crashes throughout the corridor occurring during October (6 or 18%)
and November (8 or 24%), which is likely due to an increase in traffic volume through the area as
a result of tourists destined for New Hampshire and Vermont during the fall foliage season; 2 of
the 4 crashes involving driver fatigue/falling asleep occurred during October/November. Team
members noted that driver fatigue along the corridor may also be the result of shift changes at the
nearby Heywoord Hospital and North Central Correctional Institute in Gardner. Similarly, a team
member suggested that the monotonous nature of the corridor may also be a contributing factor to
driver fatigue.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Consider the appropriateness/ feasibility of installing centerline rumble stripes and shoulder rumble strips/stripes along Route 140 to alert fatigued drivers when they leave the travel way and reduce the occurrence of crossover and run-off-the-road crashes. Sample of a shoulder rumble strip (left) and a centerline
rumble stripe (right). Source: FHWA,
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/memo071008/npccacsc/
2. Consider appropriateness
of installing recessed
retroreflective centerline markers to improve visibility of centerline markings in low light
conditions.
Safety Issue #3. Passing Zones
Observations:
Sight distance for passing zone along Gardner Road
(Route 140) appears to be limited by horizontal curve
Passing zones are currently provided at
several locations in both directions
along the approximately 2.5 mile long
corridor. According to police records 2
crashes involved motorists attempting
to pass another vehicle and then failing
to return to their lane in time. One of
the crashes involved a motorcycle
traveling along Gardner Road
southbound attempting to pass a vehicle
and resulting in a sideswipe same
direction crash, while the other crash
involved a motorist traveling along
Gardner Road northbound and forcing a
vehicle traveling in the opposite
direction off of the road.
During field observations, team members noted several existing passing zones located on or near
horizontal and vertical curves in the roadway alignment that appeared to have limited sight lines,
particularly given the prevailing travel speeds.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Lastly, a passing zone is currently provided in both directions in the vicinity of #93 Gardner
Road/Commercial Drive; however, passing is generally prohibited just north or south of that
location. Team members commented that the presence of passing zone at this particular location
seemed the opposite of what one would expect given the potential for conflicts with left-turning
vehicles entering or exiting #93 Gardner Road and Commercial Drive.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Consider restricting passing in the vicinity of #93 Gardner Road/Commercial Drive to
reduce the potential for conflicts with left-turn turning vehicles at the adjacent businesses
and to improve overall safety.
2. Re-evaluate passing zone warrants along the entire corridor in accordance with the
current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
Policy on Geometric Design of Streets and Highways. Consider the appropriateness of
passing zones in the vicinity of driveways/side streets and horizontal/vertical curves.
Safety Issue #4. Climbing Lanes/Merge Areas
Observations:
Given the rolling terrain along the Gardner Road corridor, uphill truck climbing lanes are
provided at several locations. According to the crash data, 2 sideswipe same direction crashes
were reported just north of the Gardner city line involving motorists in the merge area of a
climbing lane. During field observations the team noted that the merge locations at the end of the
climbing lanes appeared to be according to a previous MassDOT truck climbing lane detail but
not in accordance with current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards
for passenger vehicles given the prevailing travel speeds along the corridor and the prevalence of
motorists passing other slower vehicles. Some of the team members questioned whether the lanes
were necessary and noted that the addition of the lanes only results in aggressive driving as
motorists race to pass as many vehicles as possible before the merge area.
It was noted by the District Traffic Engineer that signage and pavement markings of the climbing
lanes do not appear to meet current MUTCD standards.
Team members also noted that the location of the merge areas with respect to the crest vertical
curves along the roadway alignment may reduce the ability for a motorist to perceive and react to
an upcoming merge area.
