Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Project Data.................................................................................................................................1
Background .................................................................................................................................2
Project Description .....................................................................................................................2
Audit Observations .....................................................................................................................6
Potential Safety Enhancements .................................................................................................9
Summary of Road Safety Audit...............................................................................................12
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Appendix D. Speed Regulations
Figure 1. Location Map ......................................................................................................................... 3
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 1
Table 2. Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown ....................................................................... 9
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary ............................................................................. 13

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
A Road Safety Audit for the intersection of Westfield Street (Route 20) at South Boulevard and
Boulevard Street in the Town of West Springfield was held on August 18, 2010 at the Mitteneague
School in West Springfield, MA. As indicated in Table 1, the audit team consisted of representatives from
Federal, State, Regional and Local agencies and included a cross-section of engineering, planning and emergency response expertise.
Audit Team Member
Bonnie Polin
Tim White
Gary Roux
Jim Lyons
Jack Dowd
Jim Czach
John Bechard
Edward J. Gibson
Daniel Spaulding
Tom Currier
John Hillman
Greg Lucas
Christine Keches
Agency/Affiliation
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Federal Highway Administration
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC)
West Springfield Department of Public Works – Town Engineer
West Springfield Department of Public Works - Director
West Springfield Department of Public Works
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB)
Mayor, Town of West Springfield
West Springfield Police Department
MassDOT Highway Division – Project Management
MassDOT Highway Division – District 2
BETA Group, Inc.
BETA Group, Inc.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
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 the intersection of
Westfield Street (Route 20), South Boulevard and Boulevard Street as required by MassDOT Highway
Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) guidelines. The intersection is within the top 5% of locations on the high crash list in the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) region, and Westfield Street is scheduled to be reconstructed in 2011 by the MassDOT Highway Division using HSIP funds. The project extends from Upper Church Street to Elm Street, a total distance of approximately 4,100 feet, and includes the intersection at Boulevard Street and South Boulevard. The RSA is intended to identify potential short and long term safety improvements that can be made at the intersection, which can then be incorporated into the planned reconstruction project to the greatest extent practicable.
The intersection of Westfield Street
(Route 20), South Boulevard and
Boulevard Street, shown in Figure 1, is located in the southern portion of
West Springfield. Westfield Street
(Route 20) is a Town-owned roadway functionally classified as an Urban
Principal Arterial. South Boulevard and Boulevard Street are both Townowned roadways functionally classified as Urban Minor Arterials.
Boulevard Street is also known as
North Boulevard, and is signed as simply “Boulevard”.
Westfield Street and South Boulevard are important regional roadways which
Westfield Street at Boulevard Street and
South Boulevard connect to Elm Street, Route 5 and ultimately to Interstate 91, providing access to Agawam and Springfield. Boulevard Street becomes Piper
Road to the north and is a major north-south arterial through West Springfield.
Westfield Street, South Boulevard and Boulevard Street form a 4-way intersection under traffic signal control. Westfield Street runs east-west through the intersection, with South Boulevard as the south approach and Boulevard Street forming the north approach. South Boulevard meets Westfield Street at a skewed angle and has a large grass median separating its approach and departure roadways. Westfield
Street provides two lanes in each direction, with a shared left-through and shared through-right lane

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Study Intersection
0 500 1,000
315 Norwood Park South
Norwood, MA 02062
781.255.1982
BETA@BETA-inc.com
2,000
Feet
Westfield St (Rte 20) at Boulevard Street /
South Boulevard
ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA
Figure 1

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc. westbound and a shared left-through and exclusive right turn lane eastbound. There is a flush cobblestone area in the pavement intended to separate the right turn lane from the through lane on the eastbound approach, but several vehicles were observed during the audit crossing this cobblestone area to make a through movement, either directly from the right turn lane or by using the right turn lane to pass a leftturning vehicle stopped in the left lane. South Boulevard provides two approach lanes, an exclusive left turn lane and a shared left-through lane. An exclusive right turn lane is separated by a small delta island that operates under yield control from South Boulevard to Westfield Street eastbound. Vehicles on the
Westfield Street eastbound approach were observed stopping up to a car length before the stop line, likely due to the potential encroachment of vehicles navigating the tight dual left turn movement from South
Boulevard. Boulevard Street also provides two approach lanes, a shared left-through lane and an exclusive right turn lane. All approaches have narrow to non-existent shoulders. Right turns on red are restricted on the southbound and eastbound approaches. The signal phasing provides an advance phase for eastbound Westfield Street to accommodate left turns, and then provides green time for both directions on
Westfield Street before serving South Boulevard and Boulevard Street using split phasing. Pedestrians crossing Boulevard Street are served concurrently with Westfield Street through traffic, while pedestrians crossing Westfield Street are given an exclusive pedestrian phase.
