ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Highland Street Corridor (Highland at Park Avenue, Lancaster Street, Harvard Street, Main Street
and Lincoln Street/Belmont Street)
Pleasant Street/Chandler Street/Mower Street
City of Worcester
January 15, 2013
Prepared For:
MassDOT Highway Division
Prepared By:
BETA Group, Inc.
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table of Contents
Project Data .................................................................................................................................1
Background .................................................................................................................................2
Project Description .....................................................................................................................2
Audit Observations ...................................................................................................................13
Potential Safety Enhancements ...............................................................................................19
Summary of Road Safety Audit...............................................................................................24
List of Appendices
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
RSA Meeting Agenda
RSA Audit Team Contact List
Detailed Crash Data
Speed Regulations
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Location Map – Highland Street ............................................................................................ 3
Location Map – Pleasant Street/Chandler Street/Mower Street ........................................... 11
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 1
Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown ..................................................................... 19
Potential Safety Enhancement Summary ............................................................................. 25
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Project Data
A Road Safety Audit for High Crash Locations along the Highland Street Corridor and the intersection of
Pleasant Street, Chandler Street and Mower Street in the City of Worcester was held on November 14,
2012 at the Worcester Police Department in Worcester, MA. As indicated in Table 1, the audit team
consisted of representatives from State, Regional and Local agencies and included a cross-section of
engineering, planning and emergency response expertise.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Agency/Affiliation
Lisa Schletzbaum
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Corey O’Connor
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Silpa Munukutla
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Dan Daniska
CMRPC
Kevin Krasnecky
CMRPC
Joe Borbone
City Engineer – Department of Public Works and Parks
Lt. Tim Walsh
Worcester Police – Traffic
P.O. John Collamore
Worcester Police – Operations
P.O. William Auger
Worcester Police – Operations
P.O. Mike Brunstetter
Worcester Police – Operations
Jackie Carver
HSH (Designer)
Bridget Myers
HSH (Designer)
Michael Bruce
MassDOT Highway Division – District 3 Traffic
Joe Frawley
MassDOT Highway Division – District 3 Traffic
John Sullivan
Worcester Fire
Greg Lucas
BETA Group, Inc.
Justin Curewitz
BETA Group, Inc.
Page 1
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Background
The Federal Highway Administration defines a Road Safety Audit (RSA) as the formal safety examination
of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. The purpose of an
RSA is to identify potential safety issues and possible opportunities for safety improvements considering
all roadway users. A Road Safety Audit was scheduled for High Crash Locations in Worcester, including
five intersections along Highland Street – Park Avenue, Lancaster Street, Harvard Street, Main Street and
Lincoln Street/Belmont Street – and the intersection of Pleasant Street, Chandler Street and Mower Street.
All six intersections have been identified as high crash locations within the Central Massachusetts
Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) region, and an RSA is required by MassDOT design guidelines
for high crash locations. The intersections of Highland Street and Park Avenue, Highland Street at Harvard
Street, Highland Street at Main Street, and Highland Street at Lincoln Street and Belmont Street are on
MassDOT’s Top 200 list of High Crash Intersections from 2008 to 2010. All study intersections are
scheduled for improvements under a project currently under design intended to improve safety and traffic
operations with spot improvements at 18 intersections along the Highland Street and Pleasant Street
corridor. The project is currently funded through the 2013 CMRPC Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP). The RSA is intended to identify potential short and long term safety improvements that can be made
at the intersections, which can then be implemented through general maintenance for short term low cost
improvements or incorporated into the planned project to the greatest extent practicable.
Project Description
Highland Street, shown in Figure 1, is a Principal Arterial providing east-west access through the City of
Worcester to the downtown core. Route 9 follows Highland Street from Park Avenue to Lincoln Street,
then follows Belmont Street and crosses I-290 approximately 1,000 feet east of Lincoln Street. Belmont
Street provides access to I-290 westbound, while vehicles bound for I-290 eastbound from Highland
Street must follow Lincoln Street northbound.
The six intersections included in the audit are discussed in detail below.
Highland Street/Park Avenue
Highland Street and Park Avenue
form a 4-legged signalized
intersection. Park Avenue generally
follows a northeast-southwest
alignment and provides a de facto
dividing line between the densely
spaced urban core and the more
suburban western portion of the city.
Park Avenue carries Routes 12 and
122A through the intersection and
carries Route 9 south of the
Highland Street at Park Avenue (looking west)
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RSA INTERSECTION
Road Safety Audit
Highland Street
Worcester, MA
Figure 1
Location Map
Highland Street Corridor
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
intersection; Route 9 follows Highland Street east of the intersection. Park Avenue is classified as a
Principal Arterial south of Highland Street and an Urban Principal Arterial north of Highland Street.
Highland Street west of Park Avenue is classified as an Urban Minor Arterial. Highland Street and Park
Avenue are both under City of Worcester jurisdiction.
Highland Street provides a single lane of travel in each direction approaching Park Avenue, widening in
both directions to provide a left turn lane at the intersection. Lane widths are narrow and no shoulders or
edge lines are provided. The right turn from Highland Street eastbound to Park Avenue southbound is
accommodated within a channelized right turn lane. Park Avenue provides two lanes of travel in each
direction approaching Highland Street, with left turns accommodated from a shared left/through lane at
the intersection. The southbound approach widens to three lanes to provide a narrow right turn lane.
Crosswalks are provided across all four legs of the intersection and across the eastbound channelized right
turn lane. A triangular island separates the right turn lane and provides refuge for pedestrians. Pedestrian
signals are not provided across this lane, but are provided for the four primary street crossings. Land use
in the area consists of a Price Chopper supermarket on the northeast corner, Elm Park on the southeast
corner, a wooded area bordering Doherty High School on the southwest corner, and residential properties
on the northwest corner. It was noted that a bus stop is located on the south side of Highland Street east of
the intersection, and that pedestrians often cross directly from the bus stop to the Price Chopper instead of
using the crosswalk provided at the intersection. It was also noted that high school students cut through
the wooded area and cross at various points along Park Avenue south of Highland Street. Elm Park, a 60
acre public park, also impacts pedestrian travel at the intersection. Continuous sidewalks are provided
along both sides of both intersecting streets.
The traffic signal provides a protected left turn for Highland Street in each direction and
protected/permissive operation for the southbound Park Avenue left turn from a shared lane. It was noted
that locals avoid the intersection due to congestion during peak periods.
Crash data provided by MassDOT show 76 crashes occurred for the three year period from 2009 to 2011.
Rear-end crashes comprise 38% of total crashes and occurred in all four directions – seven westbound, six
northbound, five eastbound and five southbound. 34% of crashes were angle crashes; with 15 involving
vehicles exiting the Price Chopper driveway located approximately 220 feet in advance of the westbound
stop line. Eight crashes involved vehicles exiting Price Chopper turning left, two involved vehicles
exiting right, and five did not provide enough information to determine direction. Drivers begin to form
two lanes eastbound at the Price Chopper driveway, especially during peak periods, although the marked
turn lane does not begin until after the driveway. A number of these crashes are defined as “courtesy
crashes”, where a through vehicle provides a break for the exiting vehicle, which is then struck by a
vehicle either in the inside lane or traveling in the opposite direction.
Also of note is the number of sideswipe crashes which occurred at the intersection. Five sideswipe
crashes occurred on the southbound Park Avenue approach, with an additional four crashes on Park
Avenue southbound departing the intersection. The approach crashes are likely the result of abrupt lane
changes or due to the narrow lanes on the southbound approach. The departure crashes may be the result
of poor alignment of the southbound lanes through the intersection. Three additional sideswipe crashes
occurred at the intersection – one eastbound, one northbound approaching the intersection, and one
northbound departing the intersection.
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Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
The intersection ranks 24th on MassDOT’s statewide list of Top Crash Intersections from 2008 to 2010.
The MassDOT ranking is based on the number and severity of crashes in MassDOT’s database which can
be georeferenced to a cluster area around the intersection. This cluster area experienced 83 crashes in the
three year period, with 21 of the 83 crashes involving an injury. The variance in crash totals may be the
result of local crash reports not being submitted to the statewide system, or the difference in areas due to
the automated nature of the geocoding process. The ranking is based on a weighted system which
calculates the Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) rating of the intersection. Fatal crashes are
weighted 10 times and injury crashes are weighted 5 times. There were no fatal crashes at the intersection
in the period.
Highland Street/Lancaster Street
Highland Street and Lancaster Street
form a 4-legged signalized
intersection. Lancaster Street is oneway southbound from Salisbury Street
to the north, connecting to Linden
Street to the south and generally
running parallel to Main Street along
the edge of the City’s downtown core.
Lancaster Street is classified as an
Urban Minor Arterial. Land use in the
area consists of a mix of multi-family
residential buildings, some of which
Highland Street at Lancaster Street (looking west)
have been converted for office space.
A parking lot fills the block between Lancaster Street and Harvard Street to the east on the north side of
Highland Street. A retaining wall borders the parking lot on the east side of Lancaster Street. Highland
Street and Lancaster Street are both under City of Worcester jurisdiction.
Highland Street provides two lanes in each direction east of Lancaster Street, and one lane of travel in
each direction west of Lancaster Street. The eastbound approach widens to provide two general purpose
lanes for approximately 175 feet, with no left turns due to the one-way southbound alignment of
Lancaster Street. The westbound approach provides an exclusive left turn lane to Lancaster Street and a
single through lane. The left travel lane is a continuous lane but becomes a left turn lane at Lancaster
Street, which has the potential to trap drivers intending to continue through the intersection due to lack of
advance lane control signage. Lancaster Street southbound provides a three lane approach, intending to
operate as a left turn lane, through lane and right turn lane; however, markings are faded and no lane
control signage is provided to indicate the desired lane assignments. The Lancaster Street departure
appears wide enough for two travel lanes, but is not clearly delineated as such.
The traffic signal provides protected/permissive operation for the westbound left turn. It was noted that
vehicles often continue westbound from the left turn lane, and that the left turn lane is in fact better
aligned than the through lane with the single westbound departure lane. Crosswalks are provided across
all four legs of the intersection, with a pushbutton activated exclusive pedestrian phase. Continuous
sidewalks are provided on both sides of both intersecting streets.
Page 5
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Crash data provided by MassDOT show 40 crashes occurred for the three year period from 2009 to 2011.
Twenty crashes were angle crashes, with ten occurring between a westbound through vehicle and a
southbound vehicle and eight occurring between an eastbound through vehicle and a southbound vehicle.
Thirteen crashes were noted to have occurred under flashing lights operation, and 57% of total crashes
occurred between 10 PM and 6 AM. The City of Worcester operates many traffic signals under flashing
operation during the overnight hours. Also of note are seven sideswipe crashes at the intersection, six of
which involved westbound vehicles traveling straight from the left turn lane.
Highland Street/Harvard Street
Highland Street and Harvard Street
form a 4-legged signalized
intersection approximately 300 feet
east of the Highland Street/Lancaster
Street intersection. Harvard Street is
one-way northbound and is
functionally classified as an Urban
Minor Arterial. Land use west of
Harvard Street is similar to that
Highland Street at Harvard Street (looking east)
described for Lancaster Street – multifamily residential buildings and small offices south of Highland Street, and a parking lot north of
Highland Street. The block east of Harvard Street is dominated by two facilities no longer in regular use:
the Worcester Auditorium on the north side of Highland Street, and the former courthouse on the south
side of Highland Street. Highland Street and Harvard Street are both under City of Worcester jurisdiction.
Highland Street provides two lanes of travel in each direction at Harvard Street, with eastbound left turns
accommodated from a shared lane. Harvard Street northbound provides two through lanes at Highland
Street and has two defined lanes departing the intersection. It is assumed that through movements can
occur from either lane, as no lane control signage is provided to indicate the desired lane assignments.
The traffic signal operates under simple two phase operation with an exclusive pedestrian phase.
Crosswalks are provided across all four legs of the intersection, and continuous sidewalks are provided on
both sides of each intersecting street.
Crash data provided by MassDOT show 60 crashes occurred for the three year period from 2009 to 2011.
The prevalent crash type were angle crashes, comprising 73% of total crashes. Thirty-seven of these angle
crashes occurred between an eastbound through vehicle and a northbound vehicle, and six occurred
between a westbound through vehicle and a northbound vehicle. Many crashes were noted as a red light
