ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations)
Town of Auburn/Town of Oxford
January 2012
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Data ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Location Description ..................................................................................................... 3
Road Safety Audit Observations ............................................................................................... 6
Intersection #1.
Southbridge Street (Route 12)/Washington Street (Route 20)............................ 7
Intersection #2.
Southbridge Road (Route 20)/Main Street (Route 12) ..................................... 13
General Corridor-wide Issues ............................................................................................................ 17
Potential Safety Enhancements ............................................................................................... 21
List of Appendices
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
Appendix E.
25% Design Plans
RSA Meeting Agenda
RSA Audit Team Contact List
Detailed Crash Data
Additional Information
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Locus Map .............................................................................................................................. 4
Intersection #1: Southbridge Street (Route 12)/Washington Street (Route 20) ..................... 8
Intersection #2: Southbridge Road (Route 20)/Main Street (Route 12) ............................... 14
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 3
Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements ....................................................................... 22
Page 1
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The segment of Southbridge Street (Routes 12/20) between Washington Street in Auburn and Main Street
in Oxford has two intersection locations listed in the Top 5% of High Crash Locations within the Central
Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) area. The Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) has determined that the Towns would be eligible to receive Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) funding for reconstruction of this roadway segment if a Road Safety Audit
(RSA) were conducted and the proposed design incorporated safety improvements identified in the RSA.
The roadway segment is currently at the 25% design stage, funded by MassDOT (#604234). Meanwhile,
Southbridge Road (Route 20), west of Main Street in Oxford is being redesigned as part of a separate
reconstruction project.
During the RSA, the team focused on safety issues at the intersections of Southbridge Street/Washington
Street in Auburn and Southbridge Road/Main Street in Oxford and the safety benefits of the proposed
improvements along the entire roadway segment between Washington Street and Main Street. The 25%
design plans for the segment evaluated during this RSA are provided in Appendix A. The RSA is
intended to identify potential safety improvements that can be evaluated and included as part of the design
process for the reconstruction. The short-term, low-cost potential improvements could be considered by
the responsible agency for implementation prior to reconstruction, as appropriate.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the Southbridge Street (Routes 12/20) corridor on Wednesday,
January 25, 2012. The RSA agenda appears in Appendix B. Table 1 lists the audit team members and
their affiliations. Appendix C 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 Auburn, Oxford, and State Police
Departments for the intersections of Southbridge Street/Washington Street and Southbridge Road/Main
Street (crash data for the corridor between the two intersections was not obtained or reviewed, but was
characterized by team RSA members as being greater than the average crash rate for the road’s functional
classification). Appendix D provides the detailed crash data and speed regulations for the study area.
Page 2
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Bill Coyle
Joanna Paquin
Kevin Krasnecky
Sujatha Mohanakrishnan
Stephen Anderson
Arthur Resca
Thuong Phan
Alolade Campbell
Joe Frawley
Jay Johnson
Mike Hassett
Adam Burney
Sean Divoll
Greg Russell
Lisa Schletzbaum
Ted Brovitz
Joe SanClemente
Agency/Affiliation
Town of Auburn
Town of Auburn
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
(CMRPC)
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
(CMRPC)
Auburn Fire Department
MassDOT District 3 – Maintenance
MassDOT District 3
MassDOT District 3 – Traffic
MassDOT District 3 – Traffic
Auburn Police Department
Oxford Police Department
Auburn Town Planner
Oxford DPW Director
VHB
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Project Location Description
The RSA focused on the intersections of Southbridge Street/Washington Street in Auburn and
Southbridge Road/Main Street in Oxford; the RSA team also commented on general safety issues along
the Southbridge Street corridor between Washington Street and Main Street. The study area is illustrated
in Figure 1. The study area is located just southwest of the I-90 (exit 10)/I-290 (exit 6) interchange.
Within the study area, Southbridge Street serves as a major east–west roadway and provides access to
numerous commercial uses as well as connections to residential neighborhoods on the north and south
sides of the roadway. In general, there has been limited new development along the corridor over the past
few years, and future development is expected to be limited to similar types of highway-oriented uses
such as fast food restaurants, auto sales, and limited retail. The team noted a 10-acre parcel on the south
side of Southbridge Street near Washington Street that could potentially be developed, but is significantly
restricted by wetlands.
Page 3
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Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
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Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Southbridge Street (Route 12)/Washington Street (Route 20) – is a 3-way signalized intersection,
located in the Town of Auburn. Southbridge Street bends at the intersection with Washington Street to
form the western and northern legs of the intersection. The Southbridge Street eastbound approach
consists of a dedicated left-turn lane and two through lanes; a small area of widened pavement is provided
along Southbridge Street westbound to accommodate Southbridge Street eastbound U-turns. The
Southbridge Street southbound approach intersects Washington Street at an acute angle and consists of
two through lanes, located approximately 100 feet west of the Southbridge Street northbound travel lanes.
The Washington Street westbound approach consists of two through lanes and a channelized right-turn
lane and has two stop lines at the signalized intersection. The first stop line allows for Southbridge Street
eastbound left-turns onto Southbridge Street northbound and the second stop line is located in advance of
the Southbridge Street southbound approach. Maple Street intersects Southbridge Street from the west
approximately 200 feet north of the intersection and operates under stop sign control. A pedestrian
crossing is provided across the Maple Street eastbound approach; no other pedestrian crossings are
provided at the intersection.
