ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Route 1 at Route 123
Route 1 at Route 1A
Route 1 at May Street
Route 1A and Route 123
City of Attleboro, MA
September 15, 2015
Prepared For:
MassDOT
On Behalf Of:
Prepared By:
Fay, Spofford & Thorndike
15 Broad Street Suite 301
Boston, Massachusetts
Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Table of Contents
Contents
Background ................................................................................................................................. 1
Project Data ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Location and Description .............................................................................................. 3
Audit Observations and Potential Safety Enhancements........................................................ 8
Summary of Road Safety Audit ............................................................................................... 19
List of Appendices
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
RSA Meeting Agenda
RSA Audit Team Contact List
Detailed Crash Data
Additional Information
List of Figures
Figure 1: Locus Map .................................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 2: Project Area – Northern Portion ................................................................................................. 6
Figure 3: Project Area – Southern Portion ................................................................................................. 7
List of Tables
Table 1: Participating Audit Team Members ............................................................................................. 2
Table 2: Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown ........................................................................... 19
Table 3: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary - Route 1 at Route 123.............................................. 20
Table 4: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary - Route 1 at Route 1A............................................... 21
Table 5: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary - Route 1 at May Street ............................................ 23
Table 6: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary - Route 1A at Route 123........................................... 24
Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
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.
Fay, Spofford & Thorndike (FST) has been contracted by the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division’s District 5, in cooperation with the City of Attleboro, to
provide consulting services to evaluate potential transportation improvements at four closely-spaced
intersections in Attleboro in the southern part of Attleboro between Exits 2 and 3 on I-95.
As shown on Figure 1, these intersections include:
 Route 1 (Washington Street) at Route 123 (Highland Avenue),
 Route 1 (Washington Street) at Route 1A (Newport Avenue Connector),
 Route 1 (Washington Street) at May Street, and
 Route 1A (Newport Avenue Connector) at Route 123 (Newport Avenue)
The area is urban and contains a number of commercial driveways leading to shopping centers,
restaurants and other retail uses such as a grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, and a convenience store
among others. Some of these uses have multiple driveways and curb cuts for access. Two of the four
intersections are deemed a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) High Crash Locations by
MassDOT. These HSIP intersections include:
 Route 1 (Washington Street) at Route 123 (Highland Avenue), and
 Route 1 (Washington Street) at May Street.
In addition to being a high crash location, Route 1 at Route 123 is also on the MassDOT State Wide Top
200 Crash Location List for the years 2010 – 2012. These intersections have been identified as being in
need of transportation improvements and are currently undergoing the 25% Design Process. The work is
scheduled to be funded under the State Transportation Improvements Plan (TIP) for 2018.
As part of the assessment process, FST investigated the crash reports for the prior three years from
January 2011 to December 2013 provided by the Attleboro Police Department, and developed crash
diagrams to identify and depict the crash location frequencies, the crash types and the severity of each
crash.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Project Data
After the crash data was reviewed, FST conducted an on-site RSA with participating parties (see Table 1
for the members of the Audit Team) at the Attleboro South Fire Station on May 29th, 2015 at 1476 West
Street in Attleboro, MA. The Audit Team consisted of a multi-disciplined team of State engineers; law
enforcement professionals, maintenance and emergency response professionals, as well as City
representatives. The Audit Team was assembled and the RSA was conducted in conjunction with input
from MassDOT’s Safety Management Unit. A list of the Audit Team members is provided in Appendix
B. The purpose of this meeting was to identity key issues and discusses potential short-term and longterm improvements and solutions.
Prior to the Audit, FST provided the participants with crash diagrams and maps of the RSA study area.
An existing conditions aerial photo (Figure 2 and 3) was also provided to depict specific project focus
areas as it related to the discussion. Participants were encouraged to visit the intersections prior to the
Audit and were urged to consider elements from MassDOT’s Safety Review Prompt List (also included in
the handout materials – provided as Attachment E).
Table 1: Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Agency/Affiliation
Ron Dubuc
Walter Thibodeau
Dennis Perkins
Kyle Heagney
John Mastera
Edward Feeney
Nitza Otero
Jacqueline Schmidt
Patrick Dunford
Sarah Borenstein
Heather Ostertog
William Ullom
Stephanie Davies
Gary Agrassian
Richard Oliveira
Attleboro Dept. of Public Works - Highway Division
Attleboro Municipal Council
Attleboro Fire Dept.
Attleboro Police Dept. (ADP)
MassDOT Highway Division
MassDOT Highway Division District 5
MassDOT - MassRIDES Safe Routes to School
SRPEDD
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB)
Fay, Spofford & Thorndike
Fay, Spofford & Thorndike
MassDOT Highway Division
City of Attleboro, Planning
City of Attleboro, Planning
MassDOT Highway Division District 5
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Project Location and Description
The Audit Team gathered in the field to observe the four intersections.