Lastly, a climbing lane merge area along Gardner Road southbound is located in the vicinity of a
driveway that provides access to a church along the eastern side of the roadway just north of the
Gardner city line. Motorists attempting to merge in this area are often traveling fast to pass
another vehicle and are caught by surprise when drivers in front of them slow down to turn left
into the church. Team members also noted problems with speeding in the vicinity of the lane
drop areas as motorists try to pass slower vehicles before the climbing lane ends.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Review roadway grades and heavy vehicle truck activity along the corridor and determine
if the climbing lanes are still warranted in accordance with current AASHTO standards.
If warranted, consider the appropriateness/feasibility of lengthening the merge areas to
improve safety.
2. Review, and update where appropriate, pavement markings and signage for climbing
lanes per current MUTCD standards.
3. Re-evaluate the location of the climbing lanes and merge areas with respect to side streets
and driveways along the corridor to reduce the potential for conflicts with merging and
turning vehicles.
4. Continue to enforce travel speeds along the corridor.
Safety Issue #5. Deceleration Lanes
Observations:
A deceleration lane is currently provided along Gardner Road northbound for Old Gardner Road; team members commented that the taper length for the deceleration lane seemed short given the prevailing speeds along the corridor. Vehicles were observed to be driving/ decelerating along the shoulder prior to turning. Potential Enhancements:
Consider the appropriateness of improving the deceleration lane along Gardner Road northbound for the intersection with Old Gardner Road. Taper length of deceleration lane appears to be short
along Gardner Road northbound at Old Gardner Road
Page 12
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #6. Signage
Observations:
Currently no advance warning signage is provided for Commercial Drive, which provides access
to the newly constructed business park, or the businesses at #93 Gardner Road. Team members
commented that it would be helpful to provide advance signage to alert approaching motorists of
entering and exiting vehicles at these locations.
Team members also commented that the Commercial Drive sign located on the northeast corner
of the intersection is difficult to see due to the coloring/design of the sign and its placement with
respect to the edge of the roadway.
Finally, members noted that a monument sign for the industrial park was under consideration at
the corner of Gardner Road/Commercial Drive.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Consider the appropriateness of installing intersection warning signs such as a cross road
symbol (W2-1) along Gardner Road northbound and southbound in advance of #93
Gardner Road Driveways/Commercial Drive (short-term). If Commercial Drive is
accepted by the Town in the future (currently private), then consider safety benefits of
installing a more detailed warning sign indicating the name of the roadway and
illustration of intersection configuration (long-term).
2. Consider the appropriateness of replacing the Commercial Drive street sign with a more
legible sign and relocating to a more visible location.
3. Ensure that proposed monument sign for the industrial park is positioned such that it is
not located within the state highway layout and does not impact sight lines.
Safety Issue #7. Drainage
Observations:
According to RSA team members, drainage is generally good along the corridor although the
pavement condition along Gardner Road north of Teel Road is in poor shape. Of the 33 crashes
reported along the corridor, 7 (or 21%) occurred on wet pavement including; one of these crashes
involved a single vehicle that hydroplaned in the vicinity of #114 Gardner Road.
Potential Enhancements:
Evaluate drainage conditions along the corridor during next rain event to identify any areas
subject to ponding that could result in loss of control of a vehicle.
Page 13
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #8. Pedestrian Conditions
Observations:
The North Central Pathway runs north-south between Gardner and Winchendon just to the east of
Route 140. During the RSA, team members commented that cyclists using the pathway
occasionally try to cross Gardner Road in the vicinity of Commercial Drive to access the
convenience store and Dunkin’ Donuts located at #93 Gardner Road; however, pedestrian
accommodations across Gardner Road are not provided.
Subsequent to the RSA, a Town of Winchendon Planning Board member reported that
pedestrians originating from the deck hockey recreational facility on Commercial Drive have
been observed crossing Gardner Road to access the food attractions at the #93 Gardner Road.
Food concessions are currently planned at the facility in the future; however, they may not
completely eliminate the pedestrian demand across Gardner Road.
