ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Cambridge Road (US Route 3) at
Bedford Road and South Bedford Street
City of Woburn/Town of Burlington
June 16, 2014
Prepared For:
MassDOT Highway Division
Prepared By:
BETA Group, Inc.
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table of Contents
Project Data ................................................................................................................................. 1
Background ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 2
Audit Observations ..................................................................................................................... 6
Potential Safety Enhancements ................................................................................................. 9
Summary of Road Safety Audit ............................................................................................... 11
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.
Location Map ......................................................................................................................... 3
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 1
Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown ....................................................................... 9
Potential Safety Enhancement Summary ............................................................................. 12
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Project Data
A Road Safety Audit for the intersection of Cambridge Road (US Route 3), Bedford Road and South
Bedford Street was held on May 28, 2014 at City Hall in Woburn, 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, legislative and emergency response expertise.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Agency/Affiliation
Corey O’Connor
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Craig Roberts
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Sara Timoner
MassDOT Highway Division - District 4 Traffic
Lt. Keith Peary
Woburn Fire Department
Sgt. Paul Tenney
Woburn Police Department
Off. Bernie Schipelliti
Burlington Police Department
Stevie Yetman
Burlington Fire Department
Tom Hayes
Burlington DPW – Town Engineer
Joe Demers
Rep. Dwyer’s Office
Jay Corey
Woburn City Engineer
Rep. Ken Gordon
State Representative
Chenyuan Wang
Boston Region MPO
Greg Lucas
BETA Group, Inc.
Justin Curewitz
BETA Group, Inc.
Page 1
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, 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 Cambridge Road (US Route
3) at Bedford Road and South Bedford Street in Woburn and Burlington because it has been 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
The intersection of Cambridge Road (US Route 3) with Bedford Road and South Bedford Street, shown
in Figure 1, is located in the western portion of Woburn on the Burlington town line. The town line
crosses Cambridge Road approximately 350 feet north of the intersection, then turns south and parallels
Cambridge Road until turning west at South Bedford Street. The Cambridge Road and Bedford Road legs
and the center of the intersection are in Woburn, while the South Bedford Street leg is in Burlington.
Cambridge Road (US Route 3) follows a north-south alignment, with US Route 3 following Cambridge
Road south of I-95/Route 128, which has an interchange with Cambridge Road approximately ¾ mile
north of the study intersection. Route 3 follows Cambridge Road south of I-95/Route 128 through
Burlington and Woburn to Winchester and Arlington. The proximity to I-95/Route 128 results in
increased commuter traffic during times of congestion on the highway.
Bedford Street connects Cambridge Road to Winn Street and the center of Woburn, while South Bedford
Street provides a connection to office and retail destinations in Burlington, ultimately terminating at
Burlington Mall Road. It was noted that traffic from Woburn and Winchester uses Bedford Road and
South Bedford Street as a cut-through route to the Burlington Mall.
Cambridge Road (US
Route 3) is functionally
classified as a Principal
Arterial and is under
MassDOT jurisdiction.
Bedford Road is
classified as an Urban
Collector, and is under
Town of Woburn
jurisdiction. South
Bedford Street is
Cambridge Road (US 3) at South Bedford St and Bedford Rd
(looking northbound)
Page 2
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STUDY INTERSECTION
TOWN LINE
Road Safety Audit
Cambridge Rd (Route 3)
at S. Bedford St/
Bedford Rd
Woburn/Burlington, MA
Figure 1
Location Map
D
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
classified as an Urban Minor Arterial, and is under Town of Burlington jurisdiction. Land use in the
immediate vicinity of the intersection is residential, with apartment/condominium complexes on the
northeast and southeast corners of the intersection. The southwest corner of the intersection is open space
designated as parkland, while the northwest corner is wooded and undeveloped.
The intersection is a 4-way intersection under traffic signal control. Cambridge Road is marked as a
single shared lane in each direction, although it was noted that southbound drivers attempt to create a two
lane approach. Drivers in both directions on Cambridge Road waiting to make a left turn are known to
encroach over the double yellow center line in order to leave more room for a through vehicle to pass.