Surrounding Area
These four intersections are a priority for the City of Attleboro and other neighboring communities for
transportation improvements because of the land uses associated near the intersections. Route 1 in the
RSA study area is an important shopping and retail corridor for Attleboro and the surrounding towns. The
four intersections are also located at a short distance from three interchanges with I-95: at Route 123,
Route 1A, and Route 1. The Route 1 interchange with I-295 is also at close proximity to the RSA study
area. Furthermore, the MBTA South Attleboro commuter rail station is located on Route 1A,
approximately1.6-miles south of the Route 1A at Route 123 intersections. The South Attleboro station,
located on the Providence Line, has an average boarding of over 1,400 riders a day.
The following sections provide a detailed description of the major roadways in the RSA study area.
Route 1 (Washington Street), Attleboro, MA
Route 1 (Washington Street) in Attleboro is a state-owned urban arterial which runs in a north-south
direction (see Figure 2B). In the RSA study area, Route 1 has a four lane cross-section (two lanes in each
direction) and is undivided. Route 1 is densely developed with commercial properties with numerous
driveway curb-cuts. Retail properties in the RSA study area include the South Attleboro Shopping Center,
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Stop and Shop grocery store, CVS pharmacy, Dunkin Donuts, Sunoco Gas Station,
Zoot’s Dry Cleaning, and a 7-Eleven Convenience Store.
North to Angeline Drive, there are sidewalks on both sides of Route 1 from Route 123. North of the
Route 1 and Angeline Drive intersection, there are only sidewalks on the west side of Route 1. From the
Route 1/Route 123 intersection, Route 1 carries traffic at a distance of 1.6 miles south to I-95 at Exit 1
towards Pawtucket, RI, and 2.1 miles north to I-295 Exit 16 towards the Emerald Square Mall in North
Attleboro.
Route 1A/ Newport Avenue
Route 1A (Newport Avenue) is a state-owned urban arterial which runs in a north-south direction (see
Figure 2A). Route 1A in the RSA study area has a four lane cross section (two lanes in each direction)
and is undivided. Route 1A in the RSA study area has commercial uses and driveways, including a
driveway to Seven-Eleven and to a tuxedo rental store.
There are sidewalks located on both sides of Route 1A in the RSA study area. From the Route 1/
Route1A intersection, Route 1A carries traffic 1.4 miles south to Exit 2 onto I-95, as well as to the South
Attleboro commuter rail station on the Providence line.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Route 123 (Highland Avenue)
Route 123 is a four lane cross-section roadway between Route 1 to Route 1A. East of Route 1A,
Route 123 narrows to two lanes (see Figure 2B). Four lanes of traffic are carried west through the Route
1A/Route 1 intersection but then the roadway tapers down to two lanes after 600 feet. The I-95/Route 123
Interchange is approximately 2.2 miles east of the Route 123/Route 1A intersection.
Sidewalks exist on both sides of Route 123 between Route 1 and Route 1A. There are also sidewalks on
both sides of Route 123 east of Route 1A, but exist only on the southern side of Route 123 west of
Route 1.
There is dense commercial development with related driveways and curb cuts located on Route 123. In
the RSA study area; there are driveways for BJ’s Wholesale Club, Sunoco gas station, Dunkin Donuts,
CVS pharmacy and D’Angelo’s restaurant. There are also two small granite monuments located adjacent
to Route 123. One is on the northeast corner of Route 1 and Route 123 and the other one is located on the
southwest corner of Route 123 and Route 1A.
May Street
May Street is a two-lane residential street that widens to three lanes (two westbound and one eastbound
lane) as it approaches Route 1 (see Figure 2B). The two westbound lanes consist of an exclusive
right-turn lane and one through lane. The two lane eastbound approach of May Street to Route 1 widens
to three lanes, consisting of an exclusive left-turn lane, a shared left and through lane and an exclusive
right-turn lane.
May Street provides a connection from Route 1 to Route 123 with only one intersection under signalized
control within the 0.25-mile distance between these two highways. The other way to access Route 123
from Route 1 in this area is via three signalized intersections. Local drivers familiar with the area will use
May Street to access Route 123 instead of Route 1A.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Figure 1: Locus Map
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Figure 2: Project Area - Northern Section
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Figure 3: Project Area - Southern Portion
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
On the day of the Audit, a meeting was held at the Attleboro South Fire Station to discuss the audit
process, review the distributed materials, and discuss the issues that the audit team members had observed
in individual pre-audit visits to the site, or from past personal experiences and knowledge of the project
area. Questions and concerns about the project site were noted on a whiteboard at the head of the meeting
room, as well as initial ideas for short- and long-term improvements to the site.
After the initial meeting, parties from the audit team assembled on site for the Audit Field Walk, which
enabled participants a firsthand view of the project site layout, signage, and topography at the four
intersections. It also allowed the team to gain a better understanding of the surrounding area and local
business. From this perspective, more issues were raised about the overall performance and service of the
four intersections and additional ideas for possible improvements were discussed and noted.