Town officials expressed concern about cyclists/pedestrians crossing at this location, particularly
given the high vehicle travel speeds along Gardner Road (the posted speed limit is 50 mph) and
the history of crashes.
Potential Enhancements:
Review pedestrian/bicycle crossing conditions on Gardner Road in the vicinity of Commercial
Drive/#93 Gardner Road.
Potential Safety Enhancements
Based on its observations and discussions, the RSA team identified the issues and possible enhancements
that could improve safety along Gardner Road (Route 140) between Teel Road and the Gardner city line
in Winchendon. Many of the enhancements identified during the RSA have already been evaluated as
part of the design process, although further design work or consideration may be necessary to determine
the feasibility of making some of the improvements.
Short-term enhancements include:

Remove confusing signage; and

Restrict passing near #93 Gardner Road/Commercial Drive.
To enhance the safety of the intersection, the long-term enhancements are to:

Improve access management;

Evaluate feasibility of dedicated left-turn lanes;

Install centerline rumble stripes and shoulder rumble strips/stripes;
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Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.

Re-evaluate passing zones;

Re-evaluate truck climbing lanes and merge areas;

Improve signage;

Improve drainage; and

Review pedestrian conditions.
Table 2 summarizes these safety issues, possible enhancements, estimated safety payoff, time frame, cost,
and responsibility. Safety payoff estimates are based on engineering judgment and are categorized as
low, medium, and high. The time frame is categorized as short-term (<1 year), 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; however, Gardner Road corridor from just south of Teel
Road to the Gardner city line is scheduled for improvement as part of the 2013 Transportation
Improvement Plan (TIP). While not included as part of the resurfacing project, the RSA team noted
safety issues north of Teel Road and south of the Gardner city line. To the north of Teel Road, Gardner
Road falls under Town of Winchendon jurisdiction; safety enhancements along that stretch of roadway
could be consider for implementation by the Town. South of the Gardner city line, Route 140 (Green
Street) lies within MassDOT District 3 and falls under City of Gardner jurisdiction. District 2 could
consider the feasibility of expanding the resurfacing project into Gardner in coordination with District 3
and the City of Gardner.
Therefore, the improvements categorized as long-term may be implemented in less than 3 years. The
costs are categorized as low (<$10,000), medium ($10,000 to $50,000), or high (>$50,000). It is the
responsibility of MassDOT to ensure that the designer incorporates the relevant safety enhancements
identified as part of this RSA. The RSA is intended to identify potential safety improvements that can be
evaluated and included as part of the design process for the resurfacing. The short-term low-cost
potential improvements could be considered by the responsible agency for implementation prior to
resurfacing.
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Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Evaluate the feasibility/appropriateness of providing a dedicated
left-turn lane at the Gardner Road northbound and southbound
approaches to provide a safe location for motorists to make leftturns into #93 Gardner Road and Commercial Drive. Consider
the safety benefits of maintaining a wide shoulder along each
side of the roadway to facilitate right-turns (and reduce the
potential for rear-end crashes) and consider providing a raised
median in advance of turning lane(s) to help the transition.
Storage lanes should consider potential future increase in traffic
demand at Commercial Drive.
Access
Work with landowner of #93 Gardner Road to evaluate ways to
Management
improve site circulation, replace wayfinding signage, and
narrow/consolidate driveways, in accordance with the access
management guidelines per the MassDOT Project Development
and Design Guide, in conjunction with the road resurfacing
project to reduce driver confusion and improve safety. Consider
heavy vehicle access requirements at the diesel fueling area.
Remove “Do Not Enter” (R5-1) signs at #93 Gardner Road
center driveway to reduce motorist confusion. Landowner to
contact Town authority that requested this signage prior to
removing and note the recommendation from this RSA.
Consider the appropriateness/feasibility of installing centerline
rumble stripes and shoulder rumble strips/stripes along Route
140 to alert fatigued drivers when they leave the travel way and
reduce the occurrence of cross-over and run-off-the-road
Drowsy and/or
Distracted Drivers crashes.
