ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Route 28 (Main Street) at North Street
Town of Stoneham
August 29, 2013
Prepared For:
MassDOT Highway Division
Prepared By:
BETA Group, Inc.
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table of Contents
Project Data ................................................................................................................................. 1
Background ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 2
Audit Observations ..................................................................................................................... 6
Potential Safety Enhancements ............................................................................................... 11
Summary of Road Safety Audit ............................................................................................... 15
List of Appendices
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
RSA Meeting Agenda
RSA Audit Team Contact List
Detailed Crash Data
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Location Map ......................................................................................................................... 3
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 1
Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown ..................................................................... 11
Potential Safety Enhancement Summary ............................................................................. 16
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Project Data
A Road Safety Audit for the intersection of Route 28 (Main Street) and North Street was held on August
5, 2013 at the Stoneham Police Department in Stoneham, 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
Sean Sullivan
MassDOT Highway Division (Intern)
Carley Pryzstac
MassDOT Highway Division (Intern)
Mark Abbott
Boston Region MPO
Sara Timoner
MassDOT Highway Division – District 4 Traffic
Amy Lynch
MassDOT Highway Division – District 4 Projects
Constance Raphael
MassDOT Highway Division – District 4 Planning
Joseph Rolli
Stoneham Fire Chief
Richard McCarthy
Stoneham Police
James McIntyre
Stoneham Police Chief
Robert Grover
Stoneham DPW Director
David Ragucci
Stoneham Town Administrator
Greg Lucas
BETA Group, Inc.
Justin Curewitz
BETA Group, Inc.
Page 1
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, 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 the intersection of Route 28 (Main Street) and
North Street because it is identified as a high crash location within the Metropolitan Area Planning Council
(MAPC) region. 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 a reconstruction project for long term improvements.
Project Description
Route 28 (Main Street) is a northsouth corridor functionally classified
as an Urban Principal Arterial and is
State-owned in the vicinity of North
Street. Route 28 is an important
regional roadway, running essentially
parallel to I-93 and connecting to I-93
to the south and I-95/Route 128 to the
north. Main Street provides access
from the highways to Stoneham and to
surrounding communities, and serves
as an alternate route to the highways
during times of heavy congestion. The
intersection of Route 28 and North
Street, shown in Figure 1, is a 4-way
signalized intersection approximately
Route 28 (Main Street) at North Street
¼ mile south of the Route 28
(looking north)
interchange at I-95/Route 128. The
Reading/Stoneham town line is located between I-95/Route 128 interchange and the study intersection.
North Street is Town-owned and is functionally classified as an Urban Collector west of Route 28 and as
an Urban Principal Arterial east of Route 28. North Street intersects Route 28 at a skewed angle, which
impacts operation and driver behavior at the intersection.
Route 28 (Main Street) provides two through lanes in each direction and is median-divided along its
length in the vicinity of North Street, from north of I-95/Route 128 to south of the Redstone Shopping
Center. Route 28 provides an exclusive left turn lane southbound at North Street, and the traffic signal
provides protected phasing via a lead phase for the southbound approach. No left turn lane is provided
northbound, and northbound left turns operate under permissive/protected phasing with a protected lag
phase when vehicles are present. A scored concrete island extends beyond the center median for both the
northbound and southbound approaches, likely intended to provide further channelization for left turning
Page 2
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Road Safety Audit
Route 28 (Main Street)
at North Street
Stoneham, MA
Figure 1
Location Map
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
vehicles, but local officials noted that aggressive drivers and larger vehicles make a sharp turn across the
scored concrete area. North Street generally provides a single lane of travel in each direction. A
triangular island is provided on the southwest corner to channelize right turns from North Street
eastbound to Route 28 south. The channelized right turn lane is not controlled by the signal, and no signs
are provided to establish stop or yield control. A painted stop line is provided, and a crosswalk is
provided from the channelized island to the sidewalk on the southwest corner of the intersection. North
Street westbound is designed as a single lane, but is wide enough at its approach to Route 28 that rightturning vehicles use the wide lane to bypass vehicles waiting to go left or straight at the intersection.
North Street west of Route 28 provides access to residential streets and neighborhoods that are bordered
by I-93 to the west and I-95/Route 128 to the north. North Street east of Route 28 provides a continuous
alignment with Prospect Street and connects to the town of Wakefield. It was noted that vehicles turning
right from North Street to Route 28 south are known to bypass the signalized intersection via George
Street.
Continuous sidewalks are provided along both sides of Route 28 and along the south side of North Street
within the intersection vicinity. Crosswalks are provided across both North Street legs and across the
south leg of Route 28, although no pushbuttons or pedestrian signals are provided across the east North
Street leg or from the triangular channelizing island to the sidewalk on the southwest corner of the
intersection. An exclusive pedestrian phase is activated by pushbuttons located adjacent to the crosswalks
across the west and south legs; pushbuttons are older and do not meet current accessibility requirements,
and pedestrian signals do not have countdown displays as required by current MassDOT and Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements.
Land use in the area is a mix of commercial and residential. Multi-story apartment buildings are located
along the west side of Route 28 north of North Street, and along the east side of Route 28 south of North
Street. A small strip mall is located on the southwest corner of the intersection housing a chocolatier and a
convenience store. An abandoned gas station is located on the northeast corner of the intersection; a local
resident mentioned to audit participants that the site is planned for redevelopment. A 99 Restaurant is
north of the abandoned gas station on the east side of Route 28, and single and multi-family homes are
located along North Street and George Street west of Route 28.
Crash data provided by the Stoneham Police Department and summarized by MassDOT show 32 police
documented crashes occurred for the three year period from 2010 through 2012. A crash data summary
and a collision diagram are included in the Appendix. Crashes were evenly split between angle and rearend crashes, with 16 of each type occurring during the study period. Twelve of the 16 rear-end crashes
occurred on Route 28 northbound. Several of these crashes were attributed to hydroplaning or issues
related to wet roadway conditions, while others were attributed to driver inattention. Crashes on this
approach may be the result of differing levels of driver aggression related to entering the intersection
during the yellow clearance phase. Driver frustration and aggression may play a factor in all crash types at
this intersection, due to its proximity to a highway interchange and its role as a commuter route. Three
rear-end crashes occurred on the southbound approach, and may be related to vehicle speeds due to the
downhill grade of this approach and higher vehicle speeds departing I-95/Route 128. One rear-end crash
occurred in the middle of the intersection, where a through vehicle which is assumed to have the right-ofway stopped for traffic in the intersection.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Angle crashes occurred in all directions and on all approaches. Three angle crashes occurred between a
southbound through vehicle and a westbound vehicle, and may indicate clearance violations or
inadequacy of existing clearance intervals, or may be related to confusion created by the intersection
geometry. Two crashes between eastbound through vehicles and a southbound vehicle were attributed to
signals being obstructed by snow. A bicycle crash occurred where a southbound cyclist disregarded the
traffic signal and was struck by a vehicle departing North Street who had the right-of-way. Two crashes
involved vehicles exiting onto North Street from the small strip mall at 41 Main Street. One crash
involved a vehicle turning left into the steep driveway at 65 North Street, which is identified as a blind
driveway by a small sign facing westbound traffic.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, 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 issues that affect safety at the intersection of
Route 28 (Main Street) and North Street. Audit participants then conducted a site visit as a group, at
which time they offered observations on safety issues and concerns. A summary of those major safety
considerations is as follows:

