ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street
Town of Hingham
April 2014
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
11 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................. 2 Project Data................................................................................................................................. 2 Project Location Description ..................................................................................................... 4 Road Safety Audit Observations and Potential Enhancements .............................................7
Safety Issue #1. Traffic Signal Control ............................................................................................... 8
Safety Issue #2. Intersection Geometry ............................................................................................. 11 Safety Issue #3. Signage and Pavement Markings ............................................................................ 13 Safety Issue #4. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations ............................................................... 15 Safety Issue #5. Access Management ............................................................................................... 16 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 17 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. Figure 2. Locus Map.............................................................................................................................. 3
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street ..................................................... 6 List of Tables
Table 1. Table 2. Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 4 Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements ....................................................................... 18 Page 1
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The intersection of Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street in Hingham, Massachusetts,
was listed as a High Crash Location within the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has determined that Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) funding would be allowed for reconstruction of the intersection if a Road
Safety Audit (RSA) were conducted and a proposed design incorporated the safety improvements
identified in the RSA.
Whiting Street (Route 53) is a primary northwest-southeast route through the Town of Hingham, and
provides a connection to Route 3 in Norwell and to Route 3A in Weymouth. Derby Street provides a
connection to Route 3 less than 1 mile west of the study area, and also provides a connection to Route 18
in East Weymouth.
The intersection of Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street is currently in the 25%
design phase under MassDOT Project #600518. In general, an RSA is intended to identify potential
safety improvements that can be evaluated and included as part of the design process for a future
reconstruction project. The short-term, low-cost potential improvements could be considered by the
responsible agency for immediate implementation prior to reconstruction, as appropriate. The RSA study
area is illustrated in Figure 1.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the intersection of Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route
53)/Gardner Street on Monday, April 28, 2014. The RSA agenda appears in Appendix A. Table 1 lists
the audit team members and their affiliations. Appendix B provides contact information for all team
members.
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Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Gardner Street and Whiting Street (Route 53), Hingham, MA
Figure 1.
Locus Map
RSA Study Area
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Steven Dearth
Glen Olsson
David Damstra
Harry Sylvester
Roger Fernandes
Promise Otaluka
Steve Farr
Barbara Lachance
Faina Veinstein
Rich Oliveira
Nithin Krishna
John Coco
Lisa Schletzbaum
Corey O’Connor
Ted Brovitz
Mike Tremblay
Agency/Affiliation
Town of Hingham Police
Town of Hingham Police
Town of Hingham Fire
Town of Hingham Engineering Department
Town of Hingham Engineering Department
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Nitsch Engineering
MassDOT District 5 Traffic
MassDOT District 5 Projects
MassDOT District 5 Projects
MassDOT Highway Division
MassDOT
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
Prior to the RSA, in order to begin assessing possible safety issues, the audit team reviewed collision
diagrams and a crash detail summary for the intersection of Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route
53)/Gardner Street. From 2007-2009, 34 crashes were reported at the intersection. Of these crashes, 18
(or 53%) were angle crashes, 11 (32%) were rear-end crashes, three (9%) were sideswipe crashes, and
two (6%) were single-vehicle crashes. Most crashes occurred during the daylight hours (79%) and on a
dry roadway surface (68%). Five crashes (or 15%) resulted in personal injury. No fatalities were
reported at the intersection.
Appendix C provides the detailed crash data for the intersection.
Project Location Description
The RSA focused on the intersection of Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street in the
Town of Hingham, as shown in the aerial image in Figure 2.
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street is a signalized intersection with five
approaches. The Derby Street eastbound approach consists of two general purpose travel lanes. Derby
Street eastbound receives an advanced green indication, but is not equipped with a left-turn arrow. The
Whiting Street (Route 53) westbound approach consists of two marked travel lanes; the outside lane is
wide enough to be used as two travel lanes and is typically used as such. The Gardner Street northbound
approach consists of one travel lane, and the Gardner Street southbound approach consists of one travel
lane plus a right-turn slip lane onto Whiting Street (Route 53) northwest-bound. The Whiting Street
(Route 53) southeast-bound approach consists of two general purpose travel lanes. The signal phasing at
the intersection has Derby Street eastbound running concurrently with Whiting Street (Route 53)
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
westbound, with a short advanced green indication for Derby Street eastbound. The Whiting Street
southeast-bound approach then receives a green indication alone, followed by the Gardner Street
northbound and southbound approaches concurrently.