Crosswalks are provided across the Boulevard Street approach and across the west leg of Westfield Street.
Continuous sidewalks are provided along both sides of Westfield Street west of the intersection and along the north side of Westfield Street east of the intersection. Continuous sidewalks are also provided along both sides of Boulevard Street and along both sides of South Boulevard; however, the sidewalk on the east side of South Boulevard ends at Westfield Street with no handicap accessible ramp or crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross to the other side of either South Boulevard or Westfield Street.
Land use of the surrounding area is a mix between commercial and residential. A Mobil gas station is located on the northwest corner of the intersection, an automotive facility on the southwest corner, and other commercial properties along both sides of Westfield Street. There are residential properties along
Boulevard Street and South Boulevard in the vicinity of the intersection.
Crash data were provided by the West Springfield Police Department and summarized by Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission (PVPC). There were a total of 58 crashes in the area of the intersection within the period from August 1, 2007 to July 31, 2010. Rear-end crashes were the most prevalent crash type and comprised 56% of the total crashes. Rear-end crashes were split between all four approaches, with nine on the eastbound and westbound approaches, seven on the northbound approach, and six on the southbound approach. 32% of the total crashes were angle-type crashes, with five of the 16 angle-type crashes occurring between an eastbound left-turning vehicle and a westbound through vehicle. These crashes may be the result of drivers taking a chance on insufficient gaps. There was one bicycle crash at the intersection, involving a vehicle turning right out of the Mobil gas station onto Westfield Street striking a bicyclist. Crash data summaries and a collision diagram are included in the Appendix.
It was noted during the audit that 47% of the crashes occurred during the winter months of December,
January and February, and that 47% occur between 2 PM and 6 PM. It was suggested that solar glare is an issue in the late afternoon during parts of the year for vehicles traveling westbound on Westfield Street.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
2017 Future Traffic Volume projections from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) were provided in advance of the audit and are included in the Appendix. It is assumed that these projections are based on existing traffic counts taken for the proposed Westfield Street improvements project. The volume projections show a heavy right turn movement from Westfield Street eastbound to South Boulevard, with
920 vehicles in the weekday morning peak hour and 595 vehicles in the weekday evening peak hour.
There is also a heavy left turn movement from South Boulevard to Westfield Street westbound, with 285 vehicles in the morning peak hour and 700 vehicles in the evening peak hour.
Speed regulations maintained by MassDOT Highway Division establish a 30 MPH speed limit for
Westfield Street in both directions in the vicinity of the intersection, which is signed. Complete speed regulations for Route 20 in West Springfield are included in the Appendix.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Following a brief introduction to the RSA process and a summary of crash, volume and speed regulation information, the audit participants were asked to discuss safety hazards at the intersection of Westfield
Street, South Boulevard and Boulevard Street. Audit participants then conducted a site visit as a group, at which time they offered observations on safety concerns and deficiencies. A summary of those major safety considerations is as follows:
•
Visibility – It was noted that visibility of the signal heads is restricted for westbound traffic.
Westfield Street has a crest vertical curve slightly east of the intersection; this vertical geometry contributes to the visibility restriction, as do overhanging trees and the length and location of the existing mast arm.
•
Clearance Phase Timing – There was concern amongst audit participants that the yellow and all red clearance time is not sufficient
Limited visibility of signals on
Westfield Street westbound approach given the width of the intersection.
The high occurrence of rear-end crashes at the intersection may be indicative of clearance time deficiencies.
•
Signal Visibility – The lack of backplates was cited as a safety concern, especially since solar glare is a known problem during certain times of the year. Installation of backplates would increase visibility of the signal indications for approaching vehicles.
•
Pedestrian Accommodations – The lack of a handicap ramp on the southeast corner and a crosswalk across the eastern leg of the intersection were cited as safety concerns. An existing sidewalk is provided on the east side of South Boulevard, but pedestrians must cross South Boulevard at an unsignalized crosswalk approximately 300 feet in advance of the intersection if they wish to cross
Westfield Street using a protected crosswalk at the intersection. It was noted that the lack of handicap ramps and a marked crosswalk on the eastern leg of the intersection may be related to potential historic steps on the northeast corner of the intersection.
•
Shoulder Widths – It was suggested that shoulders should be widened both to provide more usable pavement width for vehicles and for bicycle accommodation.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
•
Advanced Signage – It was suggested that lane control signage should be updated and enhanced at the intersection, especially on the
Westfield Street eastbound approach.