Intersection Layout – North Street intersects Route 28 at a skewed angle, and the skewed alignment
and size of the intersection impact operations and driver behavior at the intersection.
o
The width of the intersection and skewed alignment create confusion for North Street
vehicles. Both North Street approaches receive a green indication at the same time, and
audit participants familiar with the intersection noted that driver hesitation is common
due to confusion over who has the right-of-way. Turning vehicles may enter their turn
before realizing that they have a potential conflict with a through vehicle traveling in the
opposite direction, due to the width of the intersection and the distance they must travel
before encountering the conflicting vehicle. Confusion over right of way may cause
vehicles to take longer to clear the intersection, and as a result exit the intersection during
the red indication, which may be a factor in right angle crashes. Additionally, the
geometry may create confusion for drivers turning left from North Street over whether
they should pass in front of or behind a left turning vehicle from the opposite North Street
approach.
o
The skewed alignment also creates a longer intersection for through traffic on Route 28,
which may contribute to clearance time violations, which may be a factor in both rearend and angle crashes. Rear-end crashes can occur between drivers of different levels of
aggression, where a trailing driver plans to enter the intersection during the yellow but
the leading driver stops. Traffic congestion and driver frustration typically lead to
increases in driver aggression.
o
The scored concrete area extending beyond the raised center median on both the north
and south Route 28 legs was likely intended to provide additional channelization, but
instead promotes variance in turning paths for left-turning vehicles and U-turns. Some
drivers continue past the scored concrete area before beginning their turn, while others
turn across the scored concrete. It was noted that the scored area can provide refuge for a
northbound left-turning vehicle waiting during the permissive phase, but that a vehicle
waiting here would not be detected by the loop detectors located in the turn lane.
o
The lack of a northbound left turn lane was identified as a safety concern. Although
vehicles can move into the scored concrete area, waiting vehicles typically either partially
or fully block the through travel lane. This can contribute to rear-end crashes either
because of an inattentive driver who does not see the stopped vehicle, or from a driver in
the left lane quickly moving to the right lane to bypass a waiting vehicle, which creates
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Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
potential for a rear-end crash in the right lane. This was specifically noted as the cause of
one crash on this approach, and may be a factor in the history of rear-end crashes.
o