Southbridge Road (Route 20)/Main Street (Route 12) – is a 3-way signalized intersection located in the
Town of Oxford. The Auburn Town line is located just east of the intersection, where Southbridge Road
(in Oxford) turns into Southbridge Street (in Auburn). Main Street intersects Southbridge Road from the
southwest resulting in a Y-shaped intersection. The Main Street north-eastbound approach consists of a
dedicated left-turn lane and two through lanes. The Southbridge Road eastbound approach consists of
two through lanes and a dedicated right-turn lane. The Southbridge Road westbound approach consists of
a dedicated left-turn lane and two through lanes. A one-way, entrance-only driveway serving Periwinkles
Bar & Grill is located on the south side of the intersection; however, field observations by the RSA team
indicate that vehicles currently use the driveway as both an entrance and exit. No crosswalks are
provided at the intersection.
These two intersections form the junctions of the following roadways, which are categorized according to
MassDOT Office of Transportation Planning functional classifications:
Southbridge Street/Road (Routes 12/20) is named Southbridge “Street” in Auburn and Southbridge
“Road” in Oxford and is classified as an urban principal arterial to the west of Washington Street and an
urban minor arterial to the east of Washington Street. The roadway is generally oriented east-west and
consists of two lanes in each direction and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction. The roadway is dedicated
as Route 12 and Route 20 between Washington Street in Auburn and Main Street in Oxford. West of
Main Street, in Oxford, Southbridge Street turns into Southbridge Road and is dedicated as Route 20.
Northeast of Washington Street, in Auburn, Southbridge Street is dedicated as Route 12 and provides
access to I-90 at exit 10. Within the study area, the speed limit along Southbridge Street is posted at 40
miles per hour (mph).
Washington Street (Route 20) is an urban principal arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction.
Within the study area, Washington Street is an east–west roadway and consists of two lanes in each
direction. Washington Street provides connection to numerous commercial uses and I-290 at exit 6.
Page 5
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Maple Street is a local roadway and falls under Town of Auburn jurisdiction. Maple Street generally runs
east–west between Southbridge Street and Tinker Hill Road and consists of one lane in each direction.
Maple Street provides access to residential uses along the north side of the roadway and commercial uses
along the south side.
Main Street (Route 12) is an urban minor arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction. Main Street
runs north–south and consists of one travel lane in each direction.
Road Safety Audit Observations
Based on field observations on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, the RSA team determined that the segment
of Southbridge Road (Routes 12/20) between Washington Street in Auburn and Main Street in Oxford has
the following issues that affect safety:

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
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Access management;
Drainage;
Limited bicycle accommodations;
Limited pedestrian accommodations;
Limited transit accommodations;
Traffic signal indications, phasing, and clearance intervals;
Unclear, inconsistent, and cluttered wayfinding and regulatory signage;
Unclear traffic circulation and turn restrictions; and
Utility pole placement.
The following sections describe in more detail the safety issues and enhancements determined during
the RSA. These safety enhancements are also discussed as they relate to both the existing conditions and
the design plans which are currently at the 25% design level. Several of these issues require further study
and engineering judgment to determine the feasibility of implementing enhancements to address them.
Page 6
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Intersection #1. Southbridge Street (Route 12)/Washington
Street (Route 20)
Observations:
From March 2007 through August 2011, a total of 44 crashes were reported at this signalized
intersection location, of which 37 (or 84%) were rear-end type. Of the 44 crashes at this
intersection, eight (or 18%) resulted in personal injury; no fatalities were reported during this
time period. The majority of the crashes occurred on Thursday or Friday (57%) between 2:00
PM and 6:00 PM (36%). The team noted that the increase in crashes during these time periods
may be the result of an increase in traffic volume due to motorists using Route 12/20 as a bypass
to congestion along I-90. The intersection is illustrated in Figure 2.
The following details the observations made by the RSA team at this location with respect to lane
usage and queuing conditions, signal indications and clearance intervals, access management, and
signage:
Lane Usage and Queuing Conditions
The Southbridge Street eastbound approach consists of a dedicated left-turn lane and two through lanes. During field observations, the team noted that the left-
turn queue often exceeds the storage and extends in the Southbridge Road eastbound through travel lanes. According to the crash data, two sideswipe same direction crashes were
reported along this approach, which may have been the result of motorists changing lanes to avoid the left-turn queue. Signal Indications and Clearance Intervals
The left-turn queue on the Southbridge Road
eastbound approach often extends into the
through lanes.
Washington Street Westbound – The Washington Street westbound approach consists of two
through lanes and a channelized right-turn lane and has two stop lines at the signalized
intersection. The first stop line allows for Southbridge Street eastbound left-turns onto
Southbridge Street northbound. The second stop line is located approximately 100 feet
downstream in advance of the Southbridge Street southbound approach, which intersects the
westbound approach at an acute angle resulting in a Y-shaped intersection. According to the
crash data, 24 rear-end crashes occurred along the Washington Street westbound approach within
the intersection, including nine rear-end crashes at the first stop line and 15 rear-end crashes at
the second stop line.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
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Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
During field observations, the
RSA team noted that the traffic
signal indications at each stop
line change at the same time.
Thus motorists that make it
through the first signal at the
end of green or during the
yellow change interval can get
trapped in the storage area at
the second stop line. Team
members noted that motorists
often “race” through the
intersection to try to make it
through both traffic signal
indications. Additionally, the
Washington Street westbound
approach is on a fairly steep
downgrade that may contribute
to higher travel speeds and
Dual stop lines on Washington Street westbound and twisted
make it more difficult for
signal indications at Southbridge Street southbound.
motorists to perceive and react
to a yellow signal indication. Of the nine rear-end crashes at the first stop line, four occurred on
wet pavement which, in combination with vehicle travel speeds, may have contributed to the
occurrence of rear-end crashes at this location.