In addition to the discussion at the pre-audit meeting and during the field visit, there was discussion
concerning a proposed development on vacant property south of the intersection at Route 1 and May
Street (see Figure 1). The discussion about the development focused on driveway locations and proposed
mitigation, which includes a new traffic signal at Angeline Street.
Following the Audit Field Walk, the audit team returned to the Fire Station to review the initial concerns
and to discuss information gathered during the site walk. At this post-Field Walk meeting, the group
discussed potential short-term and long-term improvements to the intersections.
Audit Observations and Potential Safety
Enhancements
Audit Team members were solicited for their observations during the Audit Meeting at the South
Attleboro Fire Station and during the Audit Field Walk. The Audit Team members offered the following
observations on roadway and intersection issues as they relate to safety.
Route 1/ (Washington Street) at Route 123 (Highland Avenue)
Route 1 at Route 123 is a HSIP High Crash Location and is also on MassDOT’s Top 200 Crash Locations
list for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
According to crash data, most of the crashes at this location occurred during November and December
and may be related to increased holiday traffic to the South Attleboro Shopping Center.
Pavement Markings and Signs
•
Eastbound and Westbound approaches from Route 123 are not marked with signs or
pavement markings and there is ambiguity about which lanes to be in.
Multi-Modal
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
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•
A pedestrian was struck in the westbound crosswalk on Route 123. According to crash
records, it is not clear why the pedestrian was struck by the motor vehicle because the report
was not available. It is possible that the turning vehicle from Route 1 southbound turned right
on red before realizing that the pedestrian had a walk signal.
•
One of the bulbs on the pedestrian signal was not functioning during the site visit on the day
of the road safety audit. Pedestrian signals were outdated and did not include count-down
timers.
•
There are no bike lanes, “sharrows” or shoulder accommodation for bicyclists.
•
Sidewalk is not provided on the westbound side of Route 123 past the intersection with Route
1.
•
The crosswalk pavement markings are somewhat faded. Furthermore, the crosswalks use
apex ramps which pose a hazard to blind pedestrians. The existing ramps do not include the
ADA compliant detectable panels or APS push buttons.
Intersection Control
•
Westbound turning vehicles from Route 123 to Route 1 southbound as well as Route 1
southbound turning vehicles turning onto Route 123 eastbound were observed getting caught
in the middle of the intersection at the end of a yellow cycle. As a result, once the signal
turned red, they needed to make an illegal turn against an opposing green light to clear the
intersection. Upon review of crash data involving these two movements, the illegal turns
against opposing green movements are likely occurring due to driver frustration from delays
that are occurring for this movement.
•
A right-turn-on-red is allowed for the eastbound traffic on Highland Avenue and it is unclear
if the sight distance is adequate enough to properly allow for this permitted movement.
Obstructions
•
Queued traffic creates sight obstructions for traffic turning out of the commercial driveways.
Crash data shows that the driveway that this is occurring more at include the ones at BJ’s,
Dunkin Donuts, CVS and Shell gas station. In addition to driver confusion, drivers may be
getting frustrated with delays and queues through the intersection and it was observed that
high drivers speed can likely lead to the large number of rear-end and injury collisions
observed at this location.
•
Coordinate with property owners to remove and/or relocate commercial signage that blocks
the view of motorists at intersections.
Access Points and Traffic Generators
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
•
There are multiple driveways for every business or use (example provided in the photo
above). Dunkin Donuts has four curb-cuts and painted arrows for eight movements – four
entrances and four egresses. The Shell gas station has three curb cuts while the CVS has three
as well, two of which lead into the intersection. The most problematic driveway appears to be
the BJ’s driveway; this is due to the heavy left turn movements out of the driveway that need
to merge with heavy through
eastbound movement on Highland
Avenue.
•
The most common type of crash
that occurs at and near the Route
1/Route 123 intersection is an
angle crash which is likely caused
by people forcing themselves out
of driveways without being able to
see oncoming cars. Another type
of driver behavior occurring at this
location is when someone who has
the right-of-way will allow another
vehicle to cut in front of
•
Figure 4: Multiple Curb Cuts at Dunkin Donuts
Then while a driver in the other lane, who also has the right-of-way, does not know this is
occurring and is not able to yield in time to avoid a collision.
Auxiliary Lanes
•
Two lanes narrow into one lane heading westbound on Route 123 through the intersection. At
•
The same time there is a heavily used driveway to the BJ’s Wholesale Club. Vehicles are
turning into this driveway from Route 123. This geometry leads to a merge condition, which
causes queues and delays, in addition to added queuing and delays from slower right turning
vehicles into the BJ’s driveway. This causes turbulence and congestion that affects
intersection operations downstream.
•
The presence of an exclusive westbound left-turn lane but lack of a clearly marked and
exclusive eastbound left-turn lane can lead to driver confusion, thus increasing the risk of
crashes.