The southbound approach also provides a channelized right turn to South Bedford Street.
Bedford Road and South Bedford Street also provide single lane approaches at the intersection. The two
side streets are slightly offset from one another, which can create confusion between opposing turning
vehicles. The intersecting angle of Bedford Road and Cambridge Street results in a large radius on the
southeast corner to accommodate truck turns, which in turn creates a longer intersection width for
Cambridge Road, which in turn can create conflicts and confusion between turning vehicles. It should be
noted that the traffic signal provides simple two phase operation, and that no protected phases are
provided for left turns on any approach. Left turns must wait in a shared lane for an acceptable gap in
opposing traffic, which contributes to traffic congestion.
Pavement markings are in fair to poor condition at the intersection. A crosswalk is provided across the
Bedford Road leg of the intersection, but no pedestrian signals are provided. A sidewalk is provided along
the east side of Cambridge Road in the vicinity of the intersection and along both sides of Bedford Road.
No sidewalks are provided along South Bedford Street.
Crash data provided by the Woburn Police Department and summarized by MassDOT show 36 crashes
for the three year period from 2011 through 2013. A collision diagram and crash summary are included in
the Appendix. Crash data provided by the Burlington Police Department show no crashes at the
intersection.
The prevalent crash type were angle crashes, comprising 53% of all crashes at the intersection. Eleven of
the 19 angle crashes occurring at the intersection involved a northbound left-turning vehicle and a
southbound through vehicle. One crash involved a southbound left-turning vehicle and a northbound
through vehicle. Four crashes involved an eastbound through vehicle and a northbound through vehicle
and are indicative of red light violations. 36% of crashes were rear-end crashes, including five on the
Cambridge Road southbound approach and six on the Cambridge Road northbound approach. These
crashes may be related to visibility concerns, or may be the result of frustrated or impatient drivers
showing increased aggression during congested periods. Also of note are two rear-end crashes departing
the intersection southbound, which may be related to downstream queuing but could also be related to the
bus stop on the southbound departure side of the intersection. One sideswipe crash southbound may be
related to drivers treating the single approach lane as two lanes, which an opposite direction sideswipe on
the Bedford Road leg may be related to the skew of the two side street legs.
It was noted by audit participants that 28% of crashes occurred in May, but no likely causal effect could
be determined.
Page 4
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Speed regulation information was provided for both Cambridge Street and Bedford Road in Woburn.
Cambridge Road (US Route 3) has an established, posted 40 mph speed limit in the vicinity of the
intersection. Bedford Road has a 20 mph limit within 1,200 feet of the intersection, which increases to 35
mph east of the intersection.
Page 5
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Audit Observations
Following a brief introduction to the RSA process and a summary of existing crash information, the audit
participants were asked to discuss safety issues at the intersection of Cambridge Road, Bedford Road and
South Bedford Street. A summary of those major safety considerations is as follows:

Intersection Geometry – A number of issues related to intersection geometry were discussed by the
audit team. These issues are likely a significant factor in the crash history of the intersection.
o
The slight offset of South Bedford Street and Bedford Road creates potential confusion and
conflicts between opposing left-turning vehicles and opposing through vehicles on the side street
approaches. This may be a contributing factor in the one opposite-direction sideswipe crash on
the Boston Road leg.
o
The offset of the two side streets in conjunction with the angle of intersection and large turning
radius between Cambridge Road and Bedford Road creates a longer-than-typical intersection
length, with approximately 130 feet between the northbound and southbound stop lines. This can
create confusion and conflicts between turning vehicles due to the span of the intersection.