violation or reported as “both drivers stated that they had the green light”. Red light running may be a
result of driver frustration due to traffic congestion, but may also indicate clearance time deficiencies or
signal visibility issues. It is worth noting that the traffic signals at Harvard Street are all post mounted,
rather than overhead signals, which are provided at adjacent signalized intersections along Highland
Street. Harvard Street also intersects Highland Street at a crest vertical curve, which may further
exacerbate signal visibility concerns.
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Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Also of note are seven rear-end crashes involving westbound vehicles. This also may be the result of
signal visibility deficiencies or driver frustration. Two rear-end crashes involved eastbound vehicles.
The intersection ranks 34th on MassDOT’s statewide list of Top Crash Intersections from 2008 to 2010.
This cluster area experienced 71 crashes in the three year period, with 21 of the 71 crashes involving an
injury. The variance in crash totals may be the result of local crash reports not being submitted to the
statewide system, or the difference in areas due to the automated nature of the geocoding process. There
were no fatal crashes at the intersection in the period.
Highland Street/Main Street/Grove Street
Highland Street, Main Street and Grove Street form an intersection under signalized control. The
approach and departure roadways for Main Street are divided by an underpass structure which allows
southbound traffic from Salisbury Street to bypass the surface intersection at Highland Street. Grove
Street also has separate approach and departure legs, divided by a concrete and grass median island. Main
Street is functionally classified as an Urban Minor Arterial, and provides access to Worcester’s downtown
area. Grove Street is also classified as an Urban Minor Arterial, and has an intersection with Salisbury
Street approximately 700 feet north of Highland Street. Highland Street, Main Street and Grove Street are
all under City of Worcester jurisdiction.
Highland Street at Grove Street (left) and Main Street (right) (looking east)
Main Street provides a wide, undefined lane northbound, and has a turn lane in advance of the stopline
which allows vehicles to make a U-turn to Main Street southbound without entering the intersection.
Grove Street provides two lanes southbound, with two receiving lanes on Main Street departing the
intersection. Graphical no left turn signs are posted for the Grove Street approach. Highland Street
provides two through lanes in each direction, with a channelized right turn lane eastbound separated by a
triangular island.
The separation of the approach and departure lanes for both Main Street and Grove Street creates a wide
overall intersection which appears to be two separate intersections, separated by a 50 foot segment with
striped lanes. This configuration is the result of modifications made by the City approximately 15 years
ago to provide access from Main Street north of Highland Street. Signal phasing as implemented by the
City is intended to clear vehicles through the entire intersection in either direction on Highland Street and
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Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
also for left turns from Main Street. It was noted that confusion exists as to the intended signal operation,
especially amongst vehicles turning left from Main Street. The location of the overhead signals for the
westbound Highland Street approach makes them visible to left turning vehicles, who may not realize that
the intended operation of the intersection assumes that they will ignore these overhead signal indications.
It was also noted that Main Street drivers that do continue through the intersection may not expect that
they have to yield to Grove Street traffic, which by design has a green indication at the same time as Main
Street. Finally, it was noted that drivers attempt to turn left from Grove Street despite the posted
restriction.
A crosswalk is provided across the west leg of Highland Street, across the channelized eastbound right
turn lane, and across both the approach and departure legs of both Main Street and Grove Street.
Continuous sidewalks are provided on both sides of all intersecting streets.
Crash data are discussed below in tandem with crash data for the Lincoln Square intersection.
Highland Street/Belmont Street/Lincoln Street/Major Taylor Boulevard (Lincoln Square)
Highland Street, Belmont Street, Lincoln Street and Major Taylor Boulevard form a 4-legged intersection
under signal control. The intersection is closely spaced with the intersection of Highland Street/Main
Street/Grove Street, with approximately 105 feet of storage for westbound vehicles between Lincoln
Street and the westbound stop line at Grove Street. Highland Street and Belmont Street carry Route 9 in
an east-west alignment. Lincoln Street carries Route 70 north of the intersection. Highland Street,
Belmont Street and Lincoln Street are functionally classified as Principal Arterials, while Major Taylor
Boulevard is classified as an Urban Principal Arterial. Land use in the area includes: the main
headquarters of the Worcester Police Department located on the southeast corner of the intersection; a
medical and office building on the northeast corner; a parking garage on the parcel between Major Taylor
Boulevard and Main Street on the southwest corner; and a municipal building and green space on the
northwest corner. Highland Street, Belmont Street, Lincoln Street and Major Taylor Boulevard are all
under City of Worcester jurisdiction.
Highland Street at Lincoln Street (left) and Major Taylor Blvd (right) (looking east)
Page 8
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Highland Street provides three eastbound through lanes and an exclusive left turn lane at the intersection.
The left turn lane is separated from the through lanes by a flush cobblestone area approximately 35 feet in
length. Belmont Street westbound provides a left turn lane, two through lanes, and a channelized right
turn lane to Lincoln Street northbound separated by a large planted island. Lincoln Street southbound has
a four lane cross section with two left turn lanes and two through lanes. Major Taylor Boulevard
northbound provides a left turn lane and three through lanes. All four legs of the intersection are median
divided.
Crosswalks are provided across all four legs of the intersection and across the channelized right turn lane
from Belmont Street to Lincoln Street northbound. Pedestrian signals are provided for the four primary
street crossings. Continuous sidewalks are provided on both sides of all four intersecting streets.
Crash data provided by MassDOT show 126 crashes occurred for the three year period from 2009 to 2011
at the Lincoln Square intersection and the intersection of Highland Street, Main Street and Grove Street.
The prevalent crash type were angle crashes, comprising 53% of total crashes. Angle crashes were more
prevalent at the Highland Street/Main Street/Grove Street intersection. Seventeen angle crashes occurred
at this intersection between an eastbound through vehicle and a westbound vehicle turning left to Main
Street, potentially indicating visibility issues, clearance time deficiencies or clearance time violations due
to driver frustration. Ten angle crashes occurred between a vehicle turning left from Main Street and a
Grove Street vehicle, confirming audit participants’ concern that the intersection alignment and
permissive operation of left turns from Main Street may create confusion. Twelve crashes involved a
southbound Grove Street vehicle and an eastbound through vehicle, which also may indicate visibility
concerns, clearance time deficiencies or driver frustration. It is also worth noting that six crashes involved
a vehicle turning left from Grove Street, a movement which is prohibited by signage.
Rear-end crashes are also common at the intersections, comprising 31% of total crashes. Of particular
note are twelve rear-end crashes involving the yield-controlled channelized right turn lane from Belmont
Street westbound to Lincoln Street northbound. Rear-end crashes on this type of yield alignment are
common because of variances in driver behavior in yield situations, exacerbated by the fact that the ramp
alignment requires drivers to be looking over their shoulder to judge available gaps rather than forward
where a vehicle may still be stopped unexpectedly. Driver frustration due to traffic congestion may also
contribute to more aggressive driver patterns at this particular yield point. Visibility restrictions created
by vegetation in the island may also be a contributing factor, and was specifically noted in the crash
report for one of the twelve crashes. Five rear-end crashes occurred on the Lincoln Street southbound
approach, five on Belmont Street westbound, and four each on Highland eastbound at Lincoln Street and
Highland westbound at Main Street.
One bicycle crash occurred at the intersection in which the cyclist did not stop at a red light and was
presumably struck by a motorist who had the right of way. Three pedestrian crashes occurred at the
intersection – one in which a driver hit a utility pole to avoid an unconscious pedestrian in the roadway,
and two where a pedestrian was struck crossing Route 9 at the Lincoln Square intersection.
Also of note are four sideswipe crashes along Lincoln Street southbound or in the left turn from Lincoln
Street to Belmont Street eastbound, which may indicate confusion over the dual left turn lane. Sideswipe
crashes also occurred on Major Taylor Boulevard northbound, on a northbound right turn to Belmont
Street eastbound, and in both directions in the segment between Main Street and Lincoln Street. These
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Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
types of crashes may indicate deficiencies with lane delineation or lack of arrow markings or signage
providing advance notice of lane assignments.
Three separate segments of the crash summary area rank on MassDOT’s statewide list of Top Crash
Intersections from 2008 to 2010. The definition of specific areas and variance in crash totals are due to
the automated nature of the geocoding process, Highland Street at Main Street ranks 125th on the list, with
53 crashes in the three year period, including 15 injury crashes. Highland Street, Main Street, Lincoln
Street and Major Taylor Boulevard combine to rank 26th on the list, with 88 crashes in the three year
period, including 19 injury crashes. The segment of Belmont Street east of Lincoln Street ranks 28th on
the list, with 85 crashes in the three year period including 19 injury crashes. It was noted on the day of the
audit that the combination of these three areas would rank 2nd in the entire state. There were no fatal
crashes at the intersection in the period.
Pleasant Street/Chandler Street/Mower Street (Tatnuck Square)
The intersection of Pleasant Street, Chandler Street and Mower Street, also known as Tatnuck Square, is
shown in Figure 2. Pleasant Street is an east-west roadway with Chandler Street approaching from the
south and Mower Street approaching from the north. Mower Street splits approaching the intersection to
provide two separate two-way segments intersecting with Pleasant Street under signalized control. The
resultant intersection where the two segments merge is under yield control in all directions. Route 122
follows Chandler Street south of the intersection and Pleasant Street west of the intersection, with those
two roadway segments classified as Urban Principal Arterials. Pleasant Street east of the intersection is
classified as an Urban Minor Arterial, while Mower Street is classified as an Urban Collector. Land use in
the immediate vicinity of the intersection is commercial, with residential uses north and west of the
intersection and additional commercial use south and east. A gas station is located on the southwest
corner of the intersection, a Sovereign Bank is located on the northwest corner, a People’s United Bank is
located on the northeast corner adjacent to the merge of the two Mower Street segments, and an
automotive service station is located on the northeast corner. A commercial building housing multiple
businesses is located on the southeast corner. Pleasant Street, Chandler Street and Mower Street are all
under City of Worcester jurisdiction in the vicinity of the intersection.
Due to the split legs of Mower Street, the overall intersection is in reality comprised of three separate
intersections with the two along Pleasant Street under traffic signal control and the northern intersection
of the two Mower Street segments under yield control. Pleasant Street westbound provides a wide
undefined lane approaching the eastern leg of Mower Street, then provides two defined lanes between the
two Mower Street legs. Pleasant Street eastbound provides a shared lane for left turns and throughs, and
an exclusive right turn lane. The exclusive right turn lane forms from a continuous through lane and is not
well signed or marked, creating a trap lane for drivers unfamiliar with the area. Chandler Street
northbound provides an exclusive left turn lane and a shared lane for through vehicles and right turning
vehicles. It should be noted that vehicles bound from Chandler Street northbound to Pleasant Street
eastbound are likely to use Mill Street to bypass the intersection. Mower Street provides a single lane
approach southbound, which splits into two separate two-way segments approximately 125 feet north of
Pleasant Street. The island between the two legs of Mower Street provides pedestrian refuge at its
southern end and mulch and vegetation forming its northern end.
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RSA INTERSECTION
Road Safety Audit
Highland Street
Worcester, MA
Figure 2
Location Map
Chandler St @ Pleasant St
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Pleasant Street at Chandler Street and Mower Street (looking west)
Crosswalks are provided across all intersection legs at the primary intersection and across the Mower
Street leg and the eastern leg of Pleasant Street at the eastern intersection. Pushbuttons and an exclusive
pedestrian phase are provided for all crosswalks. Continuous sidewalks are provided along both sides of
all intersecting streets.
Crash data provided by MassDOT show 23 crashes occurred for the three year period from 2007 to 2009.
Eleven of the 23 crashes were angle crashes, including five entering or exiting the gas station on the
southwest corner of the intersection. Two angle crashes involved vehicles entering or exiting the
Sovereign Bank on the northwest corner of the intersection. Also of note are seven rear-end crashes at the
intersection. Four occurred in the eastbound direction; two on the intersection approach, and two
departing the intersection. It was noted that confusion may exist over whether eastbound vehicles need to
stop at the eastern intersection with Mower Street due to the lack of stop bar and limited visibility of the
signal heads. This confusion may have been a contributing factor in one rear-end crash.
One crash involving a bicycle occurred at the intersection between a bicyclist traveling northbound and a
vehicle traveling eastbound. Two crashes involved sideswipes with parked cars – one along the eastbound
departure lane and one on the eastern Mower Street leg in the vicinity of the bank. Parking is legally
allowed in both of these areas.
Page 12
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Audit Observations
Following a brief introduction to the RSA process and a summary of existing geometry and crash
information, the audit participants were asked to discuss safety issues at the six study intersections. The
review of the existing intersection conditions included a review of aerial photos and Google Street View
images, during which time audit participants offered observations on safety issues. A summary of those
major safety considerations is as follows:
Highland Street/Park Avenue