Parking
•
There are no safety issues related to parking in the intersection since parking is restricted at
this intersection and is signed “No Parking Anytime” on Route 123.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
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Route 1 (Washington Street) and Route 1A (Newport Avenue)
Pavement Markings
•
Markings are faded at the Attleboro Square
shopping center onto Route 1.
Obstructions
•
The Zoots and Seven-Eleven signs block
sight distance for drivers leaving these
businesses. Work with property owners
to relocate signs.
Speed
•
Figure 5: No Sidewalk on Southeast Leg of Route 1A
Vehicles approaching from the southeast
begin to increase speed as the travel northbound on Route 1A. This increase in speed may be
attributed to driver frustration caused excessive queuing. Due to the poor signal coordination
with the downstream intersection, all northeast-bound vehicles are stopped at a red signal at
Route 1 and Route 1A. This higher rate of speed increases the required stopping distance and
the likelihood of a vehicle attempting to run a red light, thus partially contributing to the high
number of rear end collisions at this location.
Multi-Modal
•
Wheelchair ramps at this intersection do not appear to be ADA compliant. They are missing
warning plates while the sidewalk and curb where the ramp meets the pavement are not flush.
•
Pedestrian signal does not include countdown phase and should be considered for an upgrade.
•
There is no sidewalk on the southeast leg of Route 1A. Lack of sidewalk continues to extend
downstream on Route 1A.
•
Sidewalks terminate on the northbound side of Route 1 just north of this intersection at
Angeline Drive.
Signs
•
There is a lack of signage that informs southbound traffic from Route 1 to take a left-turn at
the signal to continue onto Route 1A.
Intersection Control
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
•
Due to the lack of signal coordination between Route 1A and Route 123, vehicles that arrive
from the south from Route 1A are frequently stopped by a red signal. This lack of signal
coordination could be contributing to the rear-end crashes that are occurring on the Route 1A
approach from the south.
Access Points and Traffic Generators
•
To access the South Attleboro Square shopping plaza from the northbound approach with
Route 1A, drivers need to continue northbound onto Route 1 and make a U-Turn at the
intersection with May Street.
•
There are two curb cuts south of this intersection on the northbound side of Route 1. It is
likely that one of these curb cuts contributed to an angle collision. Occurring while a vehicle
attempted to turn left from the driveway to Route 1 southbound and the vehicle traveling
southbound on Route 1 did not have time to yield the right-of-way for the left-turning
vehicle.
•
There is proposed development on the vacant lot east of the intersection. This development is
being proposed to be bounded by Angeline Drive to the north and Route 1A to the south. The
proponent is proposing a new signal at Angeline Drive as well as a right turn-in/right turn-out
only driveway on the Route 1A northbound side.
Parking
•
Parking is restricted around the intersection
and on the roadways comprising the
intersection and therefore does not contribute
to collisions or any safety issues within the
intersection.
Auxiliary Lanes
•
The southbound left turn pocket on Route 1 is
not long enough for its peak queue on Saturday
afternoons, resulting in the queue spilling over
into the southbound through lanes. Although
this did not contribute to any crashes in the
past three years, it is possible that it could in
the future.
Figure 6: No Lane Designations out of South
Attleboro Shopping Plaza
Route 1 (Washington Street) and May Street
Route 1 (Washington Street) at May Street is an HSIP high crash location.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
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Pavement Markings and Signs
•
The eastbound right-turn lane should not have a permitted arrow and should have a “NoTurn-on-Red” sign installed because one of the phases that the permitted right turn would
operate on is the northbound left turn phase, which is also used as a U-turn phase as indicted
by the curb cut out south of the intersection on the southbound side.
Figure 7: Right Turn at May Street Should Have a "No-Turn on Red Sign"
Speed
•
Almost 50% of the collisions that occurred at this intersection indicate that the drivers may be
speeding or following too closely. Speeding is possibly an issue at this location because of
the design speed of the road and the fact that the land use north of this intersection is less
dense. Both of these factors make drivers more comfortable driving at higher speeds.
Furthermore, speeding may be contributing to rear-end collisions at this location because
drivers need more time to break to come to a complete stop if there is an oncoming red light.
Multi-Modal
•
Sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrians crossing are not provided on the east side of Route 1
northbound from Angelina Drive to May Street.
•
A pedestrian signal or crosswalk is not provided on the east side of the May Street approach.
Obstructions
•
There were three collisions with fixed objects on the side of the roadway. A likely cause for
this is that signs are too close to the roadway.
Access Points and Traffic Generators
•
The approaches entering and exiting May Street to the west of the intersection serve the
South Attleboro Square Plaza as well as the Arbour Fuller Hospital. Furthermore, the first
phase of the development at Shops at Mayfair is proposed to open across the street on the
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
southeast quadrant of the intersection. This will increase traffic and movements in and out of
the intersection.
Parking
•
Parking is restricted in the intersection and on the roadway approaches to the intersection.
Therefore, parking does not contribute to any safety concerns within this intersection.
Auxiliary Lanes
•
The queue from the southbound left-turn lane extends into the through lanes.