At the second stop line, the team noted that the second set of traffic signal indications may be
unexpected by motorists either traveling along Washington Street westbound or making a U-turn
from Southbridge Street eastbound. Furthermore, because of the acute angle between
Southbridge Street southbound and Washington Street westbound, the drivers along the
westbound approach can partially see the southbound signal indications resulting in confusion
regarding which driver has the right of way. The team also noted the left-most signal head for the
Washington Street westbound approach is not aligned correctly so drivers in the right-hand lane
don not see any of the indications. Also, the right-most signal head for the Washington Street
westbound direction is mast-arm mounted, which coupled with the horizontal alignment of the
road is easily blocked by a large truck traveling in front of a driver. The misaligned signal and
potentially blocked signal can result in a driver in the right lane traveling westbound not seeing
any signal indications.
Similarly, team members also noted that the visibility of the signal indications along Southbridge
Street southbound and westbound have the potential for being blocked by the presence of large
trucks, which are prevalent along the corridor.
Lastly, the team noted that the motorists traveling on Washington Street westbound may also be
distracted when approaching the second stop line as they can see Southbridge Street southbound
Page 9
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
traffic approaching and may be unsure if those vehicles have a red light or if it is a yield
controlled movement. Of the 15 rear-end crashes at this location; driver inattention was a
contributing factor in seven of the crashes. Driver inattention/confusion likely played a role in
the rear-end crash history at this location.
Southbridge Street Southbound – Of the 37
rear-end type crashes at the intersection,
four (or 11%) occurred at the Southbridge
Street southbound approach. During field
observations the team noted that due to the
skewed intersection geometry, motorists at
the Southbridge Street southbound
approach may be confused on whether they
are allowed to take a right turn on red since
it is relatively unclear if the approach is
considered a right turn or a through
movement; No Turn on Red (R10-11a or
R10-11b) signage is currently not provided.
The traffic signal indications are
inconsistent and add to the confusion since
one of the two traffic signal indications for
the approach has a red arrow with a green
arrow and the second indication has a red
bulb with a green arrow.
Traffic control and signal indications are unclear
at Southbridge Street Southbound.
Access Management
The two commercial properties located along the south side of the intersection have several large,
and relatively undefined, curb cuts. According to the crash history at this intersection, two rearend type crashes were reported along Southbridge Street westbound that may have involved
motorists attempting to turn into one of the
commercial properties and then being rear-ended
by a second unsuspecting motorist.
Signage
Sign clutter along Washington Street
westbound.
On the Southbridge Street eastbound approach,
an RSA team member noted that commercial
signage located along the south side of the
roadway blocks the visibility of the through
traffic signal indications; only the left-turn
signal indication is visible upstream of the
intersection . As a result, since the through
indications are always green, there is potential
Page 10
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
for eastbound through vehicles to mistakenly react to the left-turn signal indication and
unnecessarily slow down.
The team also noted significant sign clutter along Washington Street westbound where there is
redundant Route 12 guide signage; the team noted that two signs for Route 12 North and South
block the visibility of Route 20 signage and additional Route 12 signage.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Consider the safety benefits of either increasing the left-turn storage and/or adding an
additional left-turn lane at Southbridge Street eastbound to reduce/eliminate conflicts
with through traffic.
2. Eliminate the second stop line/set of signal indications at Washington Street westbound
to reduce driver confusion.
3. Evaluate clearance intervals and update as necessary per current standards.
4. Reorient Southbridge Street southbound signal indications, add louvers, and/or other
appropriate measure so that they are no longer visible from Washington Street
westbound.
5. Consider the appropriateness of installing No Turn on Red (R10-11a or R10-11b) signage
at the Southbridge Street southbound approach to reduce driver confusion.
6. Remove redundant guide signage at the Washington Street westbound approach.
7. Define access points for commercial properties located along the south side of the
intersection to reduce driver confusion and reduce the number of conflict points.
8. Realign Washington Street westbound traffic signal indications to improve visibility.
9. Review quantity and placement of traffic signal indications at the Washington Street
westbound approach to ensure that the appropriate number of signal indications are
visible due to the presence of large trucks.
Design-Specific Comments:
The RSA team noted the following with respect to the proposed 25% Design Plans:
1. The current design provides for a dedicated receiving lane to accommodate Southbridge
Street eastbound U-turns, which will intersect Southbridge Street southbound at an acute
angle and operate under yield control. The RSA team had the following comments with
regards to the U-turn lane:
a. Evaluate the operating conditions and consider the safety impacts of creating a
yield controlled movement for U-turns. The team noted that motorists that are
Page 11
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
provided a protected left-turn movement to make the U-turn may then not expect
to encounter a yield/merge condition.
b. Evaluate the potential for the U-turn yield-controlled movement to queue into the
intersection as a result of increased U-turn demand with the addition of the
median along Southbridge Street. Consider potential geometric/signal phasing
modifications, adding additional green time to Southbridge Street southbound,
and/or the addition of upstream detection within the U-turn receiving lane to
detect queue build-up.
c. Consider improved guide signage along Southbridge Street eastbound, such as a
graphic guide sign to illustrate lane use and alert motorists that the inside lane
can be used to reverse direction.