Westfield Street provides two through lanes eastbound in advance of South
Boulevard, with the right lane becoming an exclusive right turn lane at South Boulevard. This is logical given the traffic volume distribution at the intersection, but creates a trap lane for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
•
Pavement Condition – It was noted that the pavement is in poor condition at the intersection, with significant rutting and settlement.
Rutting and Settlement of pavement
•
Mobil Driveways – The Mobil gas station on the northwest corner of the intersection has a curb cut on Boulevard Street and two curb cuts on Westfield Street. All entering and exiting movements are allowed at all three driveways. It was suggested that vehicles typically do not exit the Mobil station through the driveway closest to the intersection on Westfield Street and that this driveway could be changed to an entrance only.
•
Eastbound approach lane use – Vehicles were observed crossing the cobblestone area on the
Westfield Street eastbound approach to make a through movement, either directly from the right turn lane or by using the right turn lane to pass a left-turning vehicle stopped in the left lane.
•
Westbound approach lane use – The Westfield Street westbound approach has a wide, undefined lane which widens to provide two defined lanes for approximately 60 feet in advance of the stop line.
There was concern amongst audit participants that this does not provide adequate storage for queued vehicles. There were eight rear-end crashes on this approach, which may be attributed to visibility issues but may also be the result of driver confusion over the wide, undefined approach which is driven as two lanes by locals but as one lane by drivers unfamiliar with the intersection.
•
Lane Configurations – The planned improvements project is currently at the 75% design stage.
Proposed lane configurations were discussed during the audit meeting, and the audit participants offered comments related to both the existing and proposed lane configurations. The current design maintains the shared left-through and exclusive right turn lane configuration on Westfield Street eastbound, and extends the length in which two shared lanes are provided on the Westfield Street westbound approach. On the Boulevard Street southbound approach, two lanes are still provided, but they are changed from a shared left-through and an exclusive right turn lane to a shared left-through lane and a shared through-right lane. The South Boulevard approach is widened to provide an

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc. additional lane, with two exclusive left turn lanes and a through lane. Right turns will continue to be accommodated by an exclusive lane separated by a delta island. Comments were as follows: o The southbound approach will provide two through lanes, but South Boulevard departing the intersection does not appear to be wide enough to accommodate two vehicles side-byside for any significant length. If the proposed two-lane southbound approach is justified, then the departure should be widened and improved to receive two through lanes. The departure widening would decrease the potential for sideswipe crashes and provide more of an anticipated condition for drivers. o The existing grass median island is narrowed slightly to provide a three lane approach on
South Boulevard. The island can be further reduced in width to reduce the width of the intersection. It was noted by West Springfield personnel that they are not opposed to a reduction in the width of the grass median. o Existing turning movements are impacted by the narrow receiving lanes and lack of shoulders, specifically the South Boulevard dual left turn onto Westfield Street. It was noted by the design consultant that Westfield Street will be widened to provide 4-foot shoulders in both directions. Modifications may need to consider wider westbound departure lanes in addition to the 4-foot shoulders on the western leg of the intersection to better accommodate the dual left turn departure. o Westfield Street westbound widens from one lane to two at Boulevard Street and South
Boulevard under existing conditions. It was noted by several audit participants that the length of these storage lanes should be increased as part of the proposed design.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
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, midterm, 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.
Time Frame Costs
Short-term <1 <$10,000
Long-term >3 >$50,000
The following improvements were suggested by audit participants to improve safety issues associated with the intersection of Westfield Street, South Boulevard and Boulevard Street.
•
Remove trees on the westbound approach. Branches from two large trees overhang the Westfield
Street westbound approach and create an impediment to visibility of the existing mast arm mounted signal heads. It was noted by the design consultant that these trees will be removed to accommodate widening as part of the proposed project. This is a mid-term, low cost improvement.
•
Provide greater distance of visibility of signals for the westbound approach. In addition to the trees, the length of the existing mast arm does not allow the overhead signals to be clearly viewed by an approaching westbound vehicle. It was suggested that the proposed mast arm at this location should have a longer arm, and it was confirmed by the design consultant that this is the case in the proposed design. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement that will be done as part of planned improvements. The planned improvements include a full signalization upgrade at the intersection, including new mast arms, signal heads with 12” LED lenses and backplates, new pedestrian signal indications, new loop detectors and new emergency pre-emption equipment.
•
Provide an advance street name sign on the westbound approach. It was suggested that an advance street name sign meeting MassDOT standards should be installed on the
Westfield Street westbound approach to provide additional notification to motorists that there is a signalized intersection at the top of the hill. This is a potential short-term, low cost improvement that should be done as part of planned improvements.