Eleven crashes between northbound left-turns and southbound through vehicles, as well as one
crash between a southbound left-turn and a northbound through, may be the result of this
confusion or due to visibility restrictions created by other turning vehicles. It was noted that
drivers are unsure whether they should turn in front of an opposing turning vehicle, as is typical,
or continue past the opposing turning vehicle, which the geometry of the intersection can
potentially accommodate.
o
The approach cross-section provides a single shared lane in both directions on Cambridge Road,
but drivers attempt to force two lanes due to congestion. Drivers have been observed moving
slightly over the center line in order to leave enough room for a through vehicle to pass,
encouraging two lane operation. An expectation of a two-lane approach may be a contributing
factor in rear-end crashes, as a leading driver stops when they realize there is not enough room
to pass a stopped vehicle, but a trailing vehicle expects the leading vehicle to pass the stopped
vehicle.
o
There is potential confusion along Cambridge Road southbound about the number of travel lanes
between I-95/Route 128 and the study intersection. The signalized intersection at Wayside Road
and Wall Street immediately south of the I-95/Route 128 ramps provides two designated
southbound through lanes, but Cambridge Road southbound south of this intersection provides a
single, wide lane. It was noted that drivers typically either hug the centerline or the painted edge
line, which encourages the appearance of two travel lanes although insufficient pavement width
is available to formally establish two southbound travel lanes.
o
The lack of left turn lanes was noted as both a safety and operational issue at the intersection.
Vehicles stopped to turn left block the single lane of travel on all approaches, except when
drivers force two lane operation as described above. Crashes on all approaches can likely be
Page 6
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
attributed to this delay caused by stopped left turn vehicles, as congestion creates frustration,
increases aggression and increases red light violations and acceptance of inadequate gaps.
o
Queued left turning vehicles southbound can block visibility of the southbound through vehicles
for vehicles waiting to make a left turn northbound. This is exacerbated by the fact that
southbound through vehicles squeeze by left turning vehicles; a driver waiting to make a left
turn northbound may not expect a southbound through vehicle due to the single lane approach.
The long intersection length puts waiting northbound left turning vehicles in the middle of the
intersection, which in conjunction with congestion may result in these vehicles clearing the
intersection during or after the yellow and red clearance interval. These factors all contribute to
angle crashes, especially if opposing through vehicles are also attempting to clear the
intersection during the clearance phase.
o
The downhill grade of the eastbound approach can create challenges related to intersection
visibility, including traffic signal visibility. It should be noted that no crashes were reported on
this approach.

Traffic Congestion – Congestion exacerbates other safety concerns at the intersection by increasing
driver frustration and aggression. This can cause drivers to take chances on potentially unacceptable
gaps, which can lead to crashes involving turning vehicles, or can increase the likelihood of red light
running, which is a likely factor in the four angle crashes between an eastbound vehicle and a
northbound vehicle. Red light running can also be a factor in rear-end crashes on the Cambridge Road
approaches.

Outdated Signal Equipment – Traffic signal
heads are generally post-mounted, with the
exception of a single 2-way overhead signal
head facing both northbound and southbound
traffic. The lack of overhead signal heads
exacerbates visibility concerns created by the
downhill grade of the westbound South Bedford
Street approach.

Pedestrian Accommodation – Sidewalks are
provided along the east side of Cambridge Road
Overhead signals (looking southbound)
and along both sides of Bedford Road, but no
pedestrian facilities are provided on the west side of the intersection. The intersection affords no
opportunity for pedestrians to cross Cambridge Road, despite the presence of a bus stop on the west
side of Cambridge Road south of the intersection. No sidewalk or bus shelter is provided; people
waiting for buses were observed standing on a worn dirt area at the roadway edge. No pedestrian
signals are provided for the existing crosswalk across Bedford Road, and the intersection geometry
results in an uncharacteristically long crosswalk.

Bicycle Accommodation – Accommodation is not provided for bicycles at the intersection.
Shoulders, where provided, are of an inadequate width for accommodation. One crash at the
intersection involved a bicyclist, but it was noted that the bicyclist ran a red light.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Emergency Preemption – The existing traffic signal does not provide emergency preemption. Local
officials noted that the intersection’s location near the town line means fire trucks do not regularly use
the intersection, but that ambulances bound for Lahey Clinic frequently pass through the intersection.