Route 1A and Route 123
Pavement Markings and Signs
•
There is no delineation of the eastbound movements through the intersection. This could also
be contributing to the angle collisions that have occurred with east-westbound traffic on
Route 123 with north-southbound traffic on Route 1A due to driver confusion
•
Northbound permitted right turn on red- vehicles from the Route 1A approach have had
collisions with protected left-turning vehicles from the southbound Route 1A approach.
Speed
•
As eastbound traffic is speeding up on Route 123 past the intersection, there is a crossing
guard for the Elementary School on Roy Avenue. The curve that exists along this section of
Route 123 makes it even more difficult to observe this pedestrian crossing.
Multi-Modal
•
There are no shoulders for bicycle accommodation on all of the approaching roadways to the
intersection.
•
Ramps do not appear to be ADA compliant.
•
Outdated pedestrian equipment.
Intersection Control
•
The westbound approach on Route 123 past the intersection, heading towards Route 1, spills
over into the intersection.
Obstructions
•
Vegetation on the westbound approach near Robert’s Tuxedo is obstructing the lane
assignment sign.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
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•
Following the intersection on Route 123 eastbound, a curve in the roadway obstructs sight
lines.
•
Traffic spilling over on approaching roadways can block the driver’s view of the signals.
Access Points and Traffic Generators
•
D’Angelo’s, CVS and Mr. Tux all have two redundant driveways.
Parking
•
Since parking is restricted at the intersection and on the street at all roadway approaches to
the intersection, it does not contribute to a safety issue.
Auxiliary Lanes
•
The eastbound through, left-, and right-turn movements are not delineated by pavement
markings or signs. Also, the through lanes do not line up to the opposite side on Route 123
eastbound approach.
•
There is no eastbound right-turn lane on Route 123.
Potential Safety and Serviceability Enhancements
Throughout the RSA, Audit team members voiced ideas about potential transportation that may enhance
the safety and serviceability within the RSA project area. Improvements ranged from long term high-cost
improvements to short term, low-cost improvements that would offer solutions to the issues observed.
The following provides a summary of these recommended transportation improvements.
Route 1 and May Street
The speeds of vehicles are significantly high in this location. More regulation must be incorporated to
establish more control over driver aggression. Multimodal additions are also beneficial.
Intersection Control
•
Apply directional pavement markings to guide vehicles safely across the intersection.
Obstructions
•
Cut down any vegetation jutting out into the roadway to reduce visual blockage of the
oncoming intersection.
Signs
•
Relocate signs that obstruct the sight path from all approaches within the intersection.
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
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Auxiliary Lanes
•
Lengthen the Route 1 southbound left-turn lane to allow drivers more access and decision
time and to accommodate the queuing.
Access Points
•
On the May Street eastbound approach, add a no right-turn-on-red only sign to regulate
eastbound vehicles turning right.
Route 1 and Route 1A
Pavement Markings
•
Apply lane markings on the pavement to guide drivers exiting the plaza. And include
pavement markings from the plaza driveway eastbound into intersections. Lastly, possibly
repave the intersection.
Intersection Control
•
Apply directional guidance on pavement to direct vehicles safely through the intersection,
particularly on lanes that require exclusive turning movements (e.g. left-turn only lane).
•
Upgrade the pedestrian signal to include a visible countdown.
•
Reconfiguring and squaring the intersection to allow the northbound movement on Route 1A
to access the driveway to the South Attleboro Square shopping plaza.
•
Increase the all-red time for traffic signals to improve queue clearance and prevent rear-end
collisions
Signage
•
Implement more signs that warn drivers
about the lane designations at the
intersection.
Auxiliary Lanes
•
Lengthen the southbound left-turn lane to
reduce congestion and trapped vehicles.
Figure 8: No Route 123 Eastbound Lane
Designations
Multi-modal
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Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
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•
Pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks must be extended along the southeast portion of the
intersection at where Route 1A is.
Route 1A and Route 123
Pavement Markings
•
Apply lane pavement markings, “elephant tracks” to guide drivers through the intersection.
Possibly repave the road.
Speed
•
Repaint the crosswalk to make it more conspicuous to drivers, so that they will be more alert
to it and drive more cautiously as a result.
•
Apply more signage that provide more regulation to speed limits on Route 123.
Multi-Modal
•
Widen the shoulders of the existing roadway to accommodate bicycle travel.
•
Replace and/or redesign ramps to be ADA compliant
Intersection Control
•
Coordinate signal timings with neighboring intersections, specifically with the northbound
traffic to Route 1 and the eastbound traffic from Route 1.
Obstructions
•
Remove or trim trees obstructing signs on the Route 123 eastbound approach.
Access Points
•
Improve driveways in adjacent commercial areas to encourage uniform traffic movement.
•
Eliminate any unnecessary driveway entrances/exits that may interfere with the intersection.
Route 1 and Route 123
Multi-modal
•
Replace sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety along the intersection. Specifically, remove
unnecessary curb cuts along sidewalks.