2. Consider the appropriateness of adding a No Turn on Red (R10-11a or R10-11b) signage
at the Southbridge Street southbound approach.
3. The current design will construct a median dividing Southbridge Street (Route 12)
northbound and southbound, which will physically restrict left-turns to/from Maple Street
that are currently allowed today. During the RSA, Town officials recommended that the
median on Southbridge Street should not be extended to Maple Street to allow for the
left-turn access to/from Southbridge Street. The designer and MassDOT agreed to leave
the access open as it is currently.
4. Consider adding louvers, and/or other appropriate measure, to reduce the visibility of the
Southbridge Street southbound traffic signal indications from Washington Street
westbound.
5. Verify the visibility of the proposed signal heads for Southbridge Street eastbound for
minimum sight distance criteria based on 85th percentile travel speed.
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Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Intersection #2.
(Route 12)
Southbridge Road (Route 20)/Main Street
Observations:
From June 2006 through July 2010, a total of 15 crashes were reported at this signalized
intersection location, including seven rear-end type (47%), three sideswipe (20%), three angle
(20%), and two single vehicle crashes (or 13%). Of the 15 crashes reported at this intersection,
seven resulted in personal injury, including one fatality. The intersection is illustrated in Figure
3.
The RSA team made the following observations with respect to lane use, sight distance, and
parking at this intersection location:
Lane Use and Intersection Geometry
The Southbridge Road westbound approach increases from two to three travel lanes at the
intersection to provide for a dedicated left-turn lane and two through lanes; however, no
pavement markings are provided indicating that the left-hand lane is for left-turns only and
advance lane use signage is generally confusing. According to the crash history, four rear-end
crashes were reported at the Southbridge Road westbound approach, which were generally the
result of driving too fast and/or following too closely. One angle type crash was also reported
involving a Southbridge Road westbound vehicle making a left-turn onto Main Street with a
second vehicle traveling along Southbridge Road eastbound; the crash was the result of driver
disregard of the traffic signal.
The team also noted that the presence of the triangular island within the intersection also adds to driver confusion at the intersection. One single vehicle crash involved a motorist traveling along Main Street north-eastbound that hit the island; the police report indicated that the reflective signing was missing at the time of the crash and was replaced shortly after. Another crash involved a vehicle that attempted to make a U-turn from Southbridge Road westbound around the island, which resulted in an angle crash with a second vehicle traveling Triangular island at Main Street eastbound
along Main Street north-eastbound. Southbridge Road westbound U-turns are allowed as long as the vehicle does not make the turn around the island.
Page 13
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Figure 3. Intersection 2: Southbridge Road (Route 20)/
Main Street (Route 12)
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Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Lastly, a curb cut providing access (entrance
only) to Periwinkles Bar and Grill is located on
the south side of the intersection, just east of the
Main Street north-eastbound stop line. Currently
turns out of the driveway are prohibited by one
Do Not Enter Sign; which appears to be nonstandard. Field observations indicate that this
restriction is generally disregarded and resulted
in one reported crash.
Team members also noted that the Southbridge
Road westbound left-turn approach has a green
arrow at the same time as the Main Street northA vehicle exiting Periwinkle’s
eastbound movement (acting as an overlap
phase); however, the green arrow is for “bear left” and not “hard left” into Periwinkles. While
there haven’t been any recent crashes reported involving Southbridge Road westbound lefts into
Periwinkles, it is a safety issue.
Sight Distance
The RSA team noted that the visibility of the
traffic signal indications along the
Southbridge Road eastbound approach are
limited due to the presence of a horizontal
curve in the roadway. A team member
commented that motorists unfamiliar with the
area may not anticipate a red light/vehicle
queue at the intersection. In addition, the
presence of truck traffic on the roadway could
further reduce the visibility of the signal
indications for other motorists traveling
behind them. Advance warning signage such
as Signal Ahead (W3-3) is not currently
Horizontal curve along Southbridge Road
provided. According to the crash data, one
eastbound and truck traffic limits visibility of
signals indications.
rear-end crash was reported at this location
that was result of following too closely;
limited sight lines may have been a contributing factor.
Similarly, a team member noted that wayfinding and commercial signage located along the inside
of a horizontal curve on the north side of the roadway reduces sight lines of the traffic signal
indications for the Southbridge Street westbound approach.
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Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Parking
Team members noted that a large unpaved area along the north side of Southbridge Road (Route
20) westbound has become a popular place for trucks to briefly park and then access Cumberland
Farms on foot. A crosswalk or signage prohibiting parking along the roadway is not provided.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Improve Southbridge Road westbound lane use markings to reduce driver confusion.
2. Improve intersection circulation around center island and/or improve intersection geometry by removing island to reduce driver confusion.
3. Improve signage and/or modify signal phasing to prohibit/eliminate conflict between that
Southbridge Street westbound “hard lefts” into Periwinkles and Main Street northeastbound traffic.
4. Improve signage at Periwinkles entrance driveway to improve clarity of turn restrictions
and help deter vehicles from exiting into intersection.
5. Consider adding No Parking signage along the north side of Southbridge Road to deter
trucks from parking and accessing Cumberland Farms on foot.
Design-Specific Comments:
The RSA team noted the following with respect to the proposed 25% Design Plans:
1. Consider adding improved signage along the Southbridge Road westbound approach to
clarify lane use and alert drivers that the left-lane can be used for U-turns.