Clearance Times – Clearance times were noted to be potentially inadequate due to the history of rearend crashes.

Vegetation – Trees along the intersection approaches have canopies which obstruct signal visibility.
This was observed by audit participants on the South Bedford Street approach, and may be a
contributing factor in rear-end crashes.

Bus Operations – The MBTA bus stop on Cambridge Street immediately south of the intersection
impacts intersection operations and safety. It was suggested that southbound rear-end crashes
departing the intersection may be the result of a vehicle stopping for a stopped bus. No bus shelter or
bus turnout lane is provided.

Pavement Markings – Markings are generally worn and faded at the intersection. This can further
exacerbate concerns over the intended lane configuration.

Lighting – It was suggested that lighting may be insufficient at the intersection. It should be noted
that 22% of crashes occurred at night.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Potential Safety Enhancements
Audit participants identified safety issues and recommended potential improvements to address these
issues. Audit participants were encouraged to consider both short and long term improvements for each
issue. Each improvement considered has been categorized as short-term, mid-term, 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
Reconstruct the intersection, including widening of intersection approaches and realignment of South
Bedford Street and Bedford Road. This long-term, high cost improvement would address safety
concerns related to intersection geometry by realigning the side street approaches to the greatest
extent feasible so that they directly oppose one another and intersect Cambridge Road at a 90° angle.
Provide left turn lanes on all intersection approaches. This long-term, high cost improvement would
eliminate delay that exists today for through vehicles blocked by waiting turn left turning vehicles. A
full traffic study is necessary and would determine the appropriate phasing strategy for left turn
operation; however, the crash history supports a protected left turn phase, especially for Cambridge
Road northbound.
Consider minor widening and/or pavement marking modifications aimed at formalizing a two lane
approach on Cambridge Road in each direction. This is intended as a short-term, medium cost
improvement as an interim condition to more expansive long-term improvements.
Consider modifying the southeast corner to provide a delta island and a channelized right turn lane.
This is intended as a short-term, potentially medium cost improvement aimed at reducing the overall
length of the intersection as well as reducing the length of the crosswalk across Bedford Road.
Consider high friction pavement on the South Bedford Street leg of the intersection due to the
downhill grade. This improvement is aimed at increasing traction and providing a more durable
pavement surface for the heavy volume of traffic, including trucks.
Replace the existing traffic signal with updated equipment. This long-term, high cost improvement
would fully reconstruct the traffic signal with all new equipment. This would include a minimum of
two overhead signal heads for all approaches with retroreflective backplates, pedestrian signal heads
with accessible pushbuttons, vehicle and bicycle detection on all approaches, and emergency
preemption. It is assumed that long-term signal reconstruction would accompany long-term geometric
improvements.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.










Replace the traffic signal controller and update detection on all approaches. This is a short-term,
medium cost improvement aimed at improving operations at the intersection. This can reduce
congestion and in turn reduce driver frustration, which may decrease crashes by reducing driver
aggression in both gap acceptance and red light running.
Conduct a corridor study for Cambridge Road (US Route 3) from I-95/Route 128 through the study
intersection to the “Four Corners” intersection of Cambridge Road, Lexington Street and Russell
Street. It was suggested that a study would identify deficiencies that could be corrected not just at the
study intersection but along the corridor as a whole. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement.
Provide increased pedestrian accommodations at the intersection. At a minimum, this should include
a crosswalk across Cambridge Road and a sidewalk connecting to the bus stop on the west side of
Cambridge Road south of the intersection. It should be noted that current MassDOT policy requires
sidewalks on both sides of all reconstructed roadways. This is a long-term, high cost improvement
that is assumed to accompany other long-term improvements.
Provide bicycle accommodations, where feasible. Accommodations can be realized through dedicated
bicycle lanes, shared use lanes with sharrow markings, or widened shoulders meeting MassDOT’s
standard for bicycle accommodation. This is a long-term, high cost improvement that should be
incorporated into widening and geometric improvements.