This intersection is the junction of the following roadways, which are categorized according to MassDOT
Office of Transportation Planning functional classifications:
Derby Street is an urban minor arterial and falls under the jurisdiction of MassDOT. Derby Street runs
east-west between the South Weymouth Town Line to the east and Whiting Street (Route 53) at the study
intersection to the west. Derby Street consists of two travel lanes in each direction, and provides a
connection to Route 3. Derby Street is also home to the Derby Street Shoppes, a popular retail location.
A sidewalk is provided along the south side of Derby Street between the study area and the Derby Street
Shoppes. Dedicated bicycle accommodations are not provided along Derby Street.
Whiting Street (Route 53) is classified as an urban minor arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction.
Rout 53 runs north-south between Route 3A in Quincy to the north and Route 3A in Kingston to the
south. Within the Town of Hingham, Whiting Street (Route 53) runs in a northwest-southeast direction
between the Weymouth Town Line, where it becomes Washington Street, to the northwest, and the
Norwell Town Line, where it becomes Washington Street, to the southeast. Whiting Street (Route 53)
generally runs with two travel lanes in each direction. Near the study area, sidewalks are provided on the
south side of the eastern leg of Whiting Street; sidewalks are provided on both sides of the northwestern
leg of Whiting Street, but they terminate within a short distance of the intersection. Bicycle
accommodations are not provided on Whiting Street (Route 53).
While Route 53 is known as a north-south roadway, this report will describe Whiting Street (Route 53) as
it is laid out in the intersection, with legs extending to the east and to the northwest. The Whiting Street
(Route 53) northbound approach will be referred to as the Whiting Street (Route 53) westbound approach,
while the southbound approach will be referred to as the Route 53 southeast-bound approach.
Gardner Street is classified as an urban collector north of Whiting Street (Route 53) and as a local road
south of Whiting Street (Route 53). It falls under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hingham. Gardner
Street generally runs north-south between Main Street (Route 228) to the north and Hingham Street
(Route 228) in Rockland to the south. Gardner Street runs with one travel lane in each direction.
Sidewalks and bicycle accommodations are not provided on Gardner Street.
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Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Gardner Street and Whiting Street (Route 53), Hingham, MA
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit Observations and
Potential Enhancements
Based on discussions on Monday, April 28, 2014, the RSA team determined that the intersection of Derby
Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street has the following issues that affect safety:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Traffic signal control;
Intersection geometry;
Signage and pavement markings;
Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; and
Access Management.
The following sections describe in more detail the safety issues and enhancements determined during the
RSA. Several of these issues require further study and engineering judgment to determine the feasibility
of implementing enhancements to address them.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #1. Traffic Signal Control
Observations:
At the intersection of Derby Street at Whiting
Street/Gardner Street, the Derby Street eastbound
approach receives a leading green indication, when
Derby Street eastbound left-turning vehicles may
freely
turn
left
onto
Whiting
Street
northwest-bound
or
onto
Gardner
Street
northbound.
After this brief leading green
indication, the Whiting Street westbound approach
receives a green signal, and both Derby Street
eastbound and Whiting Street westbound run
simultaneously.
The Derby Street eastbound
Derby Street eastbound is given an
advanced green signal to facilitate
approach is not equipped with a left-turn arrow,
left-turn movements.
however, so Derby Street eastbound left-turning
motorists have no way of knowing whether or not the Whiting Street westbound approach has a
green indication. Whiting Street westbound vehicles, upon seeing the green indication, may
begin to proceed through the intersection without checking for left-turning vehicles from Derby
Street eastbound. This results in angle crashes between Derby Street eastbound left-turning
vehicles and Whiting Street westbound through vehicles. Team members noted that the existing
span wire would not be able to support additional signal indications, such as a “doghouse” signal.
Once both Derby Street eastbound and Whiting Street
westbound vehicles each have a green indication, the
Derby Street eastbound left-turn movement becomes
permissive. Permissive left-turn phases typically
present a risk for angle crashes, especially when there
is more than one opposing through lane. Whiting
Street has three travel lanes; the left lane is used to
access Gardner Street southbound and Derby Street
westbound, the center lane is used to access Derby
Street westbound only, while the right lane is used to
access Whiting Street northwest-bound and Gardner
Derby Street eastbound is not
equipped with a green arrow for
Street northbound. This lane use presents three lanes
protected left turns.
of traffic that a Derby Street eastbound left-turning
vehicle would need to cross in order to turn onto Gardner Street eastbound, making it difficult to
find an acceptable gap in traffic. Fourteen of the 34 crashes reported at the intersection occurred
between Derby Street eastbound left-turning vehicles and Whiting Street westbound through
vehicles, including three injury crashes.