A number of safety issues are related to the Price Chopper driveway on the eastern Highland Street
leg of the intersection.
o Grading – The grade differential between Highland Street and the Price Chopper parking
area creates a noticeable slope entering and exiting the driveway which may impact
driver behavior and operations. This may be a contributing factor in the significant crash
history at this driveway.
o Pavement Markings – Markings are faded in the parking lot at the driveway exit, which
may cause confusion for entering and exiting drivers who are not aware of the intended
traffic flow. This also may be a contributing factor in the significant crash history at this
driveway.
o Bus Stop – The bus stop on the south side of Highland Street east of the intersection is
across from the Price Chopper entrance, and bus passengers often cross at this location
where no crosswalk exists. It should be noted that an unprotected crosswalk is provided
at Russell Street east of the Price Chopper building.
o Sidewalk Delineation – It was noted that there is no visual difference in the sidewalk at
the driveway and on either side of the driveway. Pedestrians may not realize that they are
within the limits of the driveway apron, which is approximately 135 feet in length to
allow vehicles access to the paved area along the building as well as the driveway.

Cut-Through Traffic – It was noted that drivers are known to use Russell Street and Elm Street to
avoid the intersection during peak periods due to traffic congestion.

Skewed Alignment – The through lanes on the southbound Park Avenue approach do not clearly align
with the through lanes on the departure side of the intersection. This may be a factor in sideswipe
crashes involving southbound vehicles.

Southbound Right Turns – The narrow southbound right turn lane and the tight radius on the
northwest corner make it difficult for all vehicles to navigate the right turn without encroaching on
the through lane. One sideswipe crash occurred on this approach involving a right turning vehicle.
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Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Pavement Condition – The pavement is rutted on the
intersection approaches, especially in the westbound
direction.

Signage – An existing sign supplementing the southbound
left turn signal is substandard and faded, greatly reducing its
effectiveness.

Signage – A “Right Turn Must Turn Right” sign for the
southbound right turn lane is located well in advance of the entrance to the right turn lane, which may
cause drivers to think that the right travel lane becomes an exclusive turn lane, which is not the case.
This may be a factor in sideswipe crashes on this approach.

Signal Visibility – Audit participants noted that the post-mounted signal for the southbound approach
located in the island on the southwest corner is not clearly visible to approaching traffic because of
visibility constraints created by queued vehicles.

Lane Trap – The eastbound and westbound Highland Street approaches both widen to provide a left
turn lane, but do not provide a painted taper or dotted edge line to shield the left turn lane. Drivers
following the double yellow center line may inadvertently end up in the left turn lane when they
intended to continue through the intersection. This may be a factor in the sideswipe crash on the
eastbound approach and rear-end crashes on both the eastbound and westbound approaches.

Southbound Left Turns – Southbound left turns are accommodated under protected/permissive
phasing within a lane shared by left turning vehicles and through vehicles. Left turning vehicles
queue in this lane during peak periods due to the protected/permissive phasing, which causes through
vehicles to quickly switch lanes to avoid delay, which may be a contributing factor in sideswipe
crashes. Crashes between left turning vehicles and northbound through vehicles may also be a result
of the permissive phase.

Left Turn Restrictions – It was noted that left turns are restricted from Highland Street eastbound to
the residential side streets north of Highland Street from 7:00 to 9:00 AM. These restrictions are in
place to prevent cut-through traffic along these side streets. There was some discussion amongst audit
participants of eliminating these restrictions to ease congestion at the study intersection, but it was
decided that these restrictions should remain intact.
Highland Street/Lancaster Street

Left Turn Lane – A number of safety concerns are related to the Highland Street westbound left turn
lane at Lancaster Street. These are all likely contributing factors in the history of sideswipe crashes
involving westbound vehicles.
o Lane Trap – As previously noted, the inside westbound through lane becomes an
exclusive left turn lane at the intersection, which has the potential to trap drivers
intending to continue through the intersection.
Page 14
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
o Signage – The lack of lane control signage prevents drivers unfamiliar with the
intersection from being aware of the left turn lane trap.
o Lane Alignment – It was noted that the left turn lane is in fact better aligned than the
through lane with the single westbound departure lane.

Visibility – The retaining wall along the east side of Lancaster Street north of the intersection blocks
visibility for approaching vehicles, which reduces awareness of vehicles traveling along Highland
Street. This may be a contributing factor in the number of crashes occurring during flashing
operation. It was specifically noted that the wall blocks both visibility and sound, which reduces
awareness of lights and sirens from emergency vehicles.

Turning Radius – The turning radius on the northwest corner of the intersection was noted by the fire
department as a potential safety issue. Trucks must encroach on the other Lancaster Street lanes or on
the eastbound Highland Street lanes to make a right turn onto Highland Street westbound.

Sun Glare – Sun glare is a concern along Highland Street and for vehicles turning left from Lancaster
Street.

Wrong Way Traffic – It was noted that wrong way traffic is sometimes an issue south of the
intersection, with vehicles approaching the intersection northbound on Lancaster Street. It should be
noted that no crashes appear to be attributable to this condition.

Flashing Operation – The number of crashes occurring overnight when the traffic signal is flashing
suggests that flashing operation should be discontinued at this location.
Highland Street/Harvard Street

Signal Visibility – Signals at Harvard Street are post mounted, rather than overhead, as are provided
at adjacent intersections along Highland Street. Harvard Street also intersects Highland Street at a
crest vertical curve, which may exacerbate visibility concerns. The eastbound signal head on the left
side is difficult to see in advance of the stop bar because it is twisted. Signal visibility is a likely
factor in the crash history of the intersection.

Westbound Driver Behavior – It was noted that westbound Highland Street drivers exhibit aggressive
behavior through the Harvard Street intersection due to congestion along the corridor and due to the
left lane trap at Lancaster Street. Drivers most likely familiar with the lane trap will stay in the left
lane to bypass slower traffic, and then cut into the right lane in advance of Lancaster Street.

Lane Delineation – The lack of lane delineation on Harvard Street causes drivers to occupy the
parking lane and create a four lane approach.

Red Light Violations – A significant number of red light violations were noted in the crash history of
the intersection. This may be the result of poor signal visibility, driver frustration due to noted
congestion, or inadequate existing clearance time.
Page 15
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Highland Street/Main Street/Grove Street
Highland Street/Belmont Street/Lincoln Street/Major Taylor Boulevard (Lincoln Square)
Safety issues at these closely-spaced intersections were discussed and are presented in tandem.

Permissive Operation – The history of angle crashes at the intersection show a potential safety issue
related to the permissive operation of the Main Street and Grove Street approaches. Drivers can make
a left turn safety into the striped median area before needing to yield to on-coming Grove Street
traffic, which from the driver’s perspective is approaching from the right. This creates an unexpected
situation for the driver, who does not typically expect to yield to traffic from the right at a signalized
location, and therefore would not expect that Grove Street traffic has a green indication at the same
time.

Signal Design - Drivers turning left from Main Street may expect that they have to make an
intermediary stop before crossing the Grove Street southbound departure lanes based on both
intersection layout and the placement of overhead signals which are intended for the westbound
Highland Street approach.

Eastbound Driver Behavior – It was noted that eastbound Highland Street drivers exhibit aggressive
behavior through the corridor during peak periods. Drivers bound for the left turn lane at Lincoln
Street will stay in the right lane past Harvard Street to avoid conflicts with turning vehicles, and then
cut into the left lane between Main Street and Lincoln Street. This may be a factor in sideswipe
crashes in this roadway segment, and driver aggressiveness in general may be a factor in rear-end
crashes.

Eastbound Queuing – Queuing for the eastbound Highland Street left turn lane at Lincoln Street
extends into the through lane. This may also be a contributing factor in sideswipe crashes in this
roadway segment, as drivers change lanes to avoid the blocked through lane. The eastbound through
lanes queue beyond Main Street, blocking vehicles from Main Street. This may be a factor in angle
crashes at Main Street.

Channelized Right Turn – Trees and shrubs in the island on the northeast corner may create visibility
issues for vehicles in the channelized right turn lane from Belmont Street westbound to Lincoln Street
northbound, contributing to the history of rear-end crashes at the end of the ramp.

I-290 Signage – It was suggested that abrupt lane changes at the intersection may be the result of
inadequate signage for I-290 eastbound. Eastbound drivers bound for I-290 eastbound must turn left
onto Lincoln Street.

Signage – The lack of “No Turn on Red” signs for the northbound Major Taylor Boulevard approach
was noted as a safety concern. Drivers turning right on red during the southbound left turn phase may
not expect two lanes of left turning traffic. One angle crash occurred at this location between a
northbound right turning vehicle and a southbound left turning vehicle.
Page 16
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Pleasant Street/Chandler Street/Mower Street (Tatnuck Square)

Speeding – Audit participants familiar with the intersection noted that vehicles travel at excessive
speed through the intersection, especially eastbound vehicles which have traversed a downhill grade
in advance of the intersection. It should be noted that no speed data were available for review.

Signal Visibility – The gas station on the southwest corner of the intersection has a sign and
corresponding pricing sign which are primarily red. It was noted that the post-mounted signals on this
corner can blend in with the red signage, especially during the red indication, reducing driver
awareness of the signal indication. This may be a factor in both rear-end and angle crashes on the
eastbound approach.

Sun Glare – Sun glare is a concern along Pleasant Street and reduces visibility of signal heads, which
do not have backplates.