2. The current design proposes to relocate the Periwinkles driveway approximately 50 feet
southwest of its current location and would operate as an exit only versus an entrance
only as it is currently. While Do Not Enter signage (R5-1) is proposed, the team noted
that motorists may still be tempted to enter the driveway from Southbridge Road
eastbound and westbound, which is currently allowed today. Consider geometric
changes to physically preclude left-turns entering the driveway; the potential for closing
the driveway and providing access to Periwinkles via the Walmart driveway; and/or other
appropriate measure to accommodate vehicular access to Periwinkles.
3. The current design includes a flattening of the horizontal curve along the Southbridge
Road eastbound approach, which will improve the visibility of the traffic signal
indications at the intersection; however, an RSA team member commented that the
designer should consider the appropriateness of providing advance warning signage (i.e.,
Signal Ahead, W3-3) to alert motorists and verify that the minimum required sight
distance of the signal indications for the 85th percentile travel speed is provided.
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Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
General Corridor-wide Issues
Observations:
While the RSA focused on crash history at the intersections of Southbridge Street/Washington
Street and Southbridge Road/Main Street, the RSA team noted several general safety issues
throughout the study area related to signage, roadway conditions, pedestrian and transit
accommodations, and other issues, as described below:
Signage
The team noted that signage throughout the study area is cluttered, often redundant, and/or confusing. Some of the existing signage is also in poor condition and/or outdated. The abundance of business signage associated with the numerous commercial uses along the corridor further contributes to visual clutter. For example, a team member noted that Periwinkle’s has a flashing sign board which may contribute to motorist distraction. Abundant wayfinding and commercial signage
Team members noted that the corridor can
contribute to sign clutter
experience a fair amount of cut-through
traffic (as a bypass to I-90) during peak
demand periods – thus sign clutter and/or unclear guide signage can add to confusion for
motorists unfamiliar with the area, particularly as they navigate through the Route 12/20
crossover.
Roadway Conditions
Lanes and Shoulders – Southbridge Street consists of two travel lanes, with no shoulder, in each
direction. Team members noted that the lack of shoulder makes it difficult for vehicles
(passenger vehicles and, in particular, trucks) traveling at the posted speed limit (40 mph) to turn
in/out of the numerous commercial driveways along the corridor. This is particularly an issue
during/after large snow storm events when snow banks along the edge of the roadway
reduce/block site lines at the driveways.
According to team members, bicycle activity is generally minimal throughout the study area;
however, the lack of a shoulder along Southbridge Street makes it difficult for cyclists to ride in
mixed traffic.
Page 17
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Pavement Conditions/Drainage – The pavement
is in poor condition, and rutted, throughout the
study area. A team member noted that the poor
pavement conditions combined with a relatively
flat roadway profile contribute to drainage issues
throughout the corridor. During the field visit,
the team noted standing water in several places,
particularly along the edge of the roadway and at
curb cut locations. Of the 59 crashes that
occurred at the two intersection locations, 21 (or
36%) occurred on wet pavement.
Standing water and rutted pavement is
Utility/Light Poles – Utility/light poles are
prevalent along Southbridge Street.
located very close to edge of the travel lanes
along the corridor posing a potential safety issue
particularly in the interior segments of the corridor where speeds tend to increase in combination
with poor pavement and drainage conditions. While crash data along the entire corridor was not
reviewed as part of this RSA, the crash data at the two intersections noted one fatal crash at the
intersection of Southbridge Road/Main Street involving a utility pole and one non-injury crash at
the intersection of Southbridge Street/Washington Street involving a light pole. Travel speed was
a contributing factor in both crashes.
Pedestrian Accessibility
Sidewalks are provided on both sides of
Southbridge Street along most of the corridor;
however, they are not continuous and generally in
poor condition and covered in debris. Crosswalks
are not provided across the Southbridge Street
within the study area or at the intersections of
Southbridge Street/Washington Street or
Southbridge Road/Main Street.
Sidewalks are generally in poor condition.
Transit Conditions
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) currently operates the Route #42 bus service
along Southbridge Street; however, the bus does not service any stops within the study area. The
team noted that the narrows shoulders and lack of bus pull-outs on Southbridge Street would
make it difficult for buses to safely serve passengers on the side of the road. The limited
pedestrian accommodations within the study area would be a safety concerns for riders.
Page 18
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Other General Observations
The RSA team also noted the following general observations:
 Pavement Markings – Are generally in worn and in poor condition throughout the study
area.
 Solar Glare – Due to the east–west orientation of Southbridge Street, the RSA team noted
that solar glare can be an issue for motorists, particularly during the morning and evening
periods. The team noted that backplates (which would reduce solar glare) are generally
not provided on any of the traffic signal heads throughout the study area.
 Emergency Response – An RSA team member noted that the Town of Auburn does have
Opticom on their emergency response vehicles; however, Opticom detection is not
provided at the signalized intersections within the study area.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Reduce sign clutter/redundant signage and replace outdated/worn signage to reduce
driver confusion.
2. Consider safety benefits of adding a shoulder.
3. Resurface roadway and improve drainage to improve travel conditions for motorists.
4. Relocate utility/light poles away from edge of roadway, as appropriate, to eliminate
conflicts with vehicles in the outside travel lanes.
5. Improve sidewalk conditions for pedestrians.
6. Add crosswalks at key intersections along corridor.
7. Provide bus pull-outs as appropriate to safely accommodate WRTA bus service along
corridor.
8. Improve pavement markings to reduce driver confusion.
9. Add backplates to all east-west facing signal indications to improve visibility.
10. Provide Opticom detection at signalized intersections along the corridor to improve
emergency response times.