The permissive left-turn phasing may also result in rear-end crashes on both Derby Street
eastbound and Whiting Street westbound. On Derby Street eastbound, motorists turning left may
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
hesitate and unexpectedly slow or stop after beginning to turn, which may cause rear-end crashes
if the following vehicle does not anticipate the turning vehicle to stop. That Derby Street
eastbound vehicles do not know when the protected phase ends and the permissive phase begins
exacerbates this issue. Rear-end crashes may occur on Whiting Street westbound when a vehicle
begins to proceed through the intersection after receiving a green indication, but slows or stops
unexpectedly due to Derby Street left-turning vehicles in the intersection. Four rear-end crashes
occurred on Derby Street eastbound, and five rear-end crashes occurred on Whiting Street
westbound.
There are no far-side post-mounted signal indications at the intersection, so vehicles in the
intersection waiting to turn left also do not know when the signal has turned red. This may result
in vehicles waiting in the intersection while conflicting movements have the green light, which
may result in angle crashes in the intersection or rear-end crashes along the approach to the
intersection, as vehicles stop unexpectedly due to vehicles in the intersection.
RSA team members stated that traffic sometimes backs up on Whiting Street northwest-bound
due to congestion at the intersection of Whiting Street/Cushing Street, approximately 1000 feet
northwest of the intersection, possibly due to lack of coordination between the signals or
dysfunctional detection at the intersection. While not within the study area of the RSA, this may
cause motorist frustration and inattention on Whiting Street, resulting in rear-end crashes.
RSA team members stated that the sight distance to the west of the intersection on Gardner Street
northbound is limited due to trees and the signal controller. Right turns on red from Gardner
Street northbound are currently permitted despite the lack of sight distance.
RSA team members noted that trees block the Derby Street eastbound signal indications and
wayfinding signage as vehicles approach the intersection.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Potential Enhancements:
1. In the short term, consider placing signage stating “Left Turn Yield on Green” (R10-12)
signage on the Derby Street eastbound approach to the intersection to alert left-turning
motorists that they may need to yield to oncoming Whiting Street westbound vehicles.
2. In advance of the project, consider placing a post-mounted “doghouse” signal facing the
Derby Street eastbound approach so that left-turning vehicles may receive a left-turn
arrow. Consider using a flashing yellow arrow during the permissive phase to alert
motorists to use caution when turning left.
3. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider the safety benefits of converting to
protected-only left-turn phasing for Derby Street eastbound to eliminate angle crashes
between Derby Street eastbound left-turning vehicles and Whiting Street westbound
vehicles and to reduce the occurrence of rear-end crashes on both approaches. Consider
impacts to traffic operations.
4. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider replacing the span-wire signal
support with mast arms to allow the use of an overhead doghouse signal facing Derby
Street eastbound. Consider using a flashing yellow arrow during the permissive phase to
alert motorists to use caution when turning left.
5. Consider providing far-side post-mounted signal indications so that turning motorists in
the intersection know when the phase has changed.
6. Verify that vehicle detection is functional at the intersection of Whiting Street/Cushing
Street. Coordinate the signal at Whiting Street/Cushing Street with the intersection of
Derby Street at Whiting Street/Gardner Street.
7. Place “No Turn on Red” signage at the Gardner Street northbound approach to the
intersection to restrict right turns on the approach.
8. Trim the tree line along the south side of Derby Street so that signals and wayfinding
signage are visible along the entire Derby Street eastbound approach.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #2. Intersection Geometry
Observations:
There is no left-turn lane on Derby Street
eastbound. Vehicles in the Derby Street eastbound
left lane may turn left onto Whiting Street
northwest-bound, turn left onto Gardner Street
northbound, or go through to Whiting Street
eastbound. Since the Derby Street eastbound
approach receives an advanced green indication,
vehicles making any of these three movements will
typically use the left lane. Rear-end crashes may
occur on Derby Street eastbound if a left-turning
vehicle slows or stops unexpectedly due to the
Derby Street eastbound consists of two
beginning of the conflicting Whiting Street
travel lanes with no dedicated left-turn
westbound green phase. This may also cause
lane.
frustration for motorists in the left lane on Derby
Street eastbound, causing them to attempt to shift into the right lane, which may result in
sideswipe crashes and rear-end crashes.