•
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

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc. number of rear-end crashes occurring at the intersection. This is a short-term, low cost improvement that should be done in advance of planned improvements. Clearance times for the proposed geometry should also be calculated according to ITE methodology as part of planned improvements.
•
Consider split phasing for the Westfield Street approach. Vehicles were observed using the right turn lane on the Westfield Street eastbound approach to pass a vehicle stopped in the shared left/through lane to make a left turn onto Boulevard Street. There were five left turn crashes recorded for this approach which could be corrected with split phasing or an exclusive left turn lane. This approach operates under protected/permissive phasing today and will continue to operate as such following the implementation of planned improvements. Split phasing on the Westfield Street approaches would eliminate the conflicts that exist today during the permissive phase; however, split phasing may degrade overall capacity of the intersection. This is a short-term, low cost improvement that should be considered as part of planned improvements.
•
Consider left turn lane for the Westfield Street eastbound approach. The inclusion of an exclusive left turn lane for the Westfield Street eastbound approach would also potentially improve the safety concerns identified for this approach. It is understood that impacts to abutting properties may prohibit further widening of this approach; however, the designer should consider this mid-term, medium cost potential improvement in conjunction with other recommendations related to this approach.
•
Install backplates. Backplates should be installed on all overhead signal heads. This improvement will enhance visibility of signal heads against solar glare conditions. This is a mid-term, low cost improvement that should be done as part of planned improvements.
•
Add near side signal heads. It was suggested that near side signal heads should be provided on all approaches. This would be especially beneficial for the Westfield Street westbound approach, which has restricted visibility due to the horizontal and vertical curvature of the roadway. This is a midterm, low cost improvement that should be done as part of planned improvements.
•
Provide a crosswalk and handicap ramps on the eastern leg of the intersection. Audit participants suggested that pedestrians use the sidewalk on the east side of South Boulevard to reach the intersection and that a signalized crossing should be provided on the eastern leg of the intersection to allow them to cross Westfield Street. The 75% plans provided for review show that crosswalks will be maintained on the northern and western legs of the intersection, added on the southern leg of the intersection, and that an exclusive pedestrian phase will be provided. It was noted that the lack of handicap ramps and a marked crosswalk on the eastern leg of the intersection may be related to potential historic steps on the northeast corner of the intersection. The historic significance of the property should be verified to determine if handicap ramps can be provided on this corner. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement that can be done as part of planned improvements.
•
Widen shoulders and consider widening lanes. Westfield Street will be widened to provide minimum
4-foot shoulders as part of the planned improvements. This will provide additional pavement width for turning vehicles and will meet MassDOT’s standard for bicycle accommodation; however, widening of lanes may also be warranted to safely accommodate dual lane left-turning vehicles. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement that will be done as part of planned improvements.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
•
Extend two lane configuration of Westfield Street westbound approach. Westfield Street east of the intersection provides a single lane in each direction, but widens approaching Boulevard Street to provide a two lane approach for approximately 60 feet. It was suggested that this two lane approach should be extended, and it was confirmed that the two lanes have been extended to approximately 150 feet in the proposed design. This length should be verified as adequate based on anticipated future traffic volumes. This is a mid-term, low cost improvement that will be done as part of planned improvements.
•
Provide additional advanced lane control signage. It was suggested that additional lane control signage is needed for all approaches with exclusive turn lanes, especially on the Westfield Street eastbound approach, where the right lane becomes an exclusive turn lane at South Boulevard under both existing and proposed conditions. It is recommended that R3-8 series lane control signs be provided on each approach in advance of the turning lane(s), and that standard R3-7 series “Right
Lane Must Turn Right” or “Left Lane Must Turn Left” signs be provided meeting MUTCD and
MassDOT standards. It was also suggested that overhead signs shall be provided on the mast arm.
This is a mid-term, low cost improvement that should be done as part of planned improvements.
•
Rehabilitate pavement. Rutting and settlement of pavement is visible at the intersection. The pavement should be rehabilitated along the corridor, either by milling and overlay or by asphalt reclamation. Pavement cores should be performed first to determine the necessary course of action.
This is a mid-term, high cost improvement which should be done as part of planned improvements.
•
Investigate access for Mobil driveways. The Mobil gas station on the northwest corner of the intersection has one driveway on Boulevard Street and two driveways on Westfield Street. It was noted by audit participants that vehicles enter through all three driveways but typically favor the westernmost driveway when exiting onto Westfield Street, because it is further away from the signal and may be less impacted by vehicle queues. It was suggested that the easternmost driveway be converted to entrance only. It is recommended that the designer re-evaluate curb cuts and access to the Mobil gas station as part of the planned improvements to Westfield Street, working in cooperation with the Town of West Springfield and the property owner. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
•
Revisit proposed lane configurations. The proposed improvements project is at the 75% design stage.