Page 19
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Design-Specific Comments:
The RSA team noted the following with respect to the proposed 25% Design Plans:
1. The 25% design plans currently call for a median along the length of Southbridge Street.
The team discussed the potential changes in circulation patterns – substantially more Uturns at the signalized intersections along the corridor. Consider the safety
issues/benefits associated with operational changes due to an increase in U-turn activity
at signalized intersections along the corridor.
2. During the RSA, public safety officials pointed out that crashes along Southbridge Street
during peak demand periods often result in significant queuing/delay. Concerns were
raised about how to manage incidents effectively along the corridor with the median in
place, which would prevent the temporary use of travel lanes in both directions during a
crash event and the potential impacts on traffic congestion. According to MassDOT
District 3 staff, the proposed median is designed such that it would be mountable by
emergency vehicles at most locations (see typical sections in Appendix A). To be
mountable at all locations, elimination of proposed plants in the median should be
considered.
Page 20
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Potential Safety Enhancements
Based on its observations and discussions, the RSA team identified the issues and possible enhancements
that could improve safety along the segment of Southbridge Street (Routes 12/20) between Washington
Street in Auburn and Main Street in Oxford. 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:

Evaluate and update clearance intervals at signalized intersections as necessary; and

Improve Signage/reduce sign clutter.
To enhance the safety of the intersection, the long-term enhancements are to:

Improve access management;

Improve bicycle accommodations;

Improve drainage;

Improve pavement and lane use markings;

Improve pedestrian accommodations;

Improve transit accommodations;

Improve visibility of traffic signal indications; and

Relocate utility poles.
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, the project
is scheduled to be advertised in the summer of 2012. Therefore, the improvements categorized as longterm may be implemented in less than 3 years. The costs are categorized as low (<$10,000), medium
($10,001 to $50,000), or high (>$50,000). It is the responsibility of MassDOT to ensure that the designer
incorporates the relevant safety enhancements identified as part of this RSA. The RSA is intended to
identify potential safety improvements that can be evaluated and included as part of the design process for
the reconstruction. The short-term low-cost potential improvements could be considered by the
responsible agency for implementation prior to reconstruction.
Page 21
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements
Location
Intersection
#1:
Southbridge
Street (Route
12)/Washingt
on Street
(Route 20)
Safety Issue Safety Enhancement
Consider the safety benefits of either increasing the
Lane Usage left-turn storage and/or adding an additional left-turn
& Queuing
lane at Southbridge Street eastbound to
reduce/eliminate conflicts with through traffic.
Eliminate the second stop line/set of signal
indications at Washington Street westbound to
reduce driver confusion.
Evaluate clearance intervals and update as
necessary per current standards.
Reorient Southbridge Street southbound signal
indications, add louvers, and/or other appropriate
Signal
measure so that they are no longer visible from
Indications &
Washington Street westbound.
Clearance
Intervals
Realign Washington Street westbound traffic signal
indications to improve visibility.
Review quantity and placement of traffic signal
indications at Washington Street westbound
approach to ensure that the appropriate number of
signal indications are visible due to the presence of
large trucks.
Consider the appropriateness of installing No Turn on
Red (R10-11a or R10-11b) signage at the
Southbridge Street southbound approach to reduce
Signage
driver confusion.
Remove redundant guide signage at the Washington
Street westbound approach.
Define access points for commercial properties
Access
located along the south side of the intersection to
Management reduce driver confusion and reduce the number of
conflict points.
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Medium
Cost
Responsibility1
Status2
Longterm
High
-
Included in
design
Medium
Longterm
High
-
Included in
design
Medium
Shortterm
Low
MassDOT
Included in
design
Medium
Shortterm
Low
-
Included in
design
Medium
Shortterm
Low
MassDOT
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Medium
Longterm
Low
Designer/MassD
OT
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Medium
Shortterm
Low
Designer/
MassDOT
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Low
Shortterm
Low
-
Included in
design
Medium
Longterm
Medium
-
Included in
design
Page 22
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Location
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
Responsibility1
Status2
-
-
-
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
-
-
-
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
-
-
-
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Maintain left-turn access at Maple Street to/from
Southbridge Street, as is currently provided today.
-
-
-
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Verify the visibility of the proposed signal heads for
Southbridge Street eastbound for minimum sight
distance criteria based on 85th percentile travel
speed.
-
-
-
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Low
Shortterm
Low
-
Included in
design
Safety Issue Safety Enhancement
Intersection
#1:
Southbridge
Design
Street (Route
Specific
12)/Washingt
Comments
on Street
(Route 20) –
(continued)
Intersection
#2:
Southbridge Lane Use &
Road (Route Intersection
20)/Main
Geometry
Street (Route
12)
Evaluate the operating conditions and consider the
safety impacts of creating a yield/merge condition for
Southbridge Street eastbound U-turns.
Evaluate the potential for queue blockage at the
intersection as result of the U-turn yield/merge and
increase in U-turn demand with the median.
Consider potential geometric/signal phasing
modifications, adding additional green time to
Southbridge Street southbound, and/or the addition
of upstream detection within the U-turn receiving lane
to detect queue build-up.
Consider improved guide signage along Southbridge
Street eastbound, such as a graphic guide sign to
illustrate lane use and alert motorists that the inside
lane can be used to reverse direction.
Improve Southbridge Road westbound lane use
markings to reduce driver confusion.