Consider appropriateness of installing recessed retroreflective
centerline markers to improve visibility of centerline markings in
low light conditions.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party1
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT/
#93 Gardner Road
Property Owner
High
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT/
#93 Gardner Road
Property Owner/
Town of Winchendon
Medium
Short-term
-
#93 Gardner Road
Property Owner/
Town of Winchendon
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Page 16
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Passing Zones
Climbing Lanes/
Merge Areas
Deceleration
Lanes
Safety Enhancement
Consider restricting passing in the vicinity of #93 Gardner
Road/Commercial Drive to reduce the potential for conflicts with
left-turn turning vehicles at the adjunct businesses and to
improve overall safety.
Re-evaluate passing zone warrants along the entire corridor in
accordance with the current AASHTO Policy on Geometric
Design of Streets and Highways. Consider the appropriateness
of passing zones in the vicinity of driveways/side streets and
horizontal/vertical curves.
Review roadway grades and heavy vehicle truck activity along
the corridor and determine if the climbing lanes are still
warranted in accordance with current AASHTO standards. If
warranted, consider the appropriateness/feasibility of
lengthening the merge areas to improve safety.
Review, and update where appropriate, pavement markings and
signage for climbing lanes per current MUTCD standards.
Re-evaluate the location of the climbing lanes and merge areas
with respect to side streets and driveways along the corridor to
reduce the potential for conflicts with merging and turning
vehicles.
Continue to enforce travel speeds along the corridor.
Consider the appropriateness of improving the deceleration lane
along Gardner Road northbound for the intersection with Old
Gardner Road.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party1
High
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
High
Long-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Medium
Low
Short-term
Low
Town of Winchendon
Town of
Winchendon/
MassDOT
Page 17
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Signage
Drainage
Pedestrian
Conditions
Safety Enhancement
Consider the appropriateness of installing intersection warning
signage such as a cross road symbol (W2-1) along Gardner
Road northbound and southbound in advance of #93 Gardner
Road Driveways/Commercial Drive (short-term). If Commercial
Drive is accepted by the Town in the future (currently private),
then consider safety benefits of installing a more detailed
warning sign indicating the name of the roadway and illustration
of intersection configuration (long-term).
Consider the appropriateness of replacing the Commercial Drive
street sign with a more legible sign and relocating to a more
visible location.
Ensure that proposed monument sign for the industrial park is
positioned such that it is not located within the state highway
layout and does not impact sight lines.
Evaluate drainage conditions along the corridor during next rain
event to identify any areas subject to ponding that could result in
loss of control of a vehicle.
Review pedestrian/bicycle crossing conditions on Gardner Road
in the vicinity of Commercial Drive/#93 Gardner Road.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party1
Low
Short-term/
Long-term
Low
MassDOT/
Town of Winchendon
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT/
Town of Winchendon
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT/
Town of Winchendon
Low
Long-term
Low
MassDOT
High
Long-term
Low
MassDOT
Note:
1. MassDOT District 2 should coordinate with the District 3 office to identify the feasibility of incorporating the identified improvements in the City of Gardner, where applicable/appropriate.
Page 18
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data To see all the details that are visible on the
screen, use the "Print" link next to the map.