Study clearance times, and update if necessary. 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 change in clearance times could reduce the
number of rear-end crashes occurring at the intersections. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Trim trees to improve signal visibility. Trees should be trimmed as a short-term, low cost
improvement during peak growth this summer.
Consider relocating the bus stop further south on Cambridge Road. Moving the bus stop further away
from the intersection would reduce the impact of the bus stop on intersection operations. This shortterm, low cost improvement requires coordination with the MBTA.
Reapply pavement markings at the intersection. This will increase adherence to intended lane
assignments. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.
Upgrade street lighting at the intersection, where feasible. Street lighting should be reviewed and
upgraded where necessary to provide improved lighting. Lighting assists both drivers and pedestrians.
Consider adaptive signal control for the traffic signal system. Adaptive control requires additional
detection hardware and system software that can adjust timing based on real-time input regarding
traffic volume and demand. Adaptive control can reduce congestion by increasing green time for the
most congested movement, reducing delay and creating smoother traffic flow. The implementation of
adaptive control is a mid-term, high cost improvement.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at Bedford Rd/South Bedford St—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Consider adding R10-12 “Left Turn Yield on Green Ball” signs to clarify the permissive left turn
operation for Cambridge Road. This is a short-term, low cost improvement. The potential increased
wind loading from the sign on the existing mast arm structure must be considered.
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, the City of Woburn, or the Town of Burlington
would be responsible for implementing the recommended improvement. All improvements have an order
of magnitude cost assigned.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at South Bedford St/Bedford Rd—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
Reconstruct the intersection, including widening of intersection
approaches and realignment of South Bedford Street and Bedford
Road.
MassDOT
High
Long-term
High
Intersection Geometry,
Traffic Congestion
Provide left turn lanes on all intersection approaches.
MassDOT
High
Long-term
High
Intersection Geometry,
Traffic Congestion
Consider minor widening and/or pavement marking modifications
aimed at formalizing a two-lane approach on Cambridge Road in
each direction.
MassDOT
Medium Short-term
$50,000
Intersection Geometry
Consider modifying the southeast corner to provide a delta island
and a channelized right turn lane.
MassDOT
Medium Short-term
$50,000
Intersection Geometry
Consider high friction pavement on the South Bedford Street leg of
the intersection due to the downhill grade.
MassDOT/
Town of
Burlington
Low
Mid-term
Medium
Outdated Signal
Equipment, Traffic
Congestion,
Pedestrian/Bicycle
Accommodation
Replace the existing traffic signal with new equipment. This
includes a minimum of two overhead signal heads for all
approaches with retroreflective backplates, pedestrian signal
heads with accessible pushbuttons, vehicle and bicycle detection
on all approaches, and emergency preemption.
MassDOT
High
Long-term
High
Outdated Signal
Equipment, Traffic
Congestion
Replace the traffic signal controller and update detection on all
approaches.
MassDOT
Traffic Congestion
Conduct a corridor study for Cambridge Road (US Route 3) from I95/Route 128 through the study intersection to the “Four Corners”
intersection of Cambridge Road, Lexington Street and Russell
Street.
MassDOT
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Provide increased pedestrian accommodations at the intersection.
At a minimum, this should include a crosswalk across Cambridge
Road and a sidewalk connecting to the bus stop on the west side
of Cambridge Road south of the intersection.
MassDOT
Medium Long-term
High
Bicycle
Accommodation
Provide bicycle accommodations, where feasible.
MassDOT
Medium Long-term
High
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Intersection Geometry,
Traffic Congestion
Medium Short-term
Low
Mid-term
$50,000
$25,000
Page 12
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at South Bedford St/Bedford Rd—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Cost
Clearance Times
Study existing clearance times and make changes, if appropriate.
MassDOT
Medium Short-term
$2,000
Vegetation
Trim trees to improve signal visibility.
MassDOT/
Burlington/
Woburn
Medium Short-term
$2,000
Bus Operations
Consider relocating the bus stop further south on Cambridge
Road.
MassDOT/
MBTA
Medium Short-term
TBD
Pavement Markings
Reapply pavement markings at the intersection.