Page 23
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Location
Safety
Issue
Lane Use &
Intersection
Geometry
Signage
Intersection
#2:
Southbridge
Road (Route
20)/Main
Street (Route
12) –
(continued)
Signage
Design
Specific
Comments
Design
Specific
Comments
Safety Enhancement
Improve intersection circulation around center island
and/or improve intersection geometry by removing
island to reduce driver confusion.
Improve signage and/or modify signal phasing to
prohibit/eliminate conflict between that Southbridge
Street westbound “hard lefts” into Periwinkles and
Main Street north-eastbound traffic.
Improve signage at Periwinkles entrance driveway to
improve clarity of turn restrictions and help deter
vehicles from exiting into intersection.
Consider adding No Parking signage along the north
side of Southbridge Road to deter trucks from parking
and accessing Cumberland Farms on foot.
Consider adding improved signage along the
Southbridge Road westbound approach to clarify lane
use and alert drivers that the left-lane can be used for
U-turns
Consider geometric changes to physically preclude
left-turns entering periwinkles driveway; the potential
for closing the driveway and providing access to
Periwinkles via the Walmart driveway; and/or other
appropriate measure to accommodate vehicular
access to Periwinkles.
Along the Southbridge Road eastbound approach,
consider the appropriateness of providing advance
Signal Ahead warning signage (W3-3) to alert
motorists and verify that the minimum required sight
distance for the signal indications are provided
according to the 85th percentile travel speed.
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
Responsibility1
Status2
Low
Longterm
High
-
Included in
design
High
Shortterm
Medium
Low
Shortterm
Low
-
Included in
design
Low
Shortterm
Low
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Low
Longterm
Low
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
-
-
-
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Low
Shortterm
Low
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Included in
design
Page 24
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Location
Safety
Issue
Intersection
#2:
Southbridge
Design
Road (Route
Specific
20)/Main
Comments
Street (Route
12) –
(continued)
Signage
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
Responsibility1
Status2
Along the Southbridge Road westbound approach,
verify that the minimum required sight distance for the
traffic signal indications are provided according to the
th
85 percentile travel speed.
Low
Shortterm
Low
Designer
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Reduce sign clutter/redundant signage and replace
outdated/worn signage to reduce driver confusion.
Low
Medium
-
High
-
High
-
High
-
High
-
Medium
-
Medium
-
Low
-
Low
-
Safety Enhancement
Consider safety benefits of adding a shoulder.
Roadway
Conditions
General
Corridorwide Issues
Pedestrian
Conditions
Transit
Conditions
Pavement
markings
Solar Glare
Resurface roadway and improve drainage to improve
travel conditions for motorists.
Relocate utility/light poles away from edge of roadway,
as appropriate, to eliminate conflicts with vehicles in
the outside travel lanes.
Medium
Medium
High
Improve sidewalk conditions for pedestrians.
Medium
Add crosswalks at key intersections along corridor.
Medium
Provide bus pull-outs as appropriate to safely
accommodate WRTA bus service along corridor.
Improve pavement markings to reduce driver
confusion.
Add backplates to all east-west facing signal
indications to improve visibility.
Low
Low
Low
Shortterm
Longterm
Longterm
Longterm
Longterm
Longterm
Longterm
Longterm
Shortterm
Included in
design
Included in
design
Included in
design
Included in
design
Included in
design
Included in
design
Included in
design
Included in
design
Included in
design
Page 25
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Location
Safety
Issue
Emergency
Response
General
Corridorwide Issues
(continued)
Design
Specific
Comments
Design
Specific
Comments
Safety Enhancement
Provide Opticom detection at signalized intersections
along the corridor to improve emergency response
times.
Consider the safety issues/benefits associated with
the proposed median and the resulting increase in Uturn activity at signalized intersections along the
corridor.
Consider the elimination of the proposed plantings in
the median to allow the median to be mountable by
emergency vehicles in both directions during a crash
event.
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
Responsibility1
Status2
High
Longterm
Medium
-
Included in
design
-
-
-
Designer/
MassDOT
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
-
-
-
Designer/
MassDOT/
Town of Auburn
Needs further
evaluation in
next submittal
Notes:
1. It is the responsibility of MassDOT to ensure that the designer incorporates the relevant safety enhancements identified as part of this RSA.
2. The designer shall ensure that all enhancements listed as “Included in Design” are designed per current MassDOT standards, as appropriate.