Vehicles waiting in the southbound left turn lane can block visibility of other southbound
through traffic for northbound vehicles waiting to make a permissive left turn. This is a
likely factor in one crash involving a northbound u-turning vehicle.
Traffic Signals – A number of issues related to the existing traffic signal equipment and operation
were identified.
o
The previously discussed conflicts between opposing vehicles on the North Street
approaches generally exist because of the existing geometry, but could be improved upon
or eliminated through consideration of a protected lead phase or split phasing for the
North Street approaches. The lack of a lead phase or split phasing was identified as a
safety concern.
o
Yellow and all-red clearance times may be inadequate at the intersection. This could be a
factor in northbound rear-end crashes due to varying levels of driver aggression on the
approach, and could also be a factor in angle crashes where vehicles are still in the
intersection during the red indication controlling their entry approach.
o
The lack of emergency pre-emption equipment on the North Street approaches was
identified as a safety issue. Preemption equipment is provided for the Route 28
approaches, and its operation was verified on the day of the audit.
o
The eastbound signal has a yellow indication that is burnt out.
o
Signals at the intersection are free-swinging on a span wire assembly, which are more
susceptible to misalignment due to wind. A signal head facing southbound traffic is
slightly twisted, reducing its effectiveness.
o
No backplates are provided for overhead signals. Backplates help signal visibility by
providing negative contrast of the signal indication against a lighter background.

Shoulders – The lack of shoulders was noted as a safety concern. The current roadway configuration
does not allow vehicles to pull over to make way for fire and
other emergency apparatus. This also affects opportunities for
speed and red light enforcement because police have no room
to safely pull vehicles over.

Pedestrian Accommodation – A number of issues related to
pedestrian accommodations were discussed.
o
A crosswalk is provided across the east leg of
North Street, but no pedestrian signals or
pushbuttons are provided. Pedestrians crossing
this approach must do so concurrently with
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Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
northbound traffic, which can create conflicts between pedestrians and both northbound
right-turning vehicles and southbound left-turning vehicles. The crosswalk between the
channelizing island and the southwest corner of the intersection is also unprotected.
o
Pedestrians have been observed crossing at unprotected locations south of the
intersection. It was noted that a crosswalk is provided at the signalized entrance to the
Redstone Shopping Center south of the study intersection, but that pedestrians originating
in the residential complexes on the east side of Route 28 are unlikely to walk all the way
down to the signalized location if their destination is at the north end of the shopping
center. An audit member noted that residents of the complex park at the shopping center
and walk across Route 28.
o
No countdown pedestrian signals are provided at the intersection, and pushbuttons do not
meet current standards for accessibility.
o
No detectable warning panels are provided for
the pedestrian passageways provided in the
island on the southwest corner of the
intersection. All other ramps provide detectable
warning panels and appear to be recently
reconstructed.
o
A hydrant and pedestrian signal post are located
in the middle of the sidewalk on the northwest
corner of the intersection, blocking the
pedestrian path.
Lack of detectable warning
panels

Pavement Condition – Ten crashes occurred under wet, snowy or icy road conditions, and
hydroplaning or vehicle sliding was noted as a factor in several of these crashes. It was noted that
Route 28 was recently resurfaced, which helps address these crashes because newer pavement will
have increased pavement friction. It was also noted that the resurfacing eliminated rutting that had
developed at the stop lines on the Route 28 approaches.

Bicycle Accommodation – The lack of shoulders along Route 28 or North Street illustrates a lack of
accommodation for bicyclists. It should also be noted that no bicycle detection is provided with the
existing signal.

Speed – It was noted that speeding is a concern during off-peak periods, and that vehicles traveling
south can pick up speed due to the southbound downhill grade. It was noted that enforcement is
difficult for northbound vehicles due to the proximity of the town line, and due to the previously
noted lack of shoulders.

Lane Delineation – The lack of lane delineation through the intersection was identified as a safety
concern.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Traffic Congestion/Cut-Through Traffic – The intersection’s proximity to both I-93 and I-95/Route
128 makes it both a heavily traveled corridor for interstate access but also a likely cut-through path
when delays exist on the interstates. Drivers heading south on Route 28 from North Street are known
to use George Street to avoid the signal at North
Street. Congestion can lead to driver frustration,
which can lead to varying degrees of driver
aggression which influences previously discussed
safety concerns.