It is assumed that the design consultant studied several different lane configuration options before settling on the proposed configuration. It is suggested that the design consultant revisit these alternatives to insure that the concerns of the audit group have been addressed in the final design.
Specific suggestions are as follows: o Do traffic volumes and capacity analyses support the change in lane configuration for the
Boulevard Street approach? Allowing two through lanes on this approach may create concerns for turning and merging of two lanes simultaneously. If two through lanes are maintained in the proposed design, the designer should consider widening on the departure side of South Boulevard to accommodate two lanes safely and efficiently.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc. o Can the existing grass median be further reduced in width to provide better alignment for north-south through vehicles and/or for northbound left turning vehicles? o Narrow receiving lanes should be widened to safely and efficiently accommodate through vehicles from Boulevard Street southbound to South Boulevard.
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 Town of West Springfield would be responsible for implementing the recommended improvement. “Project” refers to improvements that are assumed to be included or could reasonably be accommodated as part of planned improvements at the intersection.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Safety Issue Safety Enhancement
Visibility
Visibility
Visibility, Clearance
Phase Timing, Signal
Visibility, Pedestrian
Accommodation
Clearance Phase
Timing
Lane Configuration,
Eastbound Approach
Lane Use
Lane Configuration,
Eastbound Approach
Lane Use
Shoulder Widths, Lane
Configuration
Advanced Signage
Signal Visibility
Signal Visibility
Remove trees on the Westfield Street westbound approach.
Improve signal visibility for Westfield Street westbound approach.
Upgrade traffic signal with new equipment, including mast arms, signal heads with 12” LED lenses and backplates, pedestrian accommodations, loop detectors, and emergency pre-emption equipment.
Study existing clearance times and make changes, if appropriate. Clearance time calculations should also be performed as part of the proposed improvements.
Consider split phasing for the Westfield Street approaches.
(Safety Payoff and Cost assume implementation of split phasing.)
Consider left turn lane for the Westfield Street eastbound approach.
(It is assumed that this improvement will require property acquisition.)
Widen shoulders to 4’ on Westfield Street throughout project limits. Consider widening lanes to safely accommodate dual lane left-turning vehicles.
Provide lane control signage on all approaches with exclusive turn lanes. This improvement includes R3-8 series Advance Lane Control signs, R3-7 series
Mandatory Movement Lane Control signs, and overhead mounted signs for the Westfield Street eastbound approach.
Install backplates on all overhead signal heads.
Install near side signal heads for all approaches.
Responsibility Safety Payoff Time Frame
Project
Project
Project
Town/Project
Project
Project
Project
Project
Project
Project
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
Medium
Medium
Mid-term
Mid-term
Mid-term
Short-term
Short-term
Mid-term
Mid-term
Mid-term
Mid-term
Short-term
Cost
$5,000
$15,000
$180,000
$2,000
$5,000
TBD
$500,000
$5,000
$5,000
$8,000

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Safety Issue Safety Enhancement
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Lane Configuration
Pavement Condition
Mobil Driveway
Visibility
Lane Configuration
Evaluate historic significance of stairs on the northeast corner of the intersection. If property impacts are allowable, provide a crosswalk and handicap ramps on the eastern leg of Westfield Street.
Extend two-lane configuration of Westfield Street westbound approach. Verify that proposed design provides adequate storage for queued vehicles.
Rehabilitate pavement along the Westfield Street corridor.
Consider restricting turns out of easternmost Mobil driveway.
(It is assumed that this improvement would be done by the Town in cooperation with the property owner)
Provide an advance street name sign for Boulevard
Street and South Boulevard on the Westfield Street westbound approach.
Revisit proposed lane configurations based on design alternatives and audit recommendations, and make necessary geometric changes.
Responsibility Safety Payoff Time Frame
Project
Project
Town
Project
Project
Medium
Medium
Medium
Low
TBD
Mid-term
Mid-term
Short-term
Short-term
Mid-term
Cost
$20,000
$25,000
TBD
$1,000
TBD

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Meeting Location: Mitteneague School, 26 Second Street
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Type of meeting: High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Please bring: Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
10:00 AM
10:15 AM
10:45 AM
11:30 PM
Welcome and Introductions
Review of Site Specific Material
•
Crash, Speed, and Volume Summaries
•
Existing Geometries and Conditions
Visit the Site
•
Walk the Westfield Street corridor, view North and South boulevards
•
As a group, identify areas for improvement
Completion of RSA
•
Finalize discussion on all areas for improvement
•
Discuss potential improvements with pros and cons and record possible countermeasures
12:00 PM Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
•
Before attending the RSA on August 18th, participants are encouraged to drive through the Route 20/North/South Boulevard intersection and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List with a focus on safety.