•
Reconstruct pedestrian ramps to comply with ADA regulations.
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•
Install new pedestrian signal equipment.
•
Updated Bicycle accommodations by either increasing the shoulder length or incorporating
“sharrows.”
•
Install crosswalk markings that are accurately aligned with the intersection geometry.
Intersection Control
•
Update the signal timing plan of the intersection so that green times are effectively distributed
towards all roadway approaches; this can alleviate traffic queues, which is a major issue here.
Access Points
•
The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) did a
study documenting all of the curb cuts in the study area. Recommendations of working with
business owners to consolidate curb cuts were evaluated. The recommendations in this study
should be revisited.
•
An evaluation of locations of curb cuts where left-turns can be eliminated.
•
BJ’s driveway is an issue and mitigation for it should be investigated. Evaluate allowing
right-turn on red allowed on eastbound traffic.
Pavement Markings
•
“Elephant track” pavement markings placed from Route 123 eastbound to Route 1
northbound along with the same type of pavement markings from Route 123 westbound to
Route 1 southbound would guide drivers into their lane, cut down on confusion and make
lane delineation more apparent.
•
In addition, clear pavement markings representing distinct turning movements should be
installed on all lanes in the approaching roadways
Route 1A at Route 123, Route 1A at Route 1 and Route 1 at May Street
Intersection Control and Access Points
•
Discussed creating a one-way street pattern among these three intersections. Advantages of
this enhancement include reduced delay, driver confusion and conflict points and better
access to destinations within the area of these three intersections. These enhancements could
all result in reduced crashes and improved safety for all three intersections. This alternative
should be evaluated in the proposed design.
Page 18
Road Safety Audit—Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Summary of Road Safety Audit
List each safety issue and potential safety enhancement discussed during the audit. For each safety issue,
describe the potential safety enhancement, its potential safety payoff, the estimated time frame for
completion, the estimated construction cost, and the responsible agency. If there are conceptual or design
plans in progress for this location, identify the potential safety enhancements that have been incorporated
into the design. If there are issues with the plans, as designed, this should be noted as well.
Safety payoff estimates are subjective and may be based on the relative percent of crashes that may be
reduced by the enhancement based on known and documented crash reduction factors, if available, or
estimated crash reduction based on a stated source.
Table 2: Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown
Time Frame
Costs
Short-Term
<1 Year
Low
<$10,000
Mid-Term
1-3 Years
Medium
$10,000-$50,000
Long-Term
>3 Years
High
>$50,000
Page 19
Road Safety Audit— Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Table 3: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary – Route 1 at Route 123
Safety Issue
Pavement Markings
Potential Safety Enhancement
Apply new pavement markings for
turning movements on various lanes.
Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Agency
Medium
Short
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short
Low
City of Attleboro
High
Short
Low
MassDOT
High
Mid
Medium
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
High
Long
High
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
Implement exclusive bike lanes on Rt.
123 to accommodate/improve cyclist
safety
Medium
Mid
Low
MassDOT
Re-apply crosswalk pavement
markings to enhance pedestrian
guidance across intersection
Medium
Short
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short
Medium
MassDOT
High
Mid
High
City of Attleboro
Obstructions
Coordinate with property owners to
remove and/or relocate commercial
signage that blocks the view of
motorists at intersections.
Intersection Control
Evaluate Lead Green time for traffic
signals to improve queue clearance
and reduce rear-ends collisions. Right
turn on red should not be allowed.
Auxiliary Lanes
Extend the lane merge on Route 123
to the west to avoid interference with
the heavily-used driveway for the BJ’s
Wholesale Club
Replace and construct new sidewalks
to improve pedestrian safety. Also,
remove unnecessary curb cuts along
sidewalks
Multi-modal
Upgrade the pedestrian signals to
include a visible countdown
Access Points and Traffic
Generators
Reduce and/or combine curb cuts for
driveways to adjacent
commercial/retail properties.
Page 20
Road Safety Audit— Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Table 4: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary – Route 1 at Route 1A
Safety Issue
Potential Safety Enhancement
Pavement Markings
Apply new pavement markings for
turning movements on various lanes.
Obstructions
Coordinate with property owners to
remove and/or relocate commercial
signage that blocks the view of
motorists at intersections.
Intersection Control
Auxiliary Lanes
Multi-modal
Signs
Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Agency
Medium
Short
Low
Medium
Short
Low
Increase the all-red time for traffic
signals to improve queue clearance
and prevent further vehicle collisions
High
Short
Low
MassDOT
Improve the signal coordination
between adjacent intersections to
increase safety and improve mobility.
High
Mid
Medium
MassDOT
Lengthen left turn lanes/bays to store
higher volumes and enhance driver’s
decision time
Medium
Mid
Medium
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
Replace and construct new sidewalks
to improve pedestrian safety. Also,
remove unnecessary curb cuts along
sidewalks
MassDOT
City of Attleboro
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
High
Long
High
Reconstruct ramps to comply with
ADA regulations
Medium
Mid
Medium
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
Upgrade the pedestrian signals to
include a visible countdown
Medium
Short
Medium
MassDOT
High
Short
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short
Low
MassDOT
Add and relocate highway guide signs
to inform drivers about the assigned
directions of each lane.