Pavement Markings – No “ONLY” markings are
provided in conjunction with the left arrows in the
Route 28 southbound left turn lane.

Signage – Several issues related to signage were
discussed or observed at the audit.
No “ONLY” markings
o
The stub of a sign post was observed
on the western edge of the small island on the
southwest corner of the intersection. It is assumed that
this was an object marker sign, which should be
replaced. The lack of an object marker may increase
the likelihood that a vehicle will strike the island,
especially at night or during wintry conditions when
the island is covered with snow.
o
No traffic control signage is provided for the
Sign post stub
channelized right turn from North Street eastbound to
Route 28 southbound. The presence of a painted stop bar suggests that this is a stop
condition.
o
A “Keep Right” sign is provided on the nose of the island on the south leg of the
intersection, but no sign is provided on the nose of the island on the north leg.
o
No “Left Turn Yield on Green Ball” sign is provided for the permissive/protected
phasing for northbound left turns.
o
Other signs at the intersection are faded, including a No Parking sign on the eastbound
North Street departure, and a speed limit sign and Route 28 sign on the southbound
approach to the intersection.
o
There is an older “Signal Ahead” sign on the westbound North Street approach which is
older, not retroreflective, and partially obscured by graffiti. No advance warning signs are
provided on the other three approaches.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Roadway Grade – Route 28 has steep cross-slopes, which create a crest curve condition for vehicles
crossing from the North Street approaches. This presents additional challenges to crossing vehicles
and can exacerbate other concerns related to conflicts between side street vehicles.

Overgrowth – Brush overgrowing the edge of the roadway
on the north side of North Street west of the intersection
blocks visibility of the driveway at #65 North Street. It is
unknown if this was a factor in the crash that occurred at this
location.

Golf Course – Audit participants noted that the Bear Hill
Golf Club on Prospect Street east of the intersection has a
hole that tees off on one side of the road, with a fairway on
the opposite side of the road. This may create confusion for
drivers and pedestrians passing by.

Distracted Driving – Texting by drivers was noted as a
common problem region-wide, and cited as a potential factor
in rear-end crashes at the intersection.
Brush overgrowth along
North Street
.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Potential Safety Enhancements
After the site visit, audit participants returned to the meeting location to discuss the safety issues and
consider improvements. Audit participants were encouraged to consider both short and long term
improvements for each issue. Each improvement considered has been categorized as short-term, 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
Conduct a traffic study of the intersection, including collection of current vehicle, bicycle and
pedestrian counts at both Route 28/North Street and Route 28/George Street. Several
recommendations involved changes to signal strategies, which first require analysis using current
traffic data. The intersection of Route 28 and George Street should be included in the data collection
and analysis effort to determine the amount of cut-through traffic and consider the potential for
current cut-through traffic using George Street to instead turn right at an upgraded signal at North
Street. A traffic study is the first step towards improvements aimed at addressing congestion, traffic
signal improvements, and geometric improvements. This is a short-term, medium cost improvement.
Consider phasing alternatives for the North Street approaches. Three potential phasing improvements
were discussed by the audit team.
o
It was suggested that increased green time for the side street approaches could eliminate
conflicts related to waiting vehicles. This modification would not address conflicts
between side street vehicles and would not address potential confusion over right-of-way,
and therefore is not recommended.
o
Lead/lag phasing was also suggested as an improvement strategy. Lead/lag phasing
would provide a protected lead phase for left turns and through movements in one
direction on North Street, and then provide a shared phase for through movements and
permissive left turns in both directions, followed by a protected lag phase for left turns
and through movements in the opposite direction. Permissive left turns must still be
allowed because no exclusive left turn lanes are provided on the North Street approaches.
Lead/lag phasing would provide protected phases for left turns in both directions, but
would not eliminate conflicts between opposing North Street vehicles. Lead/lag phasing
with protected/permissive operation also creates the “yellow trap”, which occurs when
the driver turning from one direction enters during the yellow, assuming that the
opposing driver also has the yellow, but the green is still displayed to the opposing driver
from the lagging phase. Lead/lag phasing is not recommended for this reason.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
o