MassDOT
Medium Short-term
$7,500
Lighting
Upgrade street lighting at the intersection, where feasible.
MassDOT
Medium Long-term
TBD
(Medium)
Traffic Congestion
Consider adaptive signal control for the traffic signal system.
MassDOT
Medium
Mid-term
High
Traffic Congestion
Consider adding R10-12 “Left Turn Yield on Green Ball” signs to
clarify the permissive left turn operation for Cambridge Road.
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
$500
Page 13
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at South Bedford St/Bedford Rd—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit
Woburn/Burlington, MA
Cambridge Rd (US Rt 3) at Bedford Rd and S. Bedford St
Meeting Location: Woburn City Hall
10 Common Street, Woburn, MA
Wednesday, May 28th, 2014
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, Speed Regulations – provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
11:00 AM
Site Visit
• Drive to the intersections of Cambridge Rd (US Rt 3) at Bedford Rd and S.
Bedford St
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
11:30 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 May 28th , 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—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at South Bedford St/Bedford Rd—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Participating Audit Team Members
Woburn/Burlington – Cambridge St (US 3) at Bedford Rd/S. Bedford St
Email Address
Phone Number
Date: May 28, 2014
Audit Team Member
Location:
Agency/Affiliation
Greg Lucas
Justin Curewitz
Sara Timoner
Corey O’Connor
Lt. Keith Peary
Sgt. Paul Tenney
Off. Bernie Schipelliti
Stevie Yetman
Tom Hayes
Joe Demers
Jay Corey
Craig Roberts
Rep. Ken Gordon
Chenyuan Wang
BETA
BETA
MassDOT District 4
MassDOT Safety
Woburn Fire Dept.
Woburn Police
Burlington Police
Burlington Fire
Burlington DPW
Rep. Dwyer’s Office
Woburn City Engineer
MassDOT Safety
State Representative
Boston Region MPO
GLucas@BETA-Inc.com
JCurewitz@BETA-Inc.com
Sara.Timoner@state.ma.us
Corey.OConnor@state.ma.us
KPeary@woburnfd.com
PTenney@Woburnpd.com
BSchipelliti@bpd.org
SYetman@burlington.org
THayes@burlington.org
Joseph.Demers@mahouse.gov
JCorey@cityofwoburn.com
Craig.Roberts@state.ma.us
Ken.Gordon@mahouse.gov
CWang@ctps.org
781-255-1982
781-255-1982
781-641-8435
857-368-9638
781-897-1383
781-932-4510
781-505-4937
781-270-1925
781-270-1640
617-722-2220
781-897-5882
857-368-9638
617-722-2014
617-973-8009
Road Safety Audit—Cambridge Rd (US 3) at South Bedford St/Bedford Rd—Woburn/Burlington, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Crash Data Summary Table
Bedford Road at Cambridge Road, Woburn, MA
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
1
2
3
4
Time of Day
1/9/11
Sunday
19:16
Sideswipe, opposite
direction
Dark - lighted
roadway
Unknown
Dry
1/13/11
Thursday
8:20
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Snow
3/22/11
Tuesday
9:57
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
5/6/11
Friday
13:57
Angle
Sideswipe, same
direction
Daylight
Clear
Dry
5/7/11
Saturday
22:09
Angle
Clear
5/18/11
Wednesday
19:30
Angle
Dark - lighted
roadway
Dark - lighted
roadway
5/24/11
5/26/11
Tuesday
Thursday
9:22
10:19
Angle
Rear-end
7/8/11
Friday
15:49
7/12/11
Tuesday
8/15/11
Manner of Collision
Type
7
8
9
10
11
12
Light Condition
Type
Road Surface
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
Ages
D2
45
27
45
40
69
77
70
21
Wet
Unknown
Driving too fast for
conditions
Disregarded traffic signs,
signals, road markings
Failure to keep in proper
lane or running off road
Operating Vehicle in erratic,