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Crash Data Summary Table
Along Route 140; Winchendon, MA
Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2010
#
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
1 3/5/08
2
3
4
5
6
8/5/08
9/1/08
10/27/08
11/20/08
11/25/08
7 1/18/09
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
Road
Surface
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
Wednesday
7:30 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Rain
Wet
Tuesday
Monday
Monday
Thursday
Tuesday
6:13 PM
11:40 AM
4:39 PM
7:04 AM
10:05 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Rear-end
Single Vehicle Crash
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Sunday
1:18 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Cloudy
Wet
Unknown
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Inattention
Inattention
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
30
55
42
21
26
17
34
46
32
48
33
58
38
25
8 3/28/09
Saturday
6:34 PM
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
46
9 4/1/09
Wednesday
8:00 AM
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Fatigued/asleep
19
10 7/9/09
Thursday
9:41 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Inattention
20
Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
21
11 10/15/09 Thursday
5:02 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Cloudy
Comments
D4
happened at merge point of
climbing lane
happened at merge point of
climbing lane
wating to turn left at #161
north of Teel Road
hit an animal
vehicle hydroplaned at #114
50
60
north of Teel Road
Motorcycle traveling south
passing in passing zone didn't
return to lane in time
Driver of Northbound vehicle
fell asleep and crossed center
line at #144
Driver dropped cigarettes/
attention diverted
Driver of Northbound vehicle
fell asleep and ran off road
right
At the self storage bldg, a
northbound vehicle was
passing - forcing southbound
vehicle off road.
lost control of vehicle on
slippery road
lost control of vehicle on
slippery road
Daylight
Dark - roadway not
lighted
Clear
Dry
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
49
Snow
Snow
Driving too fast for conditions
21
Snow
Snow
Driving too fast for conditions
20
Single Vehicle Crash
Dusk
Dark - roadway not
lighted
Clear
Dry
Over-correcting/over-steering
37
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Inattention
59
Cloudy
Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
33
swerved to avoid beaver
Southbound vehicle turned
left quickly into a tag sale at a
residence, following
motorcycle failed to slow in
time
Driver of southbound vehicle
fell asleep and crossed the
center line.
Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
hit an animal north of Teel Rd.
12 10/21/09 Wednesday
6:49 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
13 12/9/09
Wednesday
5:50 AM
Angle
14 2/16/10
Tuesday
4:29 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
15 4/2/10
Friday
3:06 AM
16 7/24/10
Saturday
11:46 AM
17 11/9/10
Ages
D2
D3
Tuesday
8:42 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
18 11/22/10 Monday
6:09 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Dark - roadway not
lighted
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Winchendon Police Department
27
34
60
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts: RTE 140; Winchendon, MA
CRASH MONTH
25%
22%
20%
17%
15%
10%
11%
6%
11%
11%
6%
6%
6%
A
S
6%
5%
0%
0%
M
J
0%
J
F
M
A
J
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
22%
25%
20%
22%
17%
17%
15%
11%
10%
6%
6%
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
40%
33%
30%
22%
17%
20%
17%
11%
10%
0%
0%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
56%
11%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Along Route 140 4-26-2012.xls
17%
11%
6%
Angle
Sideswipe,
same
direction
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
1 of 2
0%
0%
0%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
5/30/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts: RTE 140; Winchendon, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
78%
Daylight
17%
0%
6%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark Lighted
Roadway
Dark Roadway
not lighted
0%
0%
0%
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
50%
28%
11%
0%
Other
Blowing
sand, snow
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
Snow
Rain
Cloudy
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
11%
Clear
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
72%
60%
40%
17%
20%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
0%
Dry
Wet
Snow
Ice
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
CRASH DRIVER AGES
28%
30%
28%
17%
20%
10%
14%
7%
7%
0%
0%
70-79
80+
0%
15-20
Along Route 140 4-26-2012.xls
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
5/30/2012
•
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~
; ighway Division
COLLISION DIAGRAM
CITY/TOWN : Winchendon
DATE PREPARED:
REGION:
PREPARED BY:
~~~~~--------------
MRPC
D. Halpert
Gardner Road (Rte. 140)
ROADWAY NAMES:
TIME PERIOD ANALYZED:
May-12
3/1/08- Dec. 2010
~~~~~~~-----------------------------------------------------
SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS:
Winchendon Police Department
i
North
t. c. .• ~ t r~ 1 .._ f, 'a, ..