Traffic Control – It is potentially unclear to drivers what the intended traffic control is at the eastern
intersection between Mower Street and Pleasant Street. No stop line is provided for the eastbound
approach but post-mounted signal heads are provided on both sides facing eastbound traffic. It is
unclear where and when a vehicle must stop on this approach.

Pavement Markings – Stop lines and lane lines are faded at the intersection.

Eastbound Lane Trap – The outside eastbound through lane becomes an exclusive right turn lane at
the intersection, which has the potential to trap drivers intending to continue eastbound on Pleasant
Street.

Visibility – Mature vegetation on the island separating the two Mower Street legs may restrict
visibility for vehicles traveling north on either Mower Street leg attempting to yield to northbound
vehicles on the other Mower Street leg. One rear-end crash occurred on the western leg of Mower
Street at this location.

Gas Station – Access to the gas station on the southwest corner of the intersection is a safety concern,
as evidenced by the number of crashes involving vehicles entering or exiting the property. The
majority of these crashes are “courtesy crashes”, where a through vehicle stops and waves on a
turning vehicle, and that turning vehicle is struck by a vehicle in the other through lane or traveling in
the opposite direction.
Page 17
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Pedestrian Accommodations – A signal post on the southwest corner is located in the sidewalk within
the limits of the crosswalk, creating a potential obstacle for crossing pedestrians. It was also noted
that handicap ramps do not clearly align with crosswalks, specifically at the eastern intersection of
Mower Street and Pleasant Street.
Crosswalk and ramp alignment - Mower Street at Pleasant Street
Page 18
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Potential Safety Enhancements
Following review of available materials and a discussion of existing safety issues, audit participants were
asked to 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.
Table 2. Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown
Time Frame
Short-term
<1 year
Costs
Low
Mid-term
1–3 years
Medium
Long-term
>3 years
High
<$10,000
$10,000–$50,000
>$50,000
Highland Street/Park Avenue

Investigate grading and driveway slope at the Price Chopper entrance. It was suggested that the grade
differential may impact driver behavior. The design should consider if the driveway can be lowered
or if more gradual slope changes can be introduced. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement.

Reapply entry and exit pavement markings in the Price Chopper parking lot. This is a short-term, low
cost improvement that will improve awareness of the indicated traffic flow.

Consider “right in/right out” access for Price Chopper. This potential improvement involves
modification of the Price Chopper driveway on Highland Street to allow only right turns in from
Highland Street westbound and right turns out of the driveway to Highland Street westbound. This
will address the number of crashes involving vehicles turning left from Price Chopper, but requires
further analysis of internal site traffic and impacts to other access points. Study of further impact is a
short-term improvement, while implementation would be a mid-term improvement.

Apply “Don’t Block the Box” pavement markings for Highland Street at the Price Chopper driveway.
This improvement would provide pavement markings in accordance with Figure 3B-18 of the Manual
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Paint is recommended instead of thermoplastic due
to concerns over braking friction. This is a short-term, low cost improvement. The increase in
potential “courtesy crashes” should be evaluated before implementation of this recommendation.

Consider relocation of the bus stop on the south side of Highland Street. The bus stop is currently
located on the south side of Highland Street across from the Price Chopper entrance, where no
crosswalk exists. This is a short-term, low cost improvement that requires coordination with the
Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA).

Consider a flashing beacon installation in tandem with bus stop relocation. It was suggested that the
bus stop be relocated to the intersection of Highland Street and Russell Street, and that a flashing
beacon be installed. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement.
Page 19
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Narrow the Price Chopper driveway apron access to reduce conflict area between turning vehicles
and pedestrians. The current driveway is approximately 135 feet in width, which creates a larger
potential conflict area between vehicles and pedestrians. This is a mid-term, medium cost
improvement.

Study cut-through traffic patterns and consider mitigation measures. Audit participants noted that cutthrough traffic uses Russell Street and Elm Street to avoid the congested intersection of Highland
Street and Park Avenue. Further study is necessary to determine the impacts of this cut-through traffic
on other area streets. Mitigation measures may be considered depending upon impacts. This is a
short-term, low cost improvement.

Improve alignment of the southbound through lanes. The existing Park Avenue southbound lanes do
not clearly align with the through lanes on the departure side of the intersection. Alignment of these
lanes should be improved as part of the proposed project. Dashed guide lines through the intersection
may also be considered to further emphasize through lane alignment. Improvements to lane alignment
would address the history of sideswipe crashes in the southbound direction. This is a mid-term
improvement with a cost assumed to be included in the planned project.

Widen the southbound approach to provide adequate lane widths and turning radius. Lane widths
should meet MassDOT design guidelines and the turning radius on the northwest corner should
accommodate a single unit design vehicle at a minimum. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement
assumed to be included in the planned project.

Rehabilitate pavement. The pavement should be rehabilitated at the intersection, with the appropriate
method determined based on the results of subsurface exploration. This is a mid-term, high cost
improvement assumed to be included in the planned project.

Update traffic signal layout and associated signage. It was noted that the project includes a full signal
upgrade with new equipment, and that the existing substandard sign for the southbound left turn
signal will be replaced. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement.

Consider revising the proposed design and signal phasing to include exclusive left turn lanes on the
northbound and southbound approaches along with a protected only left turn phase. This
improvement would address both sideswipe crashes and angle crashes that have occurred at the
intersection, but may not be feasible due to the impacts on overall intersection operation. This is a
mid-term, high cost improvement that should be considered and would be implemented as part of the
proposed project.

Relocate the “Right Lane Must Turn Right” sign on the southbound approach so that it coincides with
the beginning of the exclusive right turn lane. This will eliminate confusion for approaching vehicles,
which may have been a factor in sideswipe crashes on this approach. This should be done as a shortterm measure, and then the sign location should be adjusted as a mid-term improvement if proposed
improvements modify the length of the turn lane.
Page 20
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Taper pavement markings to delineate a transition to all turn lanes. This improvement was suggested
for the eastbound approach but should be implemented for exclusive turn lanes on all approaches.
This is a mid-term, low cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned project.

Install lane usage signage on all approaches. This will alert drivers to the intended lane use in tandem
with pavement marking improvements. Arrow and ONLY markings alone are not effective during
peak periods when queued vehicles may block visibility of ground markings. It is recommended that
R3-8 graphical signs be provided on all approaches. This is a mid-term, low cost improvement
assumed to be included in the planned project.
Highland Street/Lancaster Street

Improve westbound through lane alignment. The proposed design provides two through lanes at this
intersection, which will eliminate the existing westbound lane trap and will address the history of
sideswipe crashes involving left turning vehicles. Further study is recommended to determine if this is
the most appropriate design, or if an exclusive left turn lane is warranted at this location. This is a
mid-term, high cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned project.

Install lane usage signage on all approaches. This will alert drivers to the intended lane use in tandem
with pavement marking improvements. It is recommended that R3-8 graphical signs be provided on
all approaches. This is a mid-term, low cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned
project.

Provide emergency pre-emption equipment as part of the traffic signal upgrade planned for the
intersection. It was noted that Worcester has existing Opticom equipment and that pre-emption
equipment should be provided at all signalized locations. This was noted specifically at this location
because it would alleviate concerns that approaching drivers cannot see or hear emergency vehicles
due to the retaining wall along the north side of Lancaster Street. The signal pre-emption would
display a red indication for Lancaster Street when a vehicle is detected along Highland Street. This is
a mid-term, medium cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned project.

Increase the radius of the northwest corner to accommodate southbound turning vehicles. Lane widths
should meet MassDOT design guidelines and the turning radius on the northwest corner should
accommodate a fire truck at a minimum. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement assumed to be
included in the planned project.

Include backplates on all proposed signal heads. This will increase visibility of signals for
approaching vehicles and address concerns regarding sun glare. This is a mid-term improvement with
a cost assumed to be included in the planned project.

Improve signage on Lancaster Street south of Highland Street to prevent wrong-way traffic. Signage
should be upgraded at intersections or major traffic generators south of Highland Street to confirm the
one-way southbound operation of Lancaster Street. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Page 21
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Eliminate overnight flashing operation of the traffic signal. The number of crashes occurring
overnight suggests that traffic signal operation is needed 24 hours a day. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement.
Highland Street/Harvard Street

Upgrade the existing traffic signal with mast arms, overhead signals with backplates, and vehicle
detection. Mast arms and overhead signals will improve visibility, while backplates will address sun
glare concerns. Taller mast arms may be considered to account for the vertical alignment of Highland
Street in the vicinity of Harvard Street. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement assumed to be
included in the planned project.

Provide parking lane delineation on Harvard Street. Pavement markings should be applied that
delineate the parking lane, to prevent vehicles from using parking lanes as turning lanes at Highland
Street. This is a short-term, low cost improvement. The City should evaluate the effectiveness of the
improvement following implementation and consider the installation of curb bump-outs as a longterm, medium cost fix if the issue persists.

Study clearance times, and implement changes as needed. 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 occurrence of red light running and rear-end crashes 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 following the
same methodology as part of planned improvements.

Install lane usage signage on all approaches. This will alert drivers to the intended lane use in tandem
with pavement marking improvements. It is recommended that R3-8 graphical signs be provided on
all approaches. This is a mid-term, low cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned
project. Lane use signage improvements at both Harvard Street and Lancaster Street and other
operational improvements aimed at improving congestion may reduce the aggressiveness of drivers
along Highland Street. It was noted that the project includes coordination of signals at Lancaster
Street, Harvard Street, Main Street and Lincoln Street.
Highland Street/Main Street/Grove Street
Highland Street/Belmont Street/Lincoln Street/Major Taylor Boulevard (Lincoln Square)

Consider eliminating permissive operation of the Main Street and Grove Street approaches. The audit
team concluded that drivers turning left from Main Street may not expect to yield to Grove Street
traffic, which is approaching from the right. Turning movements, phasing and geometry should be
considered to determine potential improvement strategies. This is a short-term improvement with a
cost to be determined.

Relocate westbound signal heads to eliminate confusion as to whether they pertain to vehicles turning
left from Main Street. This should be considered in tandem with phasing and other geometry changes
Page 22
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
at the intersection. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement that can be included in the planned
project.

Provide overhead directional signage for the Highland Street eastbound approach. It was noted that
aggressive drivers intending to turn left at Lincoln Street stay to the right and cut over between Main
Street and Lincoln Street. Improved overhead directional signage will reduce confusion for unfamiliar
drivers, which may improve traffic flow and reduce aggressiveness of regular users. Signage should
indicate lane use as well as destination information for I-290 and Route 70. This is a mid-term,
medium cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned project.

Provide a dual left turn lane for Highland Street eastbound at Lincoln Street. This improvement aimed
at reducing congestion and providing adequate storage for turning vehicles may also address driver
behavior. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned project.

Provide a left side yield sign for the channelized right turn lane from Belmont Street westbound to
Lincoln Street. This short-term, low cost improvement may help raise awareness of the yield
condition and address rear-end crashes in this lane.

Add a yield line to the channelized right turn lane from Belmont Street westbound to Lincoln Street.
This is a short-term, low cost improvement that should follow Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD) guidelines.

Study geometric and lane alignment improvements for the channelized right turn lane. Long-term
improvements suggested included increasing the entry angle so that drivers are looking left instead of
over their shoulder to determine available gaps, and reducing the perceived lane width through the
use of pavement markings. These improvements require further study of conditions and potential
impacts of potential solutions. Study is a short-term improvement; implementation is a mid-term,
improvement with a cost to be determined. Further study should include a determination of whether
existing trees and shrubs need to be trimmed or removed due to their impact on visibility.