reckless, careless,
negligent, or aggressive
17
58
Rain
Wet
Failed to yield right of way
63
19
Daylight
Daylight
Cloudy
Clear
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
Inattention
30
76
69
88
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Inattention
29
23
8:14
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
No Improper Driving
49
63
Monday
14:09
Angle
Daylight
Rain
Wet
Made an improper turn
23
42
9/1/11
Thursday
15:08
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
38
84
11/9/11
Wednesday
12:26
Rear-end
Clear
Dry
Followed too closely
67
40
11/22/11
Tuesday
18:48
Cloudy
Dry
Followed too closely
24
11/24/11
Thursday
17:19
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same
direction
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Dark - lighted
roadway
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
42
80
12/13/11
Tuesday
7:57
Rear-end
Clear
Dry
Followed too closely
22
30
12/17/11
4/9/12
Saturday
Monday
23:13
13:54
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Daylight
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
Unknown
43
51
19
58
5/1/12
Tuesday
8:11
Angle
Daylight
Rain
Wet
62
5/13/12
Sunday
9:37
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
5/24/12
Thursday
21:23
Angle
Dark - lighted
roadway
Cloudy
Dry
Failed to yield right of way 23
Disregarded traffic signs,
53
signals, road markings
Swerving or avoiding due to
wind, slippery surface,
vehicle, object, non-motorist 24
5/30/12
Wednesday
13:13
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Followed too closely
30
31
2/22/13
Friday
10:47
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
19
88
5
6
Weather
Condition
Type
Crash Date Crash Day
m/d/y
Comments
D3
Vh2 going EB violated traffic signal, started skidding and
crashed into Vh1.
Vh2 traveling EB jumped the red light and crashed into Vh1.
Vh2 in an attempt to avoid oncoming Vh, turned right and
sideswiped Vh1.
Unknown Vh ahead of Vh1 turned right on red, causing the opr
of V1 to believe she had green light and crashed into Vh2
crossing the intersection on green light
Vh2 failed to yield right of way to Vh1.
Vh1 was struck by Vh2,when it made an attempt to turn left
onto S. Bedford St.
Opr of Vh2 was looking at his GPS unit & did not notice Vh1
Stopped for red light and rear ended.
Bicyclist jumped red light and crashed into Vh1 crossing the
intersection on green light.
Vh1, a full size TT, did not have enough room to negotiate a
turn and sideswiped Vh2 stopped at signal.
Vh2 failed to yield right of way to Vh1 and crashed into Vh1.
Vh ahead of Vh1 to stop suddenly, to avoid collision with
oncoming Vh. Vh1 could stop in time but Vh2 could not and
rear ended Vh1.
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
31
23
21
22
23
27
no narrative
When Vh1 stopped abruptly, vh2 couldn't stop in time and rear
ended V1, V3 rear-ended V2.
Vh2 failed to yield right of way while turning left from NB
cambridge Rd onto Bedford RD and crashed into Vh1.
*Courtesy Crash
Vh2 failed to yield right of way while turning left from NB
cambridge Rd onto Bedford RD and crashed into Vh1.
Vh2 jumped red light and crashed into Vh1 which was traveling
EB on Bedford Rd.
Vh2 was turning left onto Bedford Rd when it was struck by
vh1. passenger in Vh2 stated vh1 did not have lights on and
was traveling at a faster rate.
Vh2 and vh3 were stopped for traffic signal on NB cambridge
Rd. Vh1 couldn’t stop in time and rear ended vh2, pushing vh2
into vh3.
vh2 was turning left onto S.Bedford rd and could not negotiate
the turn on time and collided with vh1.