Team members noted that the Whiting Street eastbound departure lane may be too narrow,
especially for vehicles departing Whiting Street southeast-bound onto Whiting Street. A narrow
two-lane departure may result in sideswipe crashes if two vehicles enter the departure
simultaneously.
The intersection of Derby Street at Whiting Street/Gardner Street is a five-legged intersection,
making it more complex than a typical four-legged intersection. All vehicles approaching the
intersection have four possible movements through the intersection, which may make it difficult
for motorists to determine where conflicting vehicles are turning. Team members also stated that
the intersection itself appears to be very large, with a significant amount of paved area. This may
exacerbate the complexity of the intersection, and may cause the signal to run inefficiently as a
result of the need for longer clearance intervals.
A crest vertical curve is located on the southern leg of Gardner Street. The crest of the curve is
located just 250 feet south of the intersection. The curve obscures queued vehicles from the view
of approaching motorists if the queue extends to the top of the hill, as these vehicles are not
visible until the approaching vehicle reaches the top of the crest curve. One rear-end crash may
be attributed to this issue.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Consider adding a left-turn lane on the Derby Street eastbound approach to the
intersection to give left-turning vehicles a place to wait for a gap in opposing traffic
during the permissive signal phase.
2. Consider widening the Whiting Street eastbound departure to allow for two vehicles to
enter safely Whiting Street simultaneously.
3. Consider tightening the intersection by narrowing lanes, providing medians, moving stop
lines closer to the intersection, etc. to calm traffic and reduce the overall size of the
intersection.
4. As part of long-term planning efforts, consider converting one leg of the intersection to
one-way departing the intersection to reduce the number of approaches from five to four,
eliminating some turning movements and enhancing the efficiency of the signal.
Consider the impact to the regional traffic network and local businesses.
5. Consider converting the intersection to a modern roundabout as part of long-term
reconstruction efforts to eliminate complex turning movements and angle crashes.
Consider impacts to operations and right-of-way.
6. In the short-term, place warning signage with text reading “Caution – Queued Vehicles
Ahead” or similar to urge motorists approaching the crest of the vertical curve on
Gardner Street to do so with caution.
7. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider lowering the profile of Gardner
Street so that queued vehicles at the intersection are more visible for approaching
motorists.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #3. Signage and Pavement Markings
Observations:
RSA team members noted that there is no lane use signage at the intersection, particularly along
the Whiting Street westbound approach, which acts as three lanes. Similarly, there are no lane
use pavement markings on the roadway. Team members stated that there is sometimes confusion
as to whether vehicles in the center lane on Whiting Street westbound may bear right to continue
on Whiting Street northwest-bound. The intended use of the center lane, according to RSA team
members, is to continue onto Derby Street westbound only; motorists are supposed to use the
right lane to access both Whiting Street northwest-bound and Gardner Street northbound.
Guide signage and route signage at the intersection references Route 228, which formerly ran
along Whiting Street and Derby Street through the intersection. However, these signs are in the
process of being removed, as Route 228 is no longer recognized to run along Whiting Street and
Derby Street in the vicinity of the intersection.
Team members noted that wayfinding signage at the intersection is somewhat confusing. On the
Whiting Street westbound approach, a guide sign for Route 53 points diagonally forward and to
the right; however, this may not clearly convey that vehicles should only bear right to continue
along Route 53, and should not turn right onto Gardner Street. Similarly, on the Derby Street
eastbound approach, a guide sign for Route 53 points to the left; however, this may cause vehicles
to turn left onto Gardner Street instead of taking a sharp left turn onto Whiting Street.
Street name signage is provided only at Gardner Street. It is not provided at Derby Street or at
either leg of Whiting Street. Street name signage for
Gardner Street varies; at the northern leg, street name
signage is black lettering on a white background; on
the southern leg, signage is white lettering on a green
background. Team members stated that the white
lettering on green background is more recognized as
a street name sign, and is easier to read, than the
black lettering on white background.
Trees block the sight lines to the west of
Gardner Street, making right turns on
red unsafe.
The Whiting Street westbound approach to the
intersection acts as three travel lanes; however, there
are no pavement markings between the center lane
and the right lane. This may result in vehicles
forming only two lanes, impacting operations at the
intersection, or vehicles straying from their lanes,
causing sideswipe crashes.
RSA team members stated that there are no lane extension markings through the intersection to
help motorists stay on a predicable path when turning through the intersection. Lane extension
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
markings are required for double left-turn movements similar to the Whiting Street southeastbound movement to continue on Whiting Street.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Provide diagrammatic guide signage at the intersection to help motorists determine which
lane to use for each destination. Reinforce with applicable pavement markings, where
appropriate.