Install “No Turn on Red” signage for Major Taylor Boulevard at Belmont Street. This is common for
approaches with an opposing dual left turn lane, because right turning drivers may not expect two
lanes of turning traffic. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.

Consider converting Main Street to one-way southbound. This improvement was discussed by the
audit team as a means to eliminate conflicts and potential confusion for Main Street northbound
vehicles at Highland Street and Grove Street. Ultimately, it was determined that this should not be
implemented due to the City’s desire to maintain access both to and from Route 9 and Main Street.
Pleasant Street/Chandler Street/Mower Street (Tatnuck Square)

Increase enforcement for speeding in the vicinity of the intersection. Additional enforcement is a
short-term improvement with no cost, except for the cost of potential reduced enforcement elsewhere.
Page 23
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Upgrade the existing traffic signal with mast arms and overhead signals with backplates. Mast arms
and overhead signals will improve visibility, while backplates will address sun glare concerns. This is
a mid-term, high cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned project.

Apply new pavement markings. This is a mid-term improvement that will be included in the planned
project, but should be done as a short-term improvement if conditions worsen before the project start
date.

Taper pavement markings to delineate a transition to the eastbound Pleasant Street right turn lane.
This is a mid-term, low cost improvement that can be included in the planned project.

Modify the Mower Street approach to improve traffic flow and eliminate conflicts. It was noted that
the proposed design has a one-way northbound flow for Mower Street east of the existing island,
eliminating the need for signal control at the eastern intersection of Mower and Pleasant Streets and
eliminating conflict points where the Mower Street legs converge. This improvement also eliminates
confusion at the existing eastern intersection of Mower Street and Pleasant Street, which will no
longer need to be under signal control. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement included in the
planned project.

Provide “No Left Turn” signage exiting the gas station on the southwest corner of the intersection.
The history of crashes involving vehicles entering or exiting the property illustrates the need for
improvement. Restricting left turns to Pleasant Street westbound eliminates one of the causes of
“courtesy crashes” at this location. It should be noted that left turns will still be allowed from Pleasant
Street. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.