•
All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participants are encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the synergy that develops and respect for others’ opinions are key elements to the success of the overall RSA process.
•
After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked to comment and respond to the document materials to assure it is reflective of the RSA completed by the multidisciplinary team.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Intersection:
West Springfield
North Blvd
N
36
Mobil Gas Station
23, 24, 30, 35, 42, 44
1
14
28
38
27
33, 38
8
22
39
12
4, 5, 10, 13, 19,
25, 26, 31,
40
20
41,49,
51,21,
2
7
Westfield St. (Rt.20)
3, 9, 21, 32, 34, 48, 50, 55, 58
29, 37 23
57
6
47
Griffin's
11, 16,
18, 43, 52,
53, 54 56
South Blvd
Parked Car
Angle
Rear End
Backing
Head-on
Out of Control
DATE
Symbols
TIME
Bicycle
Side Swipe
Lane Change
Fatality
Personal Injury
F
I
Property Damage PD
DAY SEV. L R V
Light Condition (L)
1. Daylight
2. Dawn/Dusk
3. Darkness
4. Unknown
0. No Violations
1. Speed too fast
Violations (V)
7. Wrong side of road
8. Improper turning
2. Failure to Yield
Road Condition (R) 3. Ran Stop Sign
1. Dry
9. Improper backing
10. Drunk Driver
4. Ran Traffic Signal 11. Pedestrian violation
2. Wet
3. Snow/Ice
4. Other
5. Following too close 12. Reckless driving
6. Improper Passing 13. Improper Lights
Comments
1 9/24/2007 5:04 PM Mon
2 9/30/2007 2:10 AM Sun
3 9/21/2007 4:53 PM Fri
4 10/16/2007 5:02 PM Tue
PD 1 1 0
I 3 1 12
PD 1 1 0
PD 1 1 0
5 11/16/2007 5:26 PM Fri PD 1 1 0
6 12/5/2007 7:37 AM Wed PD 2 1 0
7 12/9/2007 3:27 PM Sun PD 1 2 4
8 12/7/2007 5:05 PM Mon
9 1/8/2008 8:00 PM Tue
10 1/15/2008 3:11 PM Tue
PD 1 2 0
PD 3 2 0
PD 1 1 0
Knocked over traffic light on North West corner
Attempted to go around front car
Operator ran red light
Mobil parking lot
Front vehicle didn't notice when light turned green
1 of 2

11 2/22/2008 8:25 PM Fri
12 4/1/2008 4:36 PM Tue
13 4/12/2008 11:12 AM Sat
PD 3 3 0
PD 1 2 0
PD 1 1 0
14 6/1/2008 3:17 PM Sun
15 7/29/2008 4:49 PM Tue
PD
PD
1
1
1
1
0
2
16 8/27/2008 8:09 AM Wed PD 1 1 0
17 12/20/2008 4:34 PM Sat
18 12/31/2008 11:46 AM Wed
19 12/31/2008 12:42 PM Wed
20 1/9/2009 3:05 PM Fri
PD 1 1 0
PD 1 1 0
PD 1 3 0
PD 1 1 0
DATE TIME DAY SEV. L R V
21 1/16/2009 11:13 AM Mon PD 1 1 0
22 1/21/2009 7:01 PM Wed PD 2 1 0
23 2/13/2009 2:14 PM Fri PD 1 1 0
24 5/21/2009 4:42 PM Thur PD 1 1 0
25 5/30/2009 11:46 AM Sat PD 1 1 0
26 6/11/2009 9:10 AM Thur PD 2 1 0
27 6/23/2009 4:15 PM Tue
28 6/30/2009 9:42 AM Tue
PD
PD
1
1
1
1
12
0
29 7/31/2009 12:08 PM Fri
30 8/1/2009 7:17 PM Sat
31 8/4/2009 5:57 PM Tue
32 9/4/2009 1:37 PM Fri
33 9/17/2009 5:49 PM Thur
PD
PD
PD
I
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
34 10/16/2009 2:29 PM Fri
35 10/16/2009 4:05 PM Fri
PD 1 1 0
I 1 1 0
36 10/23/2009 8:23 AM Fri PD 1 1 0
37 11/5/2009 3:42 PM Thur PD 1 1 0
38 11/12/2009 12:56 PM Thur PD 1 1 8
39 11/30/2009 11:48 AM Mon PD 1 2 0
40 12/4/2009 2:04 PM Fri PD 1 1 0
41 12/10/2009 1:41 PM Thur PD 1 1 0
42 12/16/2009 2:51 PM Wed PD 1 1 0
N bound vehicle in left turn lane
Turning into 581 Westfield
Turning into 562 Westfield
From mobil station
Turning into 581 Westfield
Pulling out of 589 Westfield
Pulling out of 608 Westfield
Turning inton 583 Westfield
DATE TIME DAY SEV. L R V
43 12/17/2009 11:29 AM Thur PD 1 1 0
44 1/3/2010 3:48 PM Sun
45 1/5/2010 5:23 PM Tue
PD
PD
1
1
1
1
0
0
46 1/28/2010 5:10 PM Thur PD 1 1 0
47 2/2/2010 8:44 AM Tue PD 2 1 0
48 2/4/2010 10:30AM Thur PD 1 1 0
49 2/11/2010 8:54 AM Thur PD 2 1 0
50 2/11/2010 1:45 PM Thur PD 1 1 0
51 2/20/2010 2:04 AM Sat I 3 1 2
52 3/18/2010 2:07 PM Thur PD 1 1 0