Split phasing would provide a separate protected phase for each direction on North Street.
This would eliminate conflicts between North Street vehicles, which should reduce angle
crashes involving North Street vehicles. All three phasing alternatives discussed would
extend the time required to service the North Street phases, which would likely degrade
the overall intersection operation and increase delay on the Route 28 approaches. Split
phasing should not be implemented until associated timings are determined following a
study using current traffic volumes. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Reconstruct the intersection. All improvements listed below are assumed to be combined as part of a
long-term, high cost reconstruction project.
o
Consider the addition of a northbound left turn lane. This would eliminate the need for
left turning vehicles to share a lane with through vehicles, which would in turn reduce the
likelihood of rear-end collisions due to inattentive drivers. The addition of a northbound
left turn lane would also allow protected only left turns, which would eliminate visibility
concerns created by queued southbound left-turning vehicles. Construction of a
northbound left-turn lane is recommended as part of an overall reconstruction strategy
because it is likely to require other geometric modifications to accommodate the width
required.
o
Provide fixed mounted overhead signals with backplates. Fixed mounted signals would
prevent misalignments that exist today with the free swinging signal heads. Backplates
would increase visibility of signal heads for approaching traffic, and assist with sun glare
for east-west traffic. Fixed mounted signals would require new mast arms, which should
be incorporated with other geometric improvements. It was noted that any
protected/permissive phases provided within a reconstructed signal would operate with
the flashing yellow arrow, which is a new standard in the 2009 MUTCD and is being
evaluated and implemented by MassDOT statewide.
o
Provide countdown pedestrian signal heads and accessible pedestrian pushbuttons located
according to Section 4E.08 of the MUTCD. This is recommended in conjunction with
overall reconstruction because it would require extensive relocation of pedestrian signals
and pushbuttons to meet current ADA, MUTCD and MassDOT requirements.
o
Provide bicycle detection as part of traffic signal improvements.
o
Reduce cross slopes on Route 28 in conjunction with other geometric improvements.
Cross slopes should be reduced following MassDOT guidelines to the greatest extent
practicable, eliminating or reducing the crest condition for North Street vehicles.
o
Consider other geometric improvements aimed at reducing the overall size of the
intersection while maintaining optimal sight lines for all entering traffic. This is a longterm, high cost improvement.
Remove the scored concrete area at the end of the median islands on both Route 28 approaches. A
review of turning paths should be done in conjunction with this improvement to ensure that removal
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Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
of the concrete will not be detrimental to turning paths and existing vehicle conflicts. It is expected
that elimination of the scored concrete area will reduce the variance in turning paths, which in turn
can improve consistently between driver behavior and other driver expectations, which can reduce the
potential for crashes. It should be noted that this improvement will increase the area of undefined
pavement contained within the intersection. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.











Provide emergency pre-emption for the North Street approaches. This improvement can be
accommodated within the existing signal and should be implemented as a short-term, low cost
improvement.
Replace burnt out eastbound yellow signal indication. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Realign southbound signal heads so that they are clearly visible to approaching traffic. This is a shortterm, low cost improvement.
Study clearance times. The existing yellow and all red clearance times should be determined from the
existing traffic signal controller and compared to minimum requirements calculated based on the
latest MassDOT guidance. If existing clearance times are insufficient, clearance times should be
increased accordingly. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Provide pedestrian signals and pushbuttons for the crosswalk across the east leg of the intersection.
This improvement should be included in overall intersection improvements, but can be done on a
short-term basis with the existing signal. This is a short-term, medium cost improvement.
Consider pedestrian travel patterns south of the intersection. It was noted that pedestrians cross at
unprotected locations between North Street and the Redstone Shopping Center entrance. Intersection
improvements at North Street should consider whether additional pedestrian improvements are
required in this area. This is a long-term improvement with a cost to be determined.
Provide detectable warning panels for the pedestrian passageways in the island on the southwest
corner of the intersection. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Relocate the hydrant in the sidewalk on the northwest corner of the intersection. The hydrant should
be relocated so that a minimum pedestrian access route is provided meeting current ADA and
MassDOT requirements. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Provide bicycle accommodation at the intersection and along Route 28 to the greatest extent
practicable. Improvements should provide minimum 4-foot shoulders, which meet MassDOT
guidelines for bicycle accommodation. This is a long-term, high cost improvement.
Continue speed enforcement efforts in the area. Speed enforcement is an ongoing improvement, the
cost of which is the use of police resources.
Provide lane delineation lines where appropriate within the intersection. Dotted guide lines should be
provided to aid turning vehicles within the intersection, which can help reduce conflicts between
turning vehicles and set a greater expectation as to a vehicle’s turning path. This is a short-term, low
cost improvement.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.



Provide “ONLY” markings in the Route 28 southbound left turn lane. Presently, only arrow markings
are provided. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Reinstall H1-2 object marker sign on the nose of the island on the southwest corner of the
intersection. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Provide a STOP sign for the channelized right turn from North Street to Route 28 southbound. The
presence of a stop bar indicates that this is intended to be a stop-controlled movement, and the
alignment and approach speeds for southbound traffic suggests that a stop condition is
more prudent than a yield condition. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.

Provide a graphical R4-7 “Keep Right” sign for the nose of the island on the north leg
of the intersection, and replace the existing word sign on the south leg with a graphical
R4-7 sign. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.