Add signage that warns drivers of an
upcoming signalized intersection.
Page 21
Road Safety Audit— Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Table 4: Potential Safety Enhancement Summary – Route 1 at Route 1A (cont.)
Safety Issue
Access Points and Traffic
Generators
Potential Safety Enhancement
Reduce and/or combine curb cuts for
driveways to adjacent
commercial/retail properties.
Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Agency
High
Mid
High
High
Long
High
Add a new traffic signal at Angeline
Street for the proposed new
development area
Medium
Long
High
MassDOT
Reconfigure Intersection to allow the
NB thru movement of Rte 1A to
access the shopping center
High
Long
High
MassDOT and the City of
Attleboro
Remove unnecessary curb cuts along
sidewalks
City of Attleboro
City of Attleboro
Page 22
Road Safety Audit— Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Table 5: Proposed Safety Enhancement Summary - Route 1 at May Street
Safety Issue
Pavement Markings
Obstructions
Intersection Control
Auxiliary Lanes
Potential Safety Enhancement
Signs
Speed
Cost
Low
Responsible Agency
Medium
Short
Coordinate with property owners to
remove and/or relocate commercial
signage that blocks the view of motorists
at intersections.
Medium
Short
Trim trees and other vegetation obstruct
motorists’ views of highway guide signs.
Low
Short
Increase the all-red time for traffic signals
to improve queue clearance and reduce
various vehicle collisions.
High
Short
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Mid
Medium
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
Medium
Short
Low
Replace and construct new sidewalks to
improve pedestrian safety. Also, remove
unnecessary curb cuts along sidewalks
High
Long
High
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
Install new pedestrian signals that include
a visible countdown
Medium
Mid
High
MassDOT
Add and relocate highway guide signs to
inform drivers about the assigned
directions of each lane.
High
Short
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Short
Low
MassDOT
High
Mid
High
High
Short
Low
Lengthen left turn lanes/bays to store
higher volumes and enhance driver’s
decision time where applicable.
Add signs that warn drivers of an
upcoming signalized intersection.
Access Points and Traffic
Generators
Time Frame
Apply a new permitted arrow for the
eastbound right turn lane
Add ‘no-turn-on-red’ signs where
applicable.
Multi-modal
Safety Payoff
Reduce and/or combine curb cuts for
driveways to adjacent commercial/retail
properties affiliated with the South
Attleboro Square Plaza. Discussion of
mitigation for the proposed development
on Route 1 south of May Street.
Increase enforcement and speed regulation
signage between adjacent intersections.
Low
Low
MassDOT
City of Attleboro
City of Attleboro
MassDOT
City of Attleboro
MassDOT
Page 23
Road Safety Audit— Route 1, 1A, 123 and May Street Intersections in Attleboro, MA
Prepared by FST
Table 6: Proposed Safety Enhancement Summary - Route 1A/Newport Ave and Route 123/Highland Ave
Safety Issue
Pavement Markings
Obstructions
Potential Safety Enhancement
Apply a new permitted arrow for the
eastbound right turn lane
Remove and/or relocate current signs (i.e.
commercial type) on the concrete island
that may block the view of intersecting
roadways
Trim vegetation blocking intersection
Increase the all-red time for traffic signals
to improve queue clearance
Intersection Control
Auxiliary Lanes
Multi-modal
Access Points and Traffic
Generators
Speed
Retime and optimize cycle lengths to
improve distribution of green time
Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Low
Medium
Short
Medium
Short
Low
Short
High
Medium
Short
Low
Short
Low
Low
Low
Responsible Agency
MassDOT
City of Attleboro
City of Attleboro
MassDOT
MassDOT
Apply clear delineation of pavement
markings for the eastbound approach
Medium
Short
Low
MassDOT
Add no-turn-on-red sign that can clearly
inform drivers of limited priority when
turning right on the eastbound approach
Medium
Short
Low
MassDOT
Implement bike lanes, ramps and
equipment on Rt. 123 to accommodate
higher cyclist volumes
Medium
Mid
Low
MassDOT
High
Mid
High
City of Attleboro
High
Short
Low
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
Low
MassDOT and City of
Attleboro
Implement constraints and regulations that
will enhance safer, uniform traffic flow
along nearby driveways
Increase signage that incorporate more
speed regulation between adjacent
intersections
Add signs that warn drivers of areas with
high pedestrian volumes between
intersections
High
Short
Page 24
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Route 1 (Washington Street), 1A (Newport Ave), 123 (Highland Ave) and May Street Attleboro
Friday May 29, 2015 8:30 – Noon
Attleboro South Fire Station 1476 West Street
Road Safety Audit Outline
Prepared by Heather Ostertog, FST
Introductions – 8:30AM
•
•
•
Welcome and Thanks for coming
What is a RSA? – A formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or
intersection by an independent audit team.