Crash Data Summary Table
Bedford Road at Cambridge Road, Woburn, MA
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Crash Date Crash Day
m/d/y
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
Type
Weather
Condition
Type
Road Surface
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
Ages
D2
Comments
D3
24
25
5/7/13
Tuesday
13:43
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Followed too closely
46
50
19
6/14/13
Friday
13:35
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Followed too closely
49
43
19
6/23/13
Sunday
14:09
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Other improper action
35
17
7/19/13
Friday
13:07
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
78
36
8/9/13
Friday
9:23
Angle
Daylight
Rain
Wet
Failed to yield right of way
37
29
8/21/13
Wednesday
14:22
Rear-end
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Followed too closely
24
35
9/12/13
Thursday
15:22
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Inattention
22
44
9/14/13
Saturday
18:53
Angle
Dusk
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
40
29
9/21/13
Saturday
10:30
Rear-end
Cloudy
Dry
Inattention
59
23
9/28/13
Saturday
1:20
Single Vehicle Crash
Daylight
Dark - lighted
roadway
Clear
Dry
Distracted
24
11/9/13
Saturday
9:31
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
72
67
11/11/13
Monday
7:43
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs,
signals, road markings
30
44
11/25/13
Monday
6:58
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Failed to yield right of way
43
22
26
27
28
29
30
57
31
32
33
34
35
36
19
Vh2 and vh3 were stopped for traffic signal on NB cambridge
Rd. Vh1 couldn’t stop in time and rear ended vh2, pushing vh2
into vh3.
Vh2 and vh3 were stopped for traffic signal. Vh1 couldn’t stop
in time and rear ended vh2, pushing vh2 into vh3.
vh1 was stopped in the line of traffic. Vh2 couldn't stop in time
and rear ended Vh1. Opr of vh2 stated that his Vh had
mechanical issues.
Vh1 failed to yield right of way while turning left and crashed
into Vh2, traveling SB on Cambridge road.
Opr of vh2 misjudged vh1 was turning left though vh1 did not
signal turning left and attempted to turn right on red from WB
and entered into the path of vh1.
Vh1 was stopped in the line for red light road when Vh2 struck
from behind
A black sedan, wanting to turn left, saw road closed and turned
abruptly back into Vh1's lane. Vh1 stopped suddenly but vh2 &
vh3 couldn't stop in time.
Vh2 failed to notice oncoming Vh1 because of an unknown Vh
turning left directly in front of her and crashed into Vh1..
Vh1 did not see the traffic ahead and rear ended Vh2, pushing
vh2 into vh3 and vh3 into vh4.
opr of Vh1was looking at GPS unit and went off road to strike
the utility pole.
vh1 had pulled to the right and stopped to allow an ambulance
pass by, vh2 could not stop in time and rear ended vh1.
vh2 ran the red light and crashed into Vh1, traveling WB on
Bedford RD.
Vh2 failed to yield right of way while turning left from NB
cambridge Rd onto Bedford RD and crashed into Vh1.
*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.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Woburn Police Department
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Bedford Road at Cambridge Road, Woburn, MA
CRASH MONTH
28%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
17%
14%
6%
5%
3%
3%
3%
F
M
A
8%
6%
8%
6%
0%
0%
J
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
25%
19%
20%
15%
11%
17%
17%
17%
11%
8%
10%
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
30%
22%
19%
20%
10%
0%
8%
17%
11%
8%
3%
6AM8AM
8AM10AM
10AM12PM
12PM2PM
2PM4PM
4PM6PM
3%
6PM8PM
8PM10PM
6%
10PM12AM
3%
0% 0%
12AM2AM
2AM4AM
4AM6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
53%
36%
6%
3%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
Woburn_Crashdata_Summary Table (updated).xlsx
3%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
1 of 4
0%
0%
0%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
5/13/2014
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Bedford Road at Cambridge Road, Woburn, MA
80%
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
75%
60%
40%
22%
20%
0%
Daylight
0%
3%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
31%
0%
3%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
0%
Snow
Rain
Cloudy
11%
Clear
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
56%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
83%
14%
Dry
Wet
3%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand, mud, Water
dirt, oil, (standing,
gravel
moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
30%
25%
19%
20%
10%
0%
14%
10%
15-20
21-29
30-39
Woburn_Crashdata_Summary Table (updated).xlsx
10%
40-49
2 of 4
50-59
9%
60-69
6%
70-79
5%
80+
5/13/2014