Provide an R10-12 “Left Turn Must Yield on Green Ball” sign for the 5-section
“doghouse” signal facing northbound traffic. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement.

Replace the older “Signal Ahead” sign on the westbound approach with a graphical
W3-3 sign, and consider W3-3 signs on all approaches if a continuous view of at
least two signal faces cannot be maintained for the distance specified in Table 4D-2
of the MUTCD. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.

Replace the faded “No Parking” sign on the eastbound North Street departure with a
new sign. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.




Replace the Speed Limit 35 sign and the Route 28 sign on the southbound approach. This is a shortterm, low cost improvement.
Trim brush on the north side of North Street west of the intersection. This will improve visibility for
drivers as they approach the driveway at 65 North Street.
Consider if Bear Hill Golf Course operations create a significant impact on vehicles and pedestrians
on Prospect Street. The town line between Wakefield and Stoneham runs parallel to Prospect Street
and bisects the golf course property, so both towns should be consulted with regards to impacts or
potential actions. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Continue programs aimed at enforcement of anti-texting laws for drivers. If texting is a more
significant problem in Stoneham, local programs could be considered. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement.
Page 14
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
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 Town of Stoneham would be responsible
for implementing the recommended improvement.
Page 15
Road Safety Audit—Lincoln Street (Route 70)—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
MassDOT/
Boston MPO
N/A
Short-term
$15,000
Town/MassDOT
High
Short-term
$5,000
Reconstruct the intersection. Specific improvements are listed
below.
MassDOT
High
Long-term
TBD (High)
Intersection Layout
Consider the addition of a northbound left turn lane, and implement
protected-only left turns to eliminate visibility concerns.
MassDOT
High
Long-term
High*
Traffic Signals
Provide fixed mounted overhead signals with backplates.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High*
Traffic Signals,
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Provide countdown pedestrian signal heads and accessible
pedestrian pushbuttons located according to Section 4E.08 of the
MUTCD.
MassDOT
High
Long-term
Medium*
Traffic Signals,
Bicycle Accomm.
Provide bicycle detection as part of traffic signal improvements.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
Low*
Intersection Layout
Reduce cross slopes on Route 28 in conjunction with other
geometric improvements.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High*
Consider other geometric improvements aimed at reducing the
Intersection Layout overall size of the intersection while maintaining optimal sight lines
for all entering traffic.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High*
Remove the scored concrete area at the end of the median islands
Intersection Layout on both Route 28 approaches. Turning paths should be reviewed in
conjunction with this improvement.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$5,000
Traffic Signals
Provide emergency pre-emption for the North Street approaches.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$5,000
Traffic Signals
Replace burnt out eastbound yellow signal indication.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$1,000
Traffic Signals
Realign southbound signal heads so that they are clearly visible to
approaching traffic.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$1,000
Traffic Signals
Study clearance times, and implement changes as necessary.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$2,000
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Traffic Signals,
Traffic Congestion
Conduct a traffic study of the intersection, including collection of
current vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian counts at both Route
28/North Street and Route 28/George Street.
Traffic Signal,
Consider split phasing for the North Street approaches.
Intersection Layout
Page 16
Road Safety Audit—Lincoln Street (Route 70)—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
Traffic Signals,
Provide pedestrian signals and pushbuttons for the crosswalk
Pedestrian Accom. across the east leg of the intersection
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$15,000
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Consider pedestrian travel patterns south of the intersection.
Intersection improvements should consider whether additional
pedestrian improvements are required.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
TBD
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Provide detectable warning panels for the pedestrian passageways
in the island on the southwest corner of the intersection.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$2,000
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Relocate the hydrant in the sidewalk on the northwest corner of the
intersection.
Town
Low
Short-term
$3,000
Shoulders, Bicycle
Accommodation
Provide bicycle accommodation at the intersection and along Route
28 to the greatest extent practicable.
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