Important to get input from a broad cross section of individuals that are most familiar with the
study area including public responders, designers, maintenance staff and pedestrian and bicycle
advocacy.
Review Agenda
Review Existing Conditions
•
•
•
•
•
•
Map with ADTs on it
Identify signals
Identify pedestrian signals and crosswalks
Identify the Middle School
Identify traffic volumes
Operations
o AM Peak Hour LOS C or better
o AM Queues Ok
o PM Peak Hour LOS is D or better. D at Newport Ave and Highland Avenue and C at
Washington Street at May Street.
o PM Queues – WB Left queue from Highland to Washington spills out of pocket. EB
queue at Washington and May Street possible problem? SB Left queue at Washington
Street and Newport Avenue Connector.
o Saturday Peak Hour LOS – Washington Street at Newport Avenue Connector. SB left
turn and EB left turn LOS F. Overall LOS F and overall delay of 100 seconds.
Washington and May Street. EB and SB left LOS F. Overall LOS E and delay of 70
seconds. Other two intersections operate at LOS C.
o Saturday Queues – EB Washington at May Street spill over in the through lane. SB left
spill over from left turn lane. SB Left at Washington and Newport Connector spill over.
• Crashes
o HSIP High Crash Locations – Washington Street at May Street and Washington
Street at Highland Avenue (Top 200 Intersection Crash Location Statewide)
o 128 Total reported crashes in 3 years
o Crash Trends by Location
Washington at Highland – Driveways, rear-ends, left turns, sideswipes pedestrian in
crosswalk
o Highland at Newport – Left turns and rear-ends
o Washington at Newport Ave Connector – Left turns and rear-ends
o Washington at May Street – Rear-end, Single Vehicle crashes, bicycle crash
Talk About Field Visit
o Purpose? To ID the issues that impact safety
o What to look for? – Review Prompt List
Field Visit – 9:30AM – 10:45AM
o Thoughts and personal experiences on how location operates
o Thoughts from your professional knowledge and expertise
Post Visit – 11:00 AM - Noon
o ID issues
o SOLUTIONS – Short/Medium/Long Term
o
•
•
•
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
September 15, 2015 Location: Attleboro, MA
Audit Team Members
Agency/Affiliation
Email Address
Phone Number
Ron Dubuc
Attleboro Dept. of
dpw2@cityofattleboro.
Public Works - Highway
508-223-2222 x3157
us
Division
Walter Thibodeau
Attleboro Municipal
Council
walterthibodeau2@aol.
508-399-6549
com
Attleboro Fire Dept.
fireprevention@cityofa
774-203-1921
ttleboro.us
Kyle Heagney
Attleboro Police Dept.
(ADP)
kheagney@attleboropo
508-222-1212
lice.org
John Mastera
MassDOT Highway
Division
john.mastera@dot.stat
857-368-9648
e.ma.us
Edward Feeney
MassDOT Highway
Division District 5
edward.feeney@state.
508-884-4242
ma.us
Nitza Otero
MassDOT - MassRIDES
Safe
Routes to School
nitza.otero@dot.state.
857-368-8649
ma.us
Jacqueline Schmidt
SRPEDD
jschmidt@srpedd.org
508-824-1367 x234
Patrick Dunford
Vanasse Hangen
Brustlin (VHB)
pdunford@VHB.com
617-924-1770
Sarah Borenstein
Fay, Spofford &
Thorndike
sborenstein@fstinc.co
m
781-221-1064
Heather Ostertog
Fay, Spofford &
Thorndike
hostertog@fstinc.com
617-274-1307
William Ullom
MassDOT Highway
Division
william.ullom@state.m
837-368-9627
a.us
Stephanie Davies
City of Attleboro,
Planning
seniorplanner@cityofat
508-223-2222 x3144
tleboro.us
Gary Agrassian
City of Attleboro,
Planning
cityplanner@cityofattle
508-223-2222 x3143
boro.us
Richard Oliveira
MassDOT Highway
Division District 5
Richard.oliveira@state.
508-844-4258
ma.us
Dennis Perkins
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Appendix D. Additional Information
Appendix E. Road Safety Audit References
Road Safety Audit References
Massachusetts Traffic Safety Toolbox, Massachusetts Highway
Department, www.mhd.state.ma.us/safetytoolbox.
Road Safety Audits, A Synthesis of Highway Practice. NCHRP Synthesis 336. Transportation Research
Board, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, 2004.
Road Safety Audits. Institute of Transportation Engineers and U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal
Highway Administration, www.roadwaysafetyaudits.org.
FHWA Road Safety Audit Guidelines. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration, 2006.
Road Safety Audit, 2nd edition. Austroads, 2000.
Road Safety Audits. ITE Technical Council Committee 4S-7. Institute of Transportation Engineers,
February 1995.