Improve crosswalk and ramp alignment and remove or relocate obstructions that violate the minimum
pedestrian clear path width. Proposed improvements should address existing deficiencies in this area.
This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement included in the planned project.
Summary of Road Safety Audit
Table 3 summarizes potential recommendations discussed by the audit team. The recommendations are
categorized based on the potential safety payoff, as well as by time frame and cost. The safety payoff is a
qualitative judgment of the effectiveness of the potential safety improvements. Each recommendation has
a responsibility assigned to it stating whether MassDOT or the City of Worcester would be responsible
for implementing the recommended improvement. The term “Project” refers to improvements that are
assumed to be included or could reasonably be accommodated as part of planned improvements.
Page 24
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Highland Street/Park Avenue
Price Chopper DW,
Grading
Investigate grading and driveway slope at the Price
Chopper entrance.
City/
Property Owner
Medium
Mid-term
$10,000
Price Chopper DW,
Pavement Markings
Reapply entry and exit pavement markings in the Price
Chopper parking lot.
Property Owner
Medium
Short-term
$2,500
Price Chopper
Driveway
Consider “right in/right out” access for Price Chopper. (This
City/
improvement requires further study)
Property Owner
High
Mid-term
TBD
Price Chopper
Driveway, Pavement
Markings
Apply “Don’t Block the Box” pavement markings in
accordance with Figure 3B-18 of the MUTCD.
City
Medium
Short-term
$3,000
Bus Stop
Consider relocation of the bus stop on the south side of
Highland Street.
City/WRTA
Medium
Short-term
TBD
Bus Stop
Consider a flashing beacon installation in tandem with bus
stop relocation.
City
Medium
Mid-term
$75,000
Price Chopper DW,
Sidewalk Delineation
Narrow the Price Chopper driveway apron access to
improve sidewalk delineation.
City/
Property Owner
Medium
Mid-term
$15,000
Cut-Through Traffic
Study cut-through traffic patterns and consider mitigation
measures.
City
Low
Short-term
TBD
Skewed Alignment
Improve alignment of the southbound through lanes. This
improvement may also include installation of dashed guide
lines, if appropriate.
Project
High
Mid-term
High*
Southbound Right
Turns
Widen the southbound approach to provide adequate lane
widths and turning radius.
Project
High
Mid-term
High**
Pavement Condition
Rehabilitate pavement.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
High**
Signage, Signal
Visibility
Upgrade traffic signal layout and associated signage.
Project
High
Mid-term
High**
Southbound Left
Turns
Consider revising the proposed design and signal phasing
to include exclusive left turn lanes on the northbound and
southbound approaches along with a protected only left
turn phase.
Project
High
Mid-term
High*
Page 25
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Signage
Relocate the “Right Lane Must Turn Right” sign on the
southbound approach.
City(Short-term)
Project(Mid-term)
Medium
Short-term/
Mid-term
$250 (Shortterm)
Lane Trap
Taper pavement markings to delineate a transition to all
turn lanes.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Low*
Signage
Install lane usage signage on all approaches.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Low*
Highland Street/Lancaster Street
Lane Trap, Lane
Alignment
Improve westbound through lane alignment. Further study
is recommended to determine if the proposed design of two
through lanes is the most appropriate, or if an exclusive left
turn lane is warranted.
Project
High
Mid-term
High**
Signage
Install lane usage signage on all approaches.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Low*
Visibility
Provide emergency pre-emption equipment as part of the
traffic signal upgrade planned for the intersection.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Medium**
Turning Radius
Increase the radius of the northwest corner to
accommodate southbound turning vehicles.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
High*
Sun Glare
Include backplates on all proposed signal heads.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Medium**
Wrong Way Traffic
Improve signage for intersections or major traffic
generators on Lancaster Street south of Highland Street to
prevent wrong-way traffic.
City
High
Short-term
$2,500
Eliminate overnight flashing operation of the traffic signal.
City
Highland Street/Harvard Street
High
Short-term
$1,000
Project
High
Mid-term
High**
City
Medium
Short-term
$2,500
Flashing Operation
Signal Visibility
Upgrade the existing traffic signal with mast arms,
overhead signals with backplates, and vehicle detection.
Taller mast arms may be considered to address grade
concerns.
Lane Delineation
Provide parking lane delineation. Pavement markings
should be applied as a short-term measure, and the City
should evaluate the effectiveness and consider bump-outs
as a long-term measure.
Page 26
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Red Light Violations
Study existing clearance times and implement changes as
needed.
WB Driver Behavior
Install lane usage signage on all approaches.
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
City
Medium
Short-term
$2,000
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Low*
Highland Street/Main Street/Grove Street
Highland Street/Belmont Street/Lincoln Street/Major Taylor Boulevard
Permissive Operation, Consider eliminating permissive operation of the Main
Signal Design
Street and Grove Street approaches.
Project
High
Mid-term
TBD*
Signal Design
Relocate westbound signal heads to eliminate confusion as
to whether they pertain to vehicles turning left from Main
Street.
Project
High
Mid-term
Medium*
EB Driver Behavior
Provide overhead directional signage for the Highland
Street eastbound approach.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Medium*
EB Driver Behavior,
Left Turn Queuing
Provide a dual left turn lane for Highland Street eastbound
at Lincoln Street.
Project
High
Mid-term
High**
Channelized Right
Turn
Provide a left side yield sign for the channelized right turn
lane from Belmont Street westbound to Lincoln Street.
City
Medium
Short-term
$250
Channelized Right
Turn
Add a yield line to the channelized right turn lane from
Belmont Street westbound to Lincoln Street.
City
Low
Short-term
$1,500
Channelized Right
Turn
Study geometric and lane alignment improvements for the
channelized right turn lane from Belmont Street westbound
to Lincoln Street.
City
Medium
Mid-term
TBD
Short-term
$250
Signage
Speeding
Install “No Turn on Red” signage for Major Taylor
City
Medium
Boulevard at Belmont Street.
Pleasant Street/Chandler Street/Mower Street (Tatnuck Square)
Increase enforcement for speeding in the vicinity of the
intersection.
Signage/Visibility, Sun Upgrade the existing traffic signal with mast arms and
Glare
overhead signals with backplates.
City
High
Short-term
Use of police
resources
Project
High
Mid-term
High**
Page 27
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
City
Safety
Payoff
Medium
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Low**
Taper pavement markings to delineate a transition to the
eastbound Pleasant Street right turn lane.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Low**
Visibility
Modify the Mower Street approach to improve traffic flow
and eliminate conflicts.
Project
High
Mid-term
High**
Gas Station
Provide “No Left Turn” signage exiting the gas station on
the southwest corner of the intersection.
City
High
Short-term
$500
Pedestrian
Accommodations
Improve crosswalk and ramp alignment, and remove of
relocate obstructions that violate the minimum pedestrian
clear path width.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Medium**
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Pavement Markings
Apply new pavement markings.
Eastbound Lane Trap
*
Responsibility
Time Frame
Cost
Short-term
$7,500
These improvements were not part of the proposed project as described and should be included in the next submission. All other “Project”
safety enhancements are assumed to already be included in the proposed improvements.
** Improvements to be incorporated into the proposed project are assumed to be included as part of the overall project cost.
Page 28
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
SYMBOLS
---•111>
TYPES OF CRASH
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.....-------
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.....,.........,....._orn....,.......
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Non-Involved Vehicle
~
Highway Division
~
COLLISION DIAGRAM
Reor End
Pedestrian
Bicycle
Animo I
~
Parked Vehicle
D
Fixed Object
Heod on
_/
Angle
lr.--
Turning Movement
~
ceo•
SEVERITY
Worcester, MA
0
Highland Street at Park Avenue
Injury
0
Fotol
REGION: CMRPC
N
TIME PERIOD ANALVZED: 2009 SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS:
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Out of Control
DATE PREPARED:
2011
Registry of Motor Vehicles
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October 26, 2012
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Crash Data Summary Table
Highland Street and Park Street, Worcester, MA
2009 - 2011
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
Time of Day
1
1/23/09
Friday
7:40 PM
Rear-end
2
1/31/09
Saturday
9:00 AM
Rear-end
3
2/10/09
Tuesday
12:30 PM
Angle
4
2/14/09
Saturday
5:45 PM
Angle
5
2/27/09
Friday
3:49 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
6
7
8
9
3/4/09
4/13/09
5/22/09
7/8/09
Wednesday
Monday
Friday
Wednesday
7:15 PM
3:45 PM
9:15 AM
5:00 PM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
10
11
7/31/09
8/9/09
Friday
Sunday
4:40 PM
9:50 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
9/8/09
9/9/09
9/12/09
9/14/09
9/14/09
9/15/09
9/24/09
9/24/09
11/22/09
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Thursday
Sunday
7:52 PM
7:15 AM
4:04 PM
11:05 AM
12:26 PM
1:15 PM
3:35 PM
8:20 AM
1:41 PM
Rear-end
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
21
22
23
24
25
12/4/09
12/10/09
12/16/09
12/17/09
12/24/09
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
5:50 PM
12:10 PM
7:25 AM
1:40 PM
2:20 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Rear-end
26
27
12/27/09 Sunday
12/30/09 Wednesday
9:00 PM
3:10 PM
Angle
Rear-end
28
29
30
2/7/10
2/26/10
2/26/10
Sunday
Friday
Friday
1:00 AM
4:50 PM
5:15 PM
Head on
Angle
Angle
31
32
33
3/4/10
4/24/10
6/11/10
Thursday
Saturday
Friday
8:04 PM
4:37 PM
4:30 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
34
7/3/10
Saturday
1:20 AM
35
36
7/7/10
7/29/10
Wednesday
Thursday
4:11 PM
5:19 PM
37
8/18/10
Wednesday
38
39
8/20/10
8/21/10
40
41
42
9/3/10
9/20/10
9/22/10
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
Type
Dark - lighted
roadway
Dark - lighted
roadway
Weather
Condition
Type
Road Surface
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
D2
Ages
D3
Operator 3 was distracted when he/she dropped something on the floor of
car
Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
53
57
Snow
Snow
Followed too closely
30
18
Clear
Dry
Inattention
21
38
Vehicle 2 (police cruiser with active lights and siren) stopped then proceeded
into intersection and was hit by Vehicle 1
Clear
Severe
Crosswinds
Dry
Visibility Obstructed
42
57
Inside lane left a gap
Dry
No Improper Driving
45
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
21
54
49
62
49
46
56
26
Rain
Cloudy
Wet
Dry
48
39
42
40
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Inattention
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
22
18
24
47
31
24
40
52
38
56
60
34
20
23
52
43
40
30
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
32
23
50
20
44
32
51
80
19
33
Cloudy
Clear
Ice
Dry
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
20
57
66
20
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Visibility Obstructed
Visibility Obstructed
25
26
33
21
19
63
Snow
Clear
Rain
Wet
Dry
Wet
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Visibility Obstructed
18
57
19
unk
20
48
Head on
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Dusk
Dusk
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
Other improper action
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Unknown
Clear
Dry
Unknown
54
27
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Clear
Dry
Dry
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
44
24
32
22
11:15 AM
Unknown
Clear
Dry
Unknown
40
35
Friday
Saturday
11:57 PM
4:40 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
49
44
48
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
3:30 PM
2:30 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Clear
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
No Improper Driving
Distracted
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
No Improper Driving
Unknown
28
80
36
19
80
17
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
26
Comments
D4
Unsecure traffic sign fell onto vehicle
26
46
*Angle crash, not a single vehicle crash
47
Heavy congested traffic
Uninvolved vehicle made a sudden left turn in right lane
Courtesy crash
Uninvolved vehicle cut in front of Vehicle 1
Inside lane left a gap
Black ice on road, both operators unsure what happened
Inside lane left a gap
Inside lane left a gap
Vehicle traveling straight did not have its lights on; hit and run crash
Inside lane left a gap
Stopped quickly for emergency vehicle entering intersection from Highland
Street
*Angle crash, not a rear-end crash
Both vehicles attempted to change lanes at same time. Vehicle 1
motorcycle crashed, no contact between vehicles.
Bicycle collision
Outside lane left a gap
Crash Data Summary Table
Highland Street and Park Street, Worcester, MA
2009 - 2011
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
43
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
10/6/10 Wednesday
Time of Day
2:53 PM
Angle
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Rain
Wet
44
45
10/25/10 Monday
11/2/10 Tuesday
9:40 AM
2:20 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
46
47
11/2/10
11/3/10
5:34 PM
2:10 PM
Head on
Sideswipe, same direction
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
48
49
50
11/5/10 Friday
11/14/10 Sunday
11/26/10 Friday
6:05 PM
1:24 PM
4:50 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Physical Impairment
19
21
31
51
12/30/10 Thursday
7:01 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Dusk
Dark - lighted
roadway
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Failed to yield to right of way
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
No Improper Driving
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Inattention
Clear
Dry
37
1/22/11
Saturday
11:50 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Clear
Dry
43
70
53
54
55
2/7/11
2/22/11
4/15/11
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
9:23 PM
7:52 AM
8:40 AM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Cellular telephone
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
22
52
Cloudy
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Illness
66
24
44
21
45
56
56
57
5/10/11
5/16/11
Tuesday
Monday
12:20 PM
1:45 PM
Angle
Angle
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Wet
Unknown
No Improper Driving
19
21
55
31
58
5/18/11
Wednesday
9:06 PM
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
27
22
59
60
61
5/26/11
5/27/11
6/2/11
Thursday
Friday
Thursday
10:30 AM
7:30 AM
4:12 PM
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Dry
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
77
21
19
56
42
43
62
63
64
6/20/11
7/14/11
7/19/11
Monday
Thursday
Tuesday
9:54 PM
4:36 PM
12:12 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Angle
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Made an improper turn
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
25
24
44
46
43
41
65
66
67
7/19/11
9/6/11
9/6/11
Tuesday
Tuesday
Tuesday
10:24 PM
7:20 AM
2:00 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Clear
Rain
Rain
Dry
Wet
Wet
Followed too closely
Unknown
Unknown
32
33
35
16
39
unk
68
69
70
71
72
10/1/11
10/3/11
10/10/11
10/11/11
10/29/11
Saturday
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Saturday
10:15 PM
3:40 PM
4:45 PM
1:00 PM
2:54 PM
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Visibility Obstructed
46
35
59
83
65
30
52
22
40
60
73
74
75
76
11/1/11
11/5/11
12/14/11
7/23/10
Tuesday
Saturday
Wednesday
Friday
9:56 PM
2:25 PM
1:01 PM
4:53 PM
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Followed too closely
Unknown
Distracted
Inattention
23
51
38
52
unk
50
50
28
Tuesday
Wednesday
Manner of Collision
Type
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Road Surface
Type
Ages
D3
Comments
D1
22
D2
26
D4
37
17
unk
27
Hit & run crash
22
36
unk
61
Hit & run crash
45
56
19
Unknown vehicle cuts in front of Vehicle 1
Operator 1 claims that vehicle stalled and rolled into intersection