TBD (High)
Speed
Continue speed enforcement efforts in the area.
Town
High
Short-term
$0
Lane Delineation
Provide lane delineation lines where appropriate within the
intersection.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$3,000
Pavement
Markings
Provide “ONLY” markings in the Route 28 southbound left turn
lane.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$2,500
Signage
Reinstall H1-2 object marker sign on the nose of the island on the
southwest corner of the intersection.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$200
Signage
Provide a “STOP” sign for the channelized right turn from North
Street to Route 28 southbound.
MassDOT
High
Short-term
$200
Signage
Provide a graphical R4-7 “Keep Right” sign for the nose of the
island on the north leg of the intersection, and replace the existing
word sign on the south leg with an R4-7 sign.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$500
Signage
Provide an R10-12 “Left Turn Must Yield on Green Ball” sign for the
5-section “doghouse” signal facing northbound traffic.
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$500
Signage
Replace the older “Signal Ahead” sign on the westbound approach
with a new graphical W3-3 sign, and consider W3-3 signs on other
approaches (where appropriate).
MassDOT
Low
Short-term $200-$1000
Signage
Replace the faded “No Parking” sign on the eastbound North Street
departure with a new sign.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
$200
Page 17
Road Safety Audit—Lincoln Street (Route 70)—Worcester, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
$500
Town
Medium
Short-term
$500
Consider if Bear Hill Golf Course operations create a significant
impact on vehicles and pedestrians on Prospect Street.
Town
(Stoneham &
Wakefield)
Low
Short-term
TBD
Continue programs aimed at enforcement of anti-texting laws for
drivers.
MassDOT/Town
Low
Short-term
Ongiong
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Signage
Replace the Speed Limit 35 sign and the Route 28 sign on the
southbound approach.
Overgrowth
Trim brush on the north side of North Street west of the
intersection.
Golf Course
Distracted Driving
*
Improvements are assumed to be combined into an overall reconstruction project; costs are order of magnitude components of the overall
project cost.
Page 18
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit
Stoneham, MA
Route 28 (Main Street)/North Street
Meeting Location: Stoneham Police Dept.
47 Central Street, Stoneham, MA
Monday, August 5, 2013
10:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Type of meeting:
High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
10:00 AM
Welcome and Introductions
10:15 AM
Discussion of Safety Issues
• Crash history – provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
10:45 AM
Site Visit
• Drive to the intersection of Route 28 and North Street
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
11:15 AM
Discussion of Potential Improvements
• Discuss observations and finalize safety issue areas
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
12:00 noon
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on August 5th, participants are encouraged to drive/walk
through the intersection and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List
with a focus on safety.
• All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participants
are encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the
synergy that develops and respect for others’ opinions are key elements to the
success of the overall RSA process.
• After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked to comment and respond to the
document materials to assure it is reflective of the RSA completed by the
multidisciplinary team.
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Participating Audit Team Members
Stoneham – Main Street (Route 28) at North Street
Email Address
Date: August 5, 2013
Audit Team Member
Location:
Agency/Affiliation
Greg Lucas
Justin Curewitz
Lisa Schletzbaum
Corey O’Connor
Sean Sullivan
Carley Przystac
Mark Abbott
Sara Timoner
Amy Lynch
Constance Raphael
Joseph Rolli
BETA
BETA
MassDOT – Safety
MassDOT – Safety
MassDOT – Safety
MassDOT – Safety
Boston Region MPO
MassDOT D4 Traffic
MassDOT D4 Projects
MassDOT D4 Planning
Stoneham Fire Dept
GLucas@BETA-Inc.com
JCurewitz@BETA-Inc.com
Lisa.schletzbaum@state.ma.us
Corey.oconnor@state.ma.us
Sean.R.Sullivan@state.ma.us
Carley.przystac@state.ma.us
mabbott@ctps.org
Sara.timoner@dot.state.ma.us
Amy.lynch@dot.state.ma.us
Connie.Raphael@dot.state.ma.us
JRolli@ci.stoneham.ma.us
Richard McCarthy
Stoneham Police
RMcCarthy@police.stoneham.ma.us
James McIntyre
Stoneham PD
JMcIntyre@police.stoneham.ma.us
Robert Grover
David Ragucci
Stoneham DPW
Stoneham T.A.
RGrover@ci.stoneham.ma.us
DRagucci@ci.stoneham.ma.us
Phone Number
781-255-1982
781-255-1982
857-368-9634
857-368-9638
857-368-9621
617-973-7095
781-641-8435
781-641-8300
781-641-8468
781-438-0127
781-438-1215
x3149
781-438-1215
x3130
781-438-0760
781-279-2600
Road Safety Audit—Route 28(Main Street) at North Street—Stoneham, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Crash Data Summary Table
Main st (Rt 28) and North st, Stoneham, MA
2010, 2011, 2012
Crash
Date
Crash Day
m/d/y
Time of Day
1/5/10
3/3/10
3/25/10
5/17/10
6/24/10
6/25/10
7/15/10
7/17/10
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Thursday
Saturday
1:11 PM
2:42 PM
11:31 AM
1:29 PM
11:00 AM
7:56 AM