53 3/18/2010 7:10 PM Thur PD 3 1 0
54 4/12/2010 3:57 PM Mon PD 1 1 0
55 4/30/2010 3:10 PM Fri PD 1 1 0
56 6/10/2010 8:27 AM Thur PD 2 3 0
57 7/9/2010 7:53 PM Fri
58 7/23/2010 9:04 AM Fri
PD
PD
1
1
1
1
0
0
Wide right by tractor trailer
Foot slipped off brake
Comments:
# Explanation
45 This accident occcured on 611 Westfield Street, which is deemed too far from the intersection
46 This accident occurred near or in the Mobil Gas Station, no report was filed
15 Off intersection, occurred at 645 Westfield Street
17 Not enough information to determine location
Source: Information based on West Springfield Police crash reports, August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2010
2 of 2

#
Crash
Date Crash Day d/m/y
1 9/24/07 Monday
Time of Day Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
5:04 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight
Type
2 9/30/07 Sunday
3 9/21/2007 Friday
4 10/16/07 Tuesday
5 11/16/07 Friday
6 12/5/07 Wednesday
7 12/9/07 Sunday
8 12/7/09 Monday
9 1/8/08 Tuesday
10 1/15/08 Tuesday
11 2/22/08 Friday
12 4/1/08 Tuesday
13 4/12/08 Saturday
14 6/1/08 Sunday
15 7/29/08
16 8/27/08 Wednesday
17 12/20/08
18 12/31/08 Wednesday
19 12/31/08 Wednesday
20 1/9/09 Friday
21 1/16/09 Friday
22 1/21/09 Wednesday
23 2/13/2009 Friday
24 5/21/09 Thursday
25 5/30/09 Saturday
26 6/11/09 Thursday
2:10 AM Angle
4:53 PM Rear-end
5:02 PM Rear-end
5:26 PM Rear-end
7:37 AM Rear-end
3:27 PM Angle
5:05 PM Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dawn
Daylight
Daylight
8:00 PM Rear-end
3:11 PM Rear-end
8:25 PM Rear-end
4:36 PM Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
11:12 AM Rear-end Daylight
3:17 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight
8:09 AM Rear-end Daylight
11:46 AM Rear-end
12:42 PM Rear-end
3:05 PM Angle
11:13 AM Angle
7:01 PM Angle
2:14 PM Single Vehicle Crash
4:42 PM Rear-end
11:46 AM Rear-end
9:10 AM Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dusk
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dawn
27 6/23/09 Tuesday
28 6/30/09 Tuesday
29 7/31/09 Friday
30 8/1/09
31 8/4/09
32 9/4/09
Saturday
Tuesday
Friday
33 9/17/09 Thursday
34 10/16/09 Friday
35 10/16/09 Friday
36 10/23/09 Friday
37 11/5/09 Thursday
38 11/12/09 Thursday
4:15 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight
9:42 AM Angle
12:08 PM Angle
Daylight
Daylight
7:17 PM Rear-end
5:57 PM Rear-end
1:37 PM Rear-end
5:49 PM Angle
2:29 PM Rear-end
4:05 PM Rear-end
8:23 AM Angle
3:42 PM Angle
12:56 PM Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Unknown
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Snow
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Weather
Condition
Type
Clear
Wet
Wet
Wet
Dry
Snow
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code
Type Type
Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless, careless, negligent, or aggressive manner Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Ages
D1 D2 D3
38 43
Comments
24
28
30
62
44
60
70
52
40
30
Knocked over traffic light on North
West corner
Failed to yield to right of way 69
46
45
25
22 21
65 43
71 50
42 58
54 23 50
62 36
23
Operator ran red light
Mobil parking lot
Front vehicle didn't notice when light turned green
N bound vehicle in left turn lane
Dry
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
1 of 2
26 55
43 30
44 69
35 25
45 87
20
54 37 40
19 18
22 44
Turning into 581 Westfield
Turning into 562 Westfield
From mobil station
Turning into 581 Westfield
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless, careless, negligent, or aggressive manner 22 27
27 56
18 27
23 45
20 52
59 94
Exceeded authorized speed limit