Operator texting while driving
33
Vehicle 1 pulling out of residence. Vehicle 2 ran red light from south.
Operator 2 has Parkinson's disease and was shaking uncontrollably
In attempt to go around traffic, Operator 2 crossed double yellow center lane
into eastbound lane
Vehicles 1 and 2 were stopped at a green light for a pedestrian crossing
28
54
21
Heavy congested traffic
Hit & run crash
Operator may have taken a wide turn
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Highland Street and Park Street, Worcester, MA
CRASH MONTH
20%
17%
15%
12%
11%
10%
5%
8%
4%
4%
3%
12%
12%
N
D
9%
5%
4%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
25%
20%
15%
17%
13%
20%
16%
14%
13%
10%
7%
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
30%
24%
20%
10%
0%
16%
19%
7% 8% 5%
6AM­
8AM
8AM­
10AM
10AM­
12PM
7% 8%
12PM­
2PM
2PM­
4PM
4PM­
6PM
6PM­
8PM
8PM­
10PM
4% 3%
10PM­
12AM
0% 0%
12AM­
2AM
2AM­
4AM
4AM­
6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
50%
38%
40%
34%
30%
18%
20%
10%
0%
4%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Crash Summary Data Park.xls
0%
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
3 of 4
4%
Head on
0%
1%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
11/7/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Highland Street and Park Street, Worcester, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
71%
60%
40%
25%
20%
0%
Daylight
0%
4%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
0%
Unknown
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Other
1%
0%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
0%
Snow
Rain
4%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
11%
Cloudy
20%
Clear
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
64%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
82%
16%
Dry
Wet
1%
1%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand, mud, Water
dirt, oil, (standing,
gravel
moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
27%
30%
18%
20%
10%
0%
22%
16%
9%
15-20
Crash Summary Data Park.xls
5%
21-29
30-39
40-49
4 of 4
50-59
60-69
1%
70-79
3%
80+
11/7/2012
Crash Data Summary Table
Highland Street at Lancaster Street, Worcester, MA
January 2009 - December 2011
#
Crash
Date
Time of Day
m/d/y
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
1
2
1/21/09
3/10/09
1:00 PM
5:00 PM
3
4
5
6
3/19/09
5/15/09
10/2/09
12/24/09
4:25 PM
10:45 AM
10:15 AM
4:15 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Head on
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
7
12/2/09
5:30 PM
Rear-end
Wet
8
1/3/10
2:10 AM
Unknown
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Sleet, Hail,
Dark - lighted roadway Freezing Rain
Snow
No Improper Driving
25
u/a
9
2/23/10
12:10 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
22
21
10
11
12
13
2/27/10
3/8/10
6/11/10
6/12/10
8:20 PM
1:56 PM
7:30 PM
4:30 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Dawn
Daylight
Daylight
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
42
29
30
35
25
57
27
32
14 8/29/10
3:45 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Failed to yield to right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Made an improper turn
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
34
24
15 9/24/10
16 9/30/10
11:30 PM
10:10 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Unknown
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Rain
Dry
Wet
22
20
17
17 10/2/10
18 10/4/10
12:05 AM
6:00 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Other improper action
20
25
32
23
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
Crash details text missing/unclear
19 10/12/10 11:25 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
31
59
Vehicle 2 drove straight while in the left turn lane
20 10/27/10 12:25 AM
21 11/22/10 10:13 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Dry
Unknown
Followed too closely
42
47
24
73
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
22 12/5/10
12:15 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
50
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
23 1/14/11
2:08 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Snow
24 1/16/11
1:13 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
38
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
u/a
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
48
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Rain
Road Surface
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Type
Dry
Unknown
Dry
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Dry
Dry
Unknown
Dry
Unknown
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
Other improper action
D1
45
23
Ages
D2
60
67
57
44
27
36
52
71
20
24
86
42
Comments
Manner of Collision
Type
Head on
Angle
D3
Potential Red light violation
22
Angle crash led to sideswipe, same direction
Unknown vehicle caused driver to hit the curb/snow bank
Vehicle 2 is a motorcycle
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
Crashed into light pole while backing vehicle along Lancaster
39
25 1/16/11
2:21 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
19
u/a
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
Crash occurred under flashing lights operaton; Angle crash led to collision
with parked vehicle on Lancaster;
26 3/2/11
27 7/12/11
1:20 AM
1:34 PM
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
34
60
71
27
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
Vehicle 1 drove straight while in the left turn lane
28 7/21/11
1:06 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Vehicle 1 is a motorcycle
29 9/2/11
1:56 AM
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
25
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
u/a
43
Angle
24
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
30 9/11/11
31 9/13/11
1:26 AM
6:30 PM
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
46
38
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
32 9/22/11
12:08 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
19
Made an improper turn
50
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
24
50
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
19
23
33
Vehicle 1 drove straight while in the left turn lane
Angle crash led to another angle crash; crash occurred under flashing lights
operation
33 10/13/11 10:38 PM
36
1:00 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
21
35 11/13/11 1:59 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
19
u/a
36 11/29/11 7:00 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Followed too closely
31
23
37 12/11/11 12:43 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
23
36
Driver 1 complained that flashing traffic light view obstructed by vehicle
turning right
38 12/15/11 12:30 AM
39 12/17/11
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
28
21
44
19
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
Narrative indicates no injuries, but report summary indicates 1 injury
40 12/24/11 3:19 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
22
25
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
34 11/9/11
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Registry of Motor Vehicles
25
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection of Highland Street and Lancaster Street; Worcester, MA
CRASH MONTH
20%
15%
18%
15%
15%
13%
10%
10%
10%
5%
5%
5%
5%
3%
3%
0%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
25%
20%
15%
15%
10%
20%
18%
15%
13%
13%
8%
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
60%
44%
40%
18%
20%
0%
13%
13%
2-6PM
6-10PM
13%
0%
6-10AM
10-2PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
51%
21%
15%
3%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
0%
Rear-end
Angle
Copy of Crash Summary Highland & Lancaster.xls
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
2 of 3
5%
Head on
0%
Rear to
Rear
5%
Unknown
11/13/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection of Highland Street and Lancaster Street; Worcester, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
64%
33%
Daylight
3%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
74%
8%
15%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
71%
60%
40%
0%
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Slush
0%
Water
(standing,
moving)
Snow
Wet
Dry
0%
5%
Sand, mud,
dirt, oil,
gravel
20%
Ice
24%
CRASH DRIVER AGES
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
41%
20%
13%
8%
15-20
21-29
30-39
Copy of Crash Summary Highland & Lancaster.xls
40-49
3 of 3
9%
50-59
4%
4%
60-69
70-79
1%
80+
11/13/2012
Crash Data Summary Table
Highland Street and Harvard Street, Worcester, MA
January 2009 - December 2011
#
Crash
Date
Time of Day
m/d/y
Light Condition
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
1
1/1/09
6:00 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Wet
2
3
1/25/09
2/8/09
2:15 AM
4:40 PM
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
4
2/27/09
11:00 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
20
21
Red light violation
5
3/1/09
11:51 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway Snow
Snow
37
u/a
Snow caused slippery conditions
6
7
8
9
3/7/09
3/12/09
5/8/09
5/13/09
1:44 AM
3:10 PM
1:30 PM
4:10 PM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Inattention
Unknown
Followed too closely
34
22
55
41
19
72
27
19
Red light violation
Red light violation
10 5/16/09
2:15 AM
Unknown
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Dry
18
Red light violation; Vehicle 2 experienced brake failure
11 5/16/09
3:20 PM
Angle
Daylight
Dry
34
Both drivers state they had the green light
12 6/1/09
9:49 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Distracted
26
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
74
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
59
55
Both drivers state they had the green light
13 6/20/09
3:50 PM
Head on
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
18
31
8/5/09
9/2/09
9/5/10
9/9/09
9/14/09
9/19/10
8:57 PM
5:10 PM
6:45 PM
6:20 PM
1:23 PM
12:59 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Rain
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Glare
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
43
25
20
u/a
u/a
36
37
55
38
38
22
22
20 9/22/10
10:10 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
74
24
Both drivers state they had the green light
21 10/4/10
9:15 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
Dry
60
53
Red Light Violation
22 10/6/10
4:20 PM
56
38
Red light violation; Crash Detail text unclear
44
27
Red light violation
45
66
68
47
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Road Surface
Type
Ages
D2
D3
Comments
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
40
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
24
No Improper Driving
28
14
15
16
17
18
19
Manner of Collision
Type
D4
Red light violation
37
u/a
35
Red light violation
Three car pile-up
25
50
28
27
Four car pile-up
Three car pile-up
D2 was riding a moped
23 10/13/10 10:00 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
24 10/4/09 12:47 PM
25 10/17/09 4:20 PM
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Clear
Wet
Dry
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Made an improper turn
26 11/26/10 4:30 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Inattention
33
27
Red light violation
27 11/28/10 5:39 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
53
Crash occurred under flashing lights operation
28 1/6/10
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
21
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
66
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Snow
Clear
Wet
Dry
12:45 PM
29 2/16/10
30 5/25/10
31
32
33
34
35
7/30/10
8/17/10
8/23/10 7:30 PM
8/24/10 7:28 AM
11/28/10 1:49 PM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Cloudy
Rain
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
36
37
38
39
12/1/10
1/11/11
1/11/11
1/17/11
7:40 PM
10:00 AM
3:20 PM
8:30 AM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
40 1/22/11
41 1/27/11
7:03 PM
12:17 PM
Head on
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Snow
Unknown
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Glare
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Inattention
Glare
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
Unknown
77
55
31
Red light violation; Angle crash led to a sideswipe, same direction
Vehicle went through from a left-turn-only lane
Red light violation; Angle crash led to rear-end
Both drivers stated that they had the green light; Crash Detail text unclear
Red light violation; Crash Detail text unclear
Red light violation; Crash Detail text unclear
37
22
46
59
25
19
19
19
35
26
32
56
43
32
33
21
Red light violation; driver distracted by GPS
26
20
56
45
Both drivers stated that they had the green light
Crash Data Summary Table
Highland Street and Harvard Street, Worcester, MA
January 2009 - December 2011
#
Crash
Date
Time of Day
m/d/y
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Cloudy
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Rain
Road Surface
Type
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Wet
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Distracted
Followed too closely
Unknown
Inattention
Inattention
42
43
44
45
46
3/5/11
3/18/11
3/20/11
4/3/11
4/28/11
10:00 AM
4:30 PM
2:10 PM
2:28 PM
4:20 PM
Manner of Collision
Type
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
47
48
49
50
5/3/11
5/7/11
5/16/11
5/19/11
8:27 PM
12:38 PM
4:09 PM
11:17 AM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Rain
Rain
Rain
Dry
Wet
Wet
Wet
51 5/22/11
52 9/4/11
53 9/6/11
10:50 AM
7:40 PM
2:10 PM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Dusk
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Rain
Dry
Dry
Wet
54 9/16/11
2:07 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
55 10/9/11
11:51 AM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
56 11/6/11
3:30 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Unknown
Unknown
Other improper action
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
57 11/22/11 6:00 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Followed too closely
30
40
58 11/27/11 8:00 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
28
53
59 12/12/11
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
u/a
60 12/19/11 12:15 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Other improper action
39
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
28
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Comments
D1
23
26
74
20
49
Ages
D2
D3
51
50
33
25
66
50
18
22
28
38
50
50
25
75
57
Both drivers stated they had the YELLOW light
Both drivers stated that they had the green light
69
26
39
21
38
53
Red light violation
23
19
Red light violation
77
57
38
44
56
D4
Three car pile-up
Angle crash led to another angle crash
Potential Red light violation
Red light violation
Both drivers stated they had the green light
Red light violation
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Highland Street and Harvard Street, Worcester, MA
CRASH MONTH
20%
15%
17%
15%
13%
10%
10%
10%
7%
5%
5%
10%
3%
3%
5%
2%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
30%
20%
25%
13%
15%
15%
8%
10%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
13%
10%
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
40%
27%
30%
31%
24%
20%
10%
0%
7%
7%
10-2AM
2-6AM
4%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
73%
80%
60%
40%
19%
20%
2%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
2%
Rear-end
Crash Summary Highland & Harvard.xls
Angle
0%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
3 of 4
3%
Head on
0%
2%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
11/8/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Highland Street and Harvard Street, Worcester, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
61%
37%
Daylight
0%
2%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
64%
12%
20%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
69%
60%
40%
0%
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Slush
0%
Water
(standing,
moving)
Snow
Wet
Dry
0%
5%
Sand, mud,
dirt, oil,
gravel
20%
Ice
25%
CRASH DRIVER AGES
40%
31%
30%
21%
20%
10%
0%
10%
8%
15-20
19%
21-29
Crash Summary Highland & Harvard.xls
30-39
40-49
4 of 4
50-59
5%
6%
60-69
70-79
0%
80+
11/8/2012
Crash Data Summary Table
Lincoln Square; Worcester, MA
2009 - 2011
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
1
2
3
4
Crash
Crash Day
Date
m/d/y
1/30/09 Friday
Thursday
2/5/09
2/10/09 Tuesday
2/18/09 Wednesday
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
12:30 PM
9:01 AM
3:50 PM
1:09 AM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Cloudy
Clear
Snow
Clear
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Road Surface
Type
5
6
2/20/09
5/14/09
Friday
Thursday
12:10 PM
1:57 PM
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Rain
Dry
Wet
7
4/10/09
Friday
8:30 PM
Angle
Daylight
Rain
Wet
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