Page 26
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. 25% Design Plans OXFORD
AUBURN
OXFORD
AUBURN
OXFORD
AUBURN
OXFORD
AUBURN
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Meeting Agenda Road Safety Audit
Auburn / Oxford
Washington St/Southbridge Rd
& Main St/Southbridge Rd
Meeting Location: Auburn Town Hall,
104 Central Street, Auburn, MA
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Type of meeting:
High Crash Locations – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
10:30 AM
Welcome and Introductions
10:45 AM
Discussion of Safety Issues
• Crash history, Speed Regulations – provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
11:15 AM
Site Visit
• Drive to the intersections of Washington St/Southbridge Rd & Main
St/Southbridge Rd
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
12:00 PM
Discussion of Potential Improvements
• Discuss observations and finalize safety issue areas
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
12:30 PM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on January 25th, participants are encouraged to
drive/walk through the intersections 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
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. RSA Audit Team Contact List Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Location: Auburn Town Hall, 104 Central Street, Auburn, MA
Audit Team Members
Agency/Affiliation
E-mail Address
Bill Coyle
Town of Auburn
wcoyle@town.auburn.ma.us
Joanna Paquin
Town of Auburn
jpaquin@town.auburn.ma.us
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning
Kevin Krasnecky
kkrasnecky@cmrpc.org
Commission (CMRPC)
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning
Sujatha Mohanakrishnan
sujatha@cmrpc.org
Commission (CMRPC)
Stephen Anderson
Auburn Fire Department
sanderson@town.auburn.ma.us
Arthur Resca
MassDOT District 3 – Maintenance
Arthur.resca@state.ma.us
Thuong Phan
MassDOT District 3
Thuong.phan@state.ma.us
Alolade Campbell
MassDOT District 3 – Traffic
Alolade.campbell@state.ma.us
Joe Frawley
MassDOT District 3 – Traffic
Joseph.frawley@state.ma.us
Jay Johnson
Auburn Police Department
Jay.johnson@auburnmasspolice.org
Mike Hassett
Oxford Police Department
mhassett@town.oxford.ma.us
Adam Burney
Auburn Town Planner
aburney@town.auburn.ma.us
Sean Divoll
Oxford DPW Director
sdivoll@town.oxford.ma.us
Greg Russell
VHB
grussell@vhb.com
Lisa Schletzbaum
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
lisa.schletzbaum@state.ma.us
Ted Brovitz
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
tbrovitz@hshassoc.com
Joe SanClemente
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
js@hshassoc.com
Phone Number
(508) 832-7814
(508) 832-7814
(508) 459-3314
(508) 459-3335
(508) 832-3333
(508) 929-3848
(508) 929-3937
(508) 929-3916
(508) 929-3916
(508) 832-7778
(508) 987-0156
(508) 832-7704
(508) 987-6006
(508) 752-1001
(617) 973-7685
(617) 348-3308
(617) 482-7080
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix D. Detailed Crash Data Crash Data Summary Table
Intersection of Southbridge St and Washington St; Auburn, MA
March 27, 2007 - August 19, 2011
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Crash
Date
Crash Day
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Tuesday
Saturday
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
Time of Day
3/27/07
5/3/07
5/5/07
5/8/07
5/12/07
8/2/07
8/9/07
8/10/07
8/15/07
9/18/07
9/23/07
11/7/07
11/9/07
11/22/07
12/28/07
Wednesday
Tuesday
Sunday
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
Friday
1:04 AM
1:36 PM
1:01 PM
3:38 PM
5:48 PM
11:03 AM
4:01 PM
1/18/08
1/25/08
2/10/08
3/2/08
3/24/08
4/16/08
4/24/08
5/31/08
7/31/08
8/5/08
26 8/7/08
Friday
Friday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Thursday
Tuesday
8:41 AM
12:19 PM
10:15 AM
5:59 PM
7:03 PM
2:08 PM
8:11 AM
2:55 PM
8:27 PM
8:05 AM
2:15 PM
1:07 PM
10:56 AM
5:58 AM
12:05 PM
9:46 AM
6:39 PM
7:28 AM
Manner of Collision
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Light Condition
Daylight
Weather Condition
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dusk
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Road Surface
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - roadway not lighted
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Snow
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dawn
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Rain
Clear
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Thursday
10:22 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
5:43 PM
4:43 PM
4:05 PM
11:22 PM
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Rain
Rain
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Rain
Snow
Clear
Rain
Wet
Wet
Wet
Wet
Dry
Wet
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Wet
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
9/27/08
10/28/08
12/10/08
1/2/09
1/22/09
1/29/09
2/27/09
2/27/09
3/1/09
3/20/09
4/3/09
Saturday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
Friday
Sunday
Friday
Friday
8:03 AM
3:45 PM
2:18 PM
7:03 PM
4:02 PM
6:22 PM
11:22 AM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
38
39
40
41
7/1/09
7/9/09
7/24/09
9/11/09
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday
11:04 PM
9:21 PM
7:02 AM
6:34 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Clear
Rain
Rain
Wet
Dry
Wet
Wet
Friday
Friday
Friday
2:04 PM
3:20 PM
3:30 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
42 2/11/11
43 5/20/11
44 8/19/11
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Auburn, Oxford, & State Police Departments.
Driver Contributing Code
Inattention
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Followed too closely
Exceeded authorized speed limit
Followed too closely
Unknown
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Visibility Obstructed
Inattention
Followed too closely
Inattention
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
Unknown
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
Unknown
Inattention
Inattention
Followed too closely
Inattention
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
Inattention
Inattention
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Inattention
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Other improper action
Other improper action
Ages
50
58
24
33
unk
37
81
49
27
41
17
35
50
36
24
74
55
53
58
72
24
unk
50
59
62
46
57
34
22
48
39
46
55
Comments
Hit and run.
36
Hit a traffic light pole. Operator
arrested for OUI.
unk
28
19
34
54
33
Operator stated that vehicle's
windshield fogged. Hit guard rail that
protects the median. Officer stated that
the sign marking the median had been
damaged/removed in previous
accident.
34
17
53
54
61
44
25
35
27
45
29
47
26
17
38
41
24
51
unk
44
39
56
35
29
36
19
57
33
18
52
unk
30
29
42
44
61
34
18
19
57
25
40
44
21
59
39
47
59
Could not be mapped.
67
Officer stated that there was a construction
crew in vicinity and there were some barrels
partially in the right lane. The traffic light
was not visible until directly underneath it.
pavement.
18
41
Hit and run.
Hit and run.
Road Safety Audit
Routes 12/20 (Two Locations), Auburn/Oxford
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix E. Additional Information