Made an improper turn
24 20
47 83
54 31
28 82
45 27
20 49
Pulling out of 589 Westfield
Pulling out of 608 Westfield
Turning inton 583 Westfield

Crash
# Date d/m/y
Crash Day
39 11/30/09 Monday
40 12/4/09 Friday
41 12/10/09 Thursday
42 12/16/09 Wednesday
43 12/17/09 Thursday
44 1/3/10
45 1/5/10
Sunday
46 1/28/10
47 2/2/10 Tuesday
48 2/4/10 Thursday
49 2/11/10 Thursday
50 2/11/10 Thursday
Time of Day Manner of Collision
Type
11:48 AM Angle
2:04 PM Rear-end
1:41 PM Angle
2:51 PM Rear-end
11:29 AM Rear-end
3:48 PM Rear-end
8:44 AM
10:30AM Rear-end
8:54 AM Angle
1:45 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Light Condition
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dawn
Daylight
Dawn
Daylight
Type
51 2/20/10 Saturday
52 3/18/10 Thursday
53 3/18/10 Thursday
2:04 AM Angle
2:07 PM Rear-end
7:10 PM Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
54 4/12/10
55 4/30/10
56 6/10/10
57 7/9/10
Monday
Friday
Thursday
Friday
3:57 PM Rear-end
3:10 PM Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
8:27 AM Rear-end Dawn
7:53 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight
9:04 AM Rear-end Daylight 58 7/23/10 Friday
Out of Area
45 This accident occcured on 611 Westfield Street, which is deemed too far from the intersection
46 This accident occurred near or in the Mobil Gas Station, no report was filed
15 Off intersection, occurred at 645 Westfield Street
17 Not enough information to determine location
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Weather
Condition
Type
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code
Type Type
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Ages
D1 D2 D3
76 47
54 82
71 50
21 37
19 80
21 49
31
Comments
Wide right by tractor trailer
Foot slipped off brake
62 38
43 80
81 35
80
Failed to yield to right of way 25 60
88 43
39 17
22 28
44 48
45 44
49 20
63 65
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the West Springfield Police Department
2 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
99
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
97
99
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
97
99
<=20
20s
30s
40s
50s
60s
70s
>=80
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
M
J
J
A
J
F
M
A
S
O
N
D
M
T
W
Th
F
Sa
Su
Day of the week
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6PM
Time of Day
6 AM to 10 AM
10 AM to 2 PM
2 PM to 6 PM
6 PM to 10 PM
10 PM to 2 AM
2 AM to 6 PM
7%
18%
11%
24%
24%
9%
7%
14%
24%
47%
12%
0%
2%
13%
12%
4%
6%
4%
8%
6%
6%
8%
8%
8%
19%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
30%
20%
10%
0%
50%
0%
J F M A M J J A S O N D
M T W Th F Sa Su
6-10AM 10-2PM 2-6PM 6-10PM 10-2AM 2-6PM
Manner of Collision
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
4%
56%
Angle
Sideswipe, same dire
32%
8%
Sideswipe, opposite d
Head on
0%
0%
Rear to Rear
Unknown
0%
0%
Clear
Weather Condition
Cloudy
Rain
Snow
Sleet, Hail, Freezing R
Fog, Smog, Smoke
Severe Crosswinds
Blowing sand, snow
Other
Unknown
80%
14%
2%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
Road Surface
Dry
Wet
Snow
Ice
Sand, mud, dirt, oil, g
Water (standing, mov
Slush
Other
Unknown
84%
12%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
Ages
D1
6%
34%
8%
20%
10%
10%
6%
6%
D2
4%
21%
19%
19%
15%
6%
2%
15%
60%
40%
20%
0%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
100%
50%
0%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
7
6
7
8
7
97
97
99
99
99
15-20 21-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+

Road Safety Audit—Westfield Street (Route 20) at Boulevard Street/South Boulevard—West Springfield, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.