No Improper Driving
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
8
9
10
11
4/13/09
4/30/09
5/7/09
6/18/09
Monday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
4:47 PM
2:27 PM
6:57 PM
8:01 AM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Rain
Rain
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
Other improper action
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Unknown
Ages
D3
Comments
D1
70
36
36
43
D2
25
24
42
26
D4
40
31
51
24
Vehicle 2 made a prohibited left turn
Courtesy crash
45
23
35
39
50
44
23
27
16
57
Operator 2 went through red light
Vehicle 2 did not notice Vehicle 1 (police cruiser w/ lights and siren activated)
enter the intersection
Courtesy crash
Courtesy crash
41
Vehicle 1 trying to complete a u-turn
Vehicle pulling out of courthouse driveway swerved to avoid an uninvolved
eastbound vehicle & hit fire hydrant. Operator claims visibility was obstructed
due to crest in road west of driveway.
12
13
6/18/09
6/25/09
Thursday
Thursday
1:11 PM
3:10 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Cloudy
Wet
Dry
14
15
6/25/09
7/6/09
Thursday
Monday
4:22 PM
9:43 AM
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
16
7/20/09
Monday
5:06 PM
17
18
19
7/28/09
9/14/09
9/22/09
Tuesday
Monday
Tuesday
12:45 PM
11:30 AM
5:41 PM
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
42
30
66
68
55
48
20
21
22
10/2/09 Friday
10/14/09 Wednesday
10/21/09 Wednesday
9:25 PM
8:53 AM
1:15 PM
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
No Improper Driving
44
66
31
38
18
56
23
24
25
10/27/09 Tuesday
11/1/09 Sunday
11/5/09 Thursday
8:02 AM
1:29 PM
2:25 PM
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Angle
Angle
Dawn
Daylight
Daylight
Dry
Dry
Dry
74
44
27
37
37
20
26
11/15/09 Sunday
7:46 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
49
44
27
28
11/20/09 Friday
11/24/09 Tuesday
11:00 PM
6:05 AM
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dawn
Cloudy
Dry
Wet
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
26
40
18
29
12/16/09 Wednesday
11:20 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Snow
Snow
Unknown
24
21
Officer observed that "Red light was hard to see" for Vehicle 2
30
12/29/09 Tuesday
6:30 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
19
Courtesy crash
31
1/2/10
Saturday
4:31 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Snow
Ice
No Improper Driving
20
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
44
17
32
33
34
35
1/3/10
1/28/10
2/1/10
2/2/10
Sunday
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
1:02 AM
9:30 AM
12:50 PM
11:00 AM
Unknown
Angle
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Snow
Clear
Clear
Clear
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
Poor road conditions due to snow
Operator lost control of vehicle and hit utility pole while attempting and failing
to avoid an unconscious person laying in the street
36
2/4/10
Thursday
12:02 AM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy
37
2/8/10
Monday
5:30 PM
Rear-end
38
39
2/10/10
2/12/10
Wednesday
Friday
6:48 PM
9:40 AM
Angle
Angle
40
41
2/19/10
2/22/10
Friday
Monday
6:41 PM
5:30 PM
42
43
44
45
3/14/10
3/22/10
3/23/10
3/25/10
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
8:40 PM
10:00 AM
5:45 PM
11:55 AM
22
62
16
46
55
28
45
Operator hit traffic signal pole; Claims he was avoiding an uninvolved
eastbound vehicle
22
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
36
41
39
60
27
21
31
Dry
33
36
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Inattention
29
21
Dark - lighted roadway Snow
Daylight
Clear
Snow
Dry
No Improper Driving
Unknown
19
51
39
22
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dusk
Clear
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
39
25
25
26
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Wet
Dry
Wet
Dry
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
36
31
48
77
unk
52
19
33
Rain
Cloudy
Rain
Clear
Operator may have gone through red light
After striking another uninvolved vehicle that had no damage or injuries,
Vehicle 1 backed into Vehicle 2
Both operators claimed that they had a green light
51
Cyclist failed to stop at red light
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Angle
Angle
Both operators claim to have heard a siren coming down Highland Street
Vehicle 1 failed to stop at red light due to slippery/snowy conditions
Hit & run crash; operator 2 went through red light
Courtesy crash
Operator 2 claims to have been unaware of red light on Highland Street
Vehicle 1 right on red
Crash Data Summary Table
Lincoln Square; Worcester, MA
2009 - 2011
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
46
47
48
49
Crash
Crash Day
Date
m/d/y
3/26/10 Friday
4/10/10 Saturday
4/11/10 Sunday
Wednesday
6/2/10
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
3:50 PM
1:10 PM
4:30 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Road Surface
Type
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
50
51
52
6/5/10
6/16/10
6/30/10
Saturday
Wednesday
Wednesday
3:00 AM
5:34 PM
11:03 AM
Angle
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Daylight
Cloudy
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
53
54
7/27/10
8/3/10
Tuesday
Tuesday
2:30 PM
12:15 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
8/14/10
8/19/10
8/25/10
8/27/10
8/31/10
9/2/10
9/3/10
9/22/10
Saturday
Thursday
Wednesday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday
8:40 AM
8:40 AM
3:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:08 PM
5:57 PM
9:15 AM
3:40 PM
Angle
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
63
64
10/19/10 Tuesday
10/29/10 Friday
9:20 PM
2:30 PM
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
65
66
11/3/10 Wednesday
11/27/10 Saturday
4:20 PM
1:50 PM
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
67
11/27/10 Saturday
8:40 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
68
12/3/10
Friday
9:25 PM
Angle
69
12/5/10
Sunday
2:28 AM
Angle
70
12/15/10 Wednesday
10:45 PM
71
12/16/10 Thursday
72
73
12/16/10 Thursday
12/17/10 Friday
74
75
76
77
12/21/10
1/14/11
1/14/11
2/28/11
78
79
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Inattention
Inattention
Inattention
Unknown
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Unknown
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Unknown
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
Other improper action
Failed to yield to right of way
Ages
D3
Comments
D1
48
40
36
44
D2
36
31
20
22
D4
23
38
42
unk
41
75
20
41
48
20
24
26
22
51
40
56
63
20
19
32
22
63
38
58
29
44
Operator 2 ran red light
Operator 2 went through a red signal
Hit & run crash; Vehicle 2 made a prohibited left turn
Officer states that intersection has poor design & that there are three traffic
signals within a 100 ft stretch of Highland St.
Both vehicles in LTL, Operator 2's foot got stuck on accelerator pedal
60
17
59
25
Operator 1 claimed to have not seen the red traffic light
70
51
82
38
Operator 1 ran red light
Both operators claim green light
Dry
Inattention
Visibility Obstructed
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
No Improper Driving
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
34
unk
Hit & run crash; Vehicle 1 stationary during crash
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Made an improper turn
18
17
Operator 2 did not realize there was a restricted left turn
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
26
37
Both operators claim green light
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Made an improper turn
27
27
Both operators claim green light
8:05 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
53
64
11:50 PM
1:40 PM
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
No Improper Driving
Unknown
32
51
22
unk
Tuesday
Friday
Friday
Monday
10:50 PM
9:40 AM
3:45 PM
12:16 PM
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dry
Wet
Slush
Wet
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
65
53
25
72
21
29
21
22
3/6/11
3/9/11
Sunday
Wednesday
7:20 PM
8:40 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Dry
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
59
36
59
32
80
3/13/11
Sunday
12:30 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
19
unk
Hit & run crash; Vehicle 2 stopped to allow Vehicle 1 to proceed then
proceeded itself
81
4/19/11
Tuesday
8:21 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
No Improper Driving
48
28
Both operators claim green light
82
83
84
4/20/11
5/18/11
5/31/11
Wednesday
Wednesday
Tuesday
7:55 PM
5:00 PM
8:45 AM
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Rain
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Wet
Dry
Other improper action
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
22
29
42
26
36
40
Operator 2 ran red light
Both operators claim green light
85
86
87
6/18/11
7/14/11
7/14/11
Saturday
Thursday
Thursday
2:15 AM
7:50 AM
8:44 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
47
22
56
46
21
38
Operator 1 ran red light
88
7/22/11
Friday
12:00 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
Unknown
Inattention
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
35
60
89
90
91
92
7/23/11
9/25/11
10/6/11
10/14/11
Saturday
Sunday
Thursday
Friday
9:25 PM
6:20 PM
11:18 AM
5:42 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Unknown
Made an improper turn
Unknown
Unknown
23
19
27
21
unk
16
30
26
Hit & run crash
Vehicle 1 attempted to change lanes
93
10/15/11 Saturday
12:15 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Dry
Made an improper turn
23
38
Vehicle 1 made a prohibited left turn
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Both operators claim green light
unk
unk
Hit & run crash
Hit & run crash
Both operators claim green light
Snow banks forced Vehicle 2 into other lane
Vehicle 2 claims to have not seen red light
Crash Data Summary Table
Lincoln Square; Worcester, MA
2009 - 2011
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
94
Crash
Crash Day
Date
m/d/y
11/10/11 Thursday
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
11:35 AM
Angle
Light Condition
Type
Daylight
Weather
Condition
Type
Rain
Road Surface
Type
Wet
95
11/10/11 Thursday
7:56 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
96
11/14/11 Monday
1:00 AM
Single Vehicle Crash
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
97
98
99
100
11/17/11
1/29/09
4/30/09
5/16/09
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Saturday
10:25 AM
1:50 PM
6:25 PM
3:15 PM
Rear-end
Head on
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
101
7/13/09
Monday
8:30 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
102
11/30/09 Monday
6:05 PM
Rear-end
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
12/11/09
5/13/10
6/18/10
6/19/10
9/8/10
1/31/11
2/8/11
2/11/11
Friday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Wednesday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
6:25 PM
7:00 PM
12:35 PM
7:35 AM
7:50 AM
10:10 AM
4:21 PM
9:25 AM
111
3/9/11
Wednesday
112
3/17/11
Thursday
113
114
4/20/11
5/1/11
115
116
117
118
Driver Contributing Code
Type
Made an improper turn
D1
61
D2
24
26
Dry
Followed too closely
21
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
49
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Other improper action
75
29
43
57
48
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Illness
32
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Wet
No Improper Driving
30
18
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Unknown
Inattention
Followed too closely
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Unknown
44
56
51
61
48
23
19
30
45
46
34
45
36
45
45
6:33 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
64
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Wet
Unknown
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
43
5:12 PM
27
18
Wednesday
Sunday
7:55 PM
2:20 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Other improper action
Distracted
22
74
26
20
6/1/11
Wednesday
9:47 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
unk
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
12:35 PM
5:00 PM
8:33 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Unknown
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Inattention
Followed too closely
45
7/11/10
8/29/11
9/15/10
20
56
18
51
21
40
119
9/16/11
Friday
5:58 AM
Rear-end
Dawn
Clear
Dry
Followed too closely
30
57
120
10/6/10
Wednesday
7:27 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
28
121
122
10/27/11 Thursday
11/2/11 Wednesday
9:00 AM
4:10 PM
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Daylight
Rain
Clear
Wet
Dry
Inattention
50
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
21
Failed to yield to right of way
40
123
11/18/11 Friday
8:25 PM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
124
125
12/9/11 Friday
12/23/11 Friday
10:41 AM
8:15 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Rain
126
12/27/11 Tuesday
9:55 AM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Comments
D4
Operator struck traffic signal pole several times (once in forward direction
and twice in reverse direction)
Vehicles had to stop quickly due to pedestrian in road (pedestrian is a
panhandler that has had to be removed from this location several times)
33
24
Operator went into diabetic shock & hit traffic control light
Operator #2 failed to stop for traffic light at Grove St. & Highland St.
Hit & run crash
63
Vehicle 2 hit as a result of the collision between Vehicles 1 and 3
Both operators complained bushes in island were too high and obstructing
view - police officer agreed with this statement
33
26
Dry
Wet
No Improper Driving
18
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
26
No Improper Driving
55
30
46
Dry
Unknown
55
58
Ages
D3
44
Due to heavy congested traffic, Vehicle 2 (ambulance with active lights and
siren) side swiped Vehicle 1
Operator 2 claims that he pulled into intersection at red light to make room
for ambulance with active lights and siren coming from behind
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Lincoln Square, Worcester, MA
CRASH MONTH
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
12%
12%
10%
10%
8%
8%
7%
6%
6%
J
F
M
9%
A
7%
6%
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
25%
21%
17%
20%
15%
19%
13%
11%
10%
9%
9%
Saturday
Sunday
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
20%
15%
15%
0%
14%
10%
8%
10%
5%
14%
13%
10%
4% 5%
3%
6AM-8AM
8AM­
10AM
10AM­
12PM
12PM­ 2PM-4PM 4PM-6PM 6PM-8PM
2PM
8PM­
10PM
10PM­
12AM
2%
1%
12AM­ 2AM-4AM 4AM-6AM
2AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
53%
31%
8%
5%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Crash Summary Data Lincoln Square.xls
Angle
1%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
4 of 5
1%
0%
1%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
11/7/2012
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Lincoln Square, Worcester, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
66%
31%
Daylight
2%
1%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
80%
71%
60%
40%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
4%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
Rain
Cloudy
Clear
0%
18%
7%
Snow
20%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
75%
60%
40%
1%
0%
0%
Unknown
Water
(standing,
moving)
0%
Other
0%
Slush
1%
Sand, mud,
dirt, oil,
gravel
Snow
Wet
Dry
0%
2%
Ice
21%
20%
CRASH DRIVER AGES
40%
30%
30%
19%
20%
10%
0%
20%
13%
8%
15-20
6%
21-29
Crash Summary Data Lincoln Square.xls
30-39
40-49
5 of 5
50-59
60-69
3%
70-79
0%
80+
11/7/2012
Top Crash Intersections 2008-2010 RANK
125
WORCESTER
HIGHLAND STREET
MAIN STREET
ROUTE 9
Legend
MassDOT District 3
RPA CMRPC
EPDO
113
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Injury Crashes
Number of Non-Injury Crashes
Total Crashes
53
•
Crash Locations 2008-2010
~ Local Roads
0
15
/ ' V All Functional Classification Except Local Roads
38
Top Crash Intersections
massDOT Massachusetts Department of Transportadon
Top Crash Intersections 2008-2010 RANK
WORCESTER
26
HIGHLAND STREET (LIN<Bmll.R"S<9UARE)
MAIN STREET
Legend
MassDOT District 3
RPA CMRPC
EPDO
164
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Injury Crashes
Number of Non-Injury Crashes
Total Crashes
88
8
Crash Locations 2008-2010
~ Local Roads
0
19
/ " \ / All Functional Classification Except Local Roads
69
~
Top Crash Intersections
111assDOT Massachwetts Department of Transportation
Top Crash Intersections 2008-2010 RANK
28
WORCESTER
BELMONT STREET
LINCOLN STREET
ROUTE 9
Legend
MassDOT District 3
RPA CMRPC
EPDO
161
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Injury Crashes
Number of Non-Injury Crashes
Total Crashes
85
•
Crash Locations 2008-2010
~ LocaiRoads
0
19
/ \ . / All Functional Classification Except Local Roads
66
~
Top Crash Intersections
111assDOT Massachu~
Department of Transportadon
Road Safety Audit—Highland Street Corridor and Pleasant St/Chandler St—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix D. Speed Regulations