~ .' l- e;
Combined access points to plaza based on vague crash data
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
Out of Control
SEVERITY
0
Injury Accident
0
Fatal Accident
Crash Data Summary Table
Brian's Place/Irving Gas; Winchendon, MA
Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2010
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
1 3/29/08 Saturday
1:37 PM
Manner of Collision
Type
Head on
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Clear
Road Surface
Type
Dry
5:28 PM
12:36 PM
Sideswipe, same
direction
Rear-end
Dark - roadway not
lighted
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Tuesday
Saturday
Saturday
Saturday
6:10 AM
1:25 PM
5:14 PM
8:50 AM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Other
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
8 2/22/10
9 7/5/10
Monday
Monday
7:36 AM
10:59 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
10 8/4/10
Wednesday
9:02 AM
Angle
Daylight
8:55 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
#
2 11/5/08 Wednesday
3 11/10/08 Monday
4
5
6
7
11/18/08
12/13/08
1/3/09
5/9/09
11 10/25/10 Monday
Time of Day
12 10/26/10 Tuesday
9:29 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
13 10/28/10 Thursday
2:10 PM
Sideswipe, same
direction
14 11/9/10 Tuesday
15 12/28/10 Tuesday
5:55 PM
12:19 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
Two-way radio
74
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
48
Followed too closely
20
Ages
D2
D3
83
56
67
27
42
55
45
74
24
Dry
Followed too closely
Inattention
Inattention
Inattention
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Wet
Inattention
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Daylight
Dark - roadway not
lighted
Daylight
Clear
Rain
Clear
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Winchendon Police Department
44
26
Vehicle stalled while turning
32
Operator fell asleep while driving & hit
snow banks on side of road
30
60
24
32
57
77
47
Hit brakes to avoid stopped vehicle.
Lost control of vehicle and hit large
boulder.
Dry
Over-correcting/over-steering
18
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
59
51
Wet
Wet
Inattention
Glare
53
17
17
56
Comments
46
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts: Brian's Place/Irving Gas; Winchendon, MA
CRASH MONTH
30%
27%
25%
20%
20%
13%
15%
10%
7%
7%
7%
7%
5%
7%
0%
7%
0%
0%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
27%
27%
27%
13%
7%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
0%
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
40%
33%
6-10AM
10-2PM
27%
2-6PM
0%
0%
0%
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60%
13%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Brian's Place 4-26-2012.xls
7%
Rear-end
Angle
13%
0%
Sideswipe,
same
direction
1 of 2
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
7%
Head on
0%
0%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
5/30/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts: Brian's Place/Irving Gas; Winchendon, MA
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
73%
Daylight
0%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
13%
7%
Dark Lighted
Roadway
7%
0%
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
0%
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
0%
ow
n
0%
U
nk
n
0%
Sn
t,
ow
H
ai
l,
Fr
ee
zi
ng
R
ai
Fo
n
g,
Sm
og
,S
m
ok
Se
e
ve
re
C
ro
ss
w
in
Bl
ds
ow
in
g
sa
nd
,s
no
w
0%
er
7%
0%
Sl
ee
R
ai
n
C
lo
ud
y
0%
O
th
7%
0%
C
le
ar
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
87%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
73%
60%
40%
27%
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
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
23%
20%
17%
10%
10%
10%
7%
3%
15-20
Brian's Place 4-26-2012.xls
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
5/30/2012
Road Safety Audit
Route 140 – South of Teel Road to Gardner City Line, Winchendon
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix D. Additional Information TECHNICAL APPENDIX
Published Under Separate Cover
HSIP Criteria
Traffic Volumes
Speed Data
Vehicle Classification
Turning Movement Counts
Capacity Analysis
Lane Departure Road Safety Audit for Route 140 Gardner, MA
Crash Tables
Rt. 140 North Corridor Profile
Montachusett Regional Planning Commission
Appendix -1
Westminster-Gardner-Winchendon
January 2012