1:17 PM
11:36 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Unknown
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Unknown
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Unknown
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
9
10
9/2/10
9/28/10
Thursday
Tuesday
4:18 PM
8:10 AM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Dry
Wet
11
12
13
9/30/10
11/4/10
1/3/11
Thursday
Thursday
Monday
12:47 PM
12:03 PM
7:05 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Cloudy
Severe
Crosswinds
Rain
Clear
Dry
Wet
Wet
14
15
16
17
18
1/13/11
5/19/11
5/28/11
7/14/11
7/18/11
Thursday
Thursday
Saturday
Thursday
Monday
9:36 AM
9:41 AM
4:18 PM
5:43 PM
5:30 PM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Wet
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
19
20
21
7/23/11
8/8/11
8/19/11
Saturday
Monday
Friday
7:50 PM
2:31 PM
6:13 PM
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Dusk
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Rain
Clear
Dry
Wet
Dry
22
9/5/11
Monday
2:42 PM
Rear-end
Clear
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
9/23/11
12/24/11
1/9/12
1/26/12
6/11/12
6/11/12
6/24/12
7/11/12
9/4/12
Friday
Saturday
Monday
Thursday
Monday
Monday
Sunday
Wednesday
Tuesday
6:00 PM
2:22 PM
10:01 AM
8:20 AM
8:06 AM
1:08 PM
11:00 AM
5:11 PM
2:27 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
32
10/5/12
Friday
11:49 PM
Angle
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - roadway not
lighted
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
Road Surface
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
D2
Ages
D3
Comments
D4
Unknown
Followed too closely
Failed to yield right of way
Physical Impairment
Failed to yield right of way
Other improper action
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Unknown
48
27
81
32
37
32
79
26
63
37
50
21
58
45
75
63
Report not fully filled out, 41 Main st
Op 1 didn't see signal
Veh 1 stopped for traffic in intersection
Veh 1 Could not stop in time
Both claimed green light
Veh 1 was TT unit, taking wide turn
Veh 1 making U-turn
Op 2 distracted
64
18
24
22
21
43
22
64
25
46
47
45
30
44
20
83
48
61
42
26
Veh 2 was unaware of red light, obstructed by snow
Veh 2 entered intersection unexpectedly
Op 2 hit gas instead of brake
59
23
51
58
36
75
Bicycle crash, cyclist ran red light
Collision caused by sliding in rain
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
Driving too fast for conditions
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Operating defective equiptment
Inattention
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Followed too closely
Failed to yield right of way
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
60
55
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Unknown
Followed too closely
Inattention
Failed to yield right of way
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Followed too closely
Inattention
33
68
21
37
55
49
39
20
51
30
55
65
30
21
30
60
44
36
Clear
Dry
Made an improper turn
75
28
46
75
OUI coming off 128, Veh 2 is tow truck towing Veh 3
Unrelated vehicle cut off Veh 1, starting chain reaction
Veh 3 attempted to go around Veh 1 waiting to make left, sideswiping V2
Veh 2 hydroplaned
Veh 1 ran light, light was obstructed by snow
Collision caused by sliding in rain
52
37
Rear end in traffic
Rear end in traffic
Op 2 thought light had turned green
65 North st
65 North st
Op 2 misjudged turning gap
No diagram or narrative
Veh 1 attempted to avoided turning vehicle
No diagram or narrative
Veh 1 making U-turn
*Courtesy Crash - A term used to describe a crash that occurs subsequent to a non-involved mainline driver who gives the right of way, contrary to the rules of the road, to another driver.
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Main st (Rt 28) and North st, Stoneham, MA
CRASH MONTH
19%
20%
16%
19%
16%
15%
9%
10%
6%
6%
5%
0%
0%
J
3%
3%
3%
O
N
D
0%
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
40%
30%
31%
25%
20%
10%
0%
13%
9%
Monday
Tuesday
13%
6%
3%
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
19%
20%
16% 16%
16% 16%
15%
10%
9%
6%
3%
5%
0%
0%
6AM8AM
8AM10AM
10AM12PM
12PM2PM
2PM4PM
4PM6PM
6PM8PM
8PM10PM
0% 0% 0%
10PM12AM
12AM2AM
2AM4AM
4AM6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
50%
50%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Data Summary_updated.xlsx
0%
Rear-end
Angle
0%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
2 of 3
0%
0%
0%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
8/5/2013
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Main st (Rt 28) and North st, Stoneham, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
88%
Daylight
0%
3%
3%
3%
0%
0%
3%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark Lighted
Roadway
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
80%
72%
60%
40%
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
3%
Unknown
0%
Other
3%
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
Rain
0%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
16%
Cloudy
Clear
0%
6%
Snow
20%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
66%
60%
31%
40%
20%
0%
Dry
Wet
0%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand, mud, Water
dirt, oil, (standing,
gravel
moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
30%
22%
21%
20%
18%
15%
13%
7%
10%
3%
1%
0%
15-20
Data Summary_updated.xlsx
21-29
30-39
40-49
3 of 3
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
8/5/2013