2. Remove obsolete route signage for Route 228, and remove references to Route 228 from
wayfinding signage to reduce motorist confusion and sign clutter.
3. Provide signage for Route 53 as close to the intersection as possible on each departure, to
reinforce the path of Route 53, adding confidence to motorists following Route 53.
4. Adjust wayfinding signage to convey information to motorists more clearly. Consider
diagrammatic wayfinding signage as an alternative to the existing guide signage, given
the complex nature of the intersection.
5. Provide a white lane line between the center lane and the right lane on the Whiting Street
westbound approach to formalize the three-lane approach and reduce the risk of
sideswipe crashes.
6. Consider providing dotted lane extensions through the intersection to guide vehicles
along a predictable path when traveling through the intersection and to reinforce lane use
designations, particularly for the Whiting Street southeast-bound approach continuing
along Whiting Street.
7. Upgrade existing Gardner Street street name signs and install new Derby Street and
Whiting Street street name signs in conspicuous locations for added clarity at the
intersection.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #4. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations
Observations:
There are few pedestrian accommodations
provided at the intersection. Sidewalks are provided along the south side of Derby Street and
the eastern leg of Whiting Street. Sidewalks are
provided for a brief distance along the north side of Whiting Street, both sides of the northern leg
of Gardner Street, and both sides of the northwestern leg of Whiting Street; however, these sidewalks terminate a short distance from
the intersection. Crosswalks are provided across
the eastern leg of Whiting Street and across the southern leg of Gardner Street; however, pedestrian signals are not provided. Ramps are provided at each crosswalk, but they are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are no crosswalks provided
across Derby Street, the northern leg of
Gardner Street, or the northwestern leg
of Whiting Street.
There are no bicycle accommodations at the intersection. Shoulders are either not provided or are
very narrow along each approach and departure at the intersection.
Potential Enhancements:
1. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, provide ADA-compliant pedestrian crossings,
including pedestrian ramps, push buttons, and signal indications, at the intersection.
2. Consider providing crossings across additional legs of the intersection to improve
pedestrian safety and mobility.
3. As part of long-term planning efforts, consider providing additional sidewalks along the
north side of Derby Street, the north side of the eastern leg of Whiting Street, and along
both sides of Gardner Street and the northwestern leg of Whiting Street to improve
pedestrian safety, mobility, and access to local businesses.
4. As part of long-term planning efforts, consider providing 5-foot shoulders that may be
used by cyclists to travel more comfortably through the area.
5. As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, ensure that bicycle detection is provided at
the intersection to improve bicyclist mobility.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #5. Access Management
Observations:
There are several businesses that are located very
close to the intersection. A gas station located on
the west side of the intersection between Derby
Street and the northwestern leg of Whiting Street
has three driveways, including one on the Derby
Street departure and two on the Whiting Street
southeast-bound approach to the intersection. One
of the two driveways on Whiting Street is located
just 40 feet northwest of the intersection.
Driveways located within queues can often cause
safety issues, such as courtesy crashes, and
A gas station on the west side of the
inefficiency at the signal, as vehicles entering or
intersection has driveways that are very
exiting driveways can block queues from
close to the intersection.
advancing. Similarly, a driveway at the gas station
on the northern corner of the intersection and a driveway at the Dunkin Donuts on the
northeastern corner of the intersection are located very close to the intersection. While not
reflected in the crash data, driveways that are located close to intersections are prone to courtesy
crashes and may cause crashes when vehicles unexpectedly enter the roadway close to the
intersection.
Potential Enhancements:
1. Consider working with property owners to close driveways located close to the
intersection and to develop an internal traffic pattern in their property. Consider delivery
truck maneuvers.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Recommendations
Based on its review of data, on-site field observations and group discussion, the RSA team identified
the following possible enhancements that could improve safety at the intersection of Derby Street at
Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street. Further study and design work will need to be conducted
to determine the feasibility of making some of the improvements.
Table 2 summarizes the safety issues, possible enhancements, estimated safety payoff, time frame,
cost, and responsibility. Safety payoff estimates are based on engineering judgment and are
categorized as low, medium, and high. The time frame is categorized as short-term (<1 year), midterm (1 to 3 years), or long-term (typically >3 years). Long-term improvements are typically
considered to be substantial improvements with an expected time frame for implementation greater
than 3 years. The costs are categorized as low (<$10,000), medium ($10,001 to $50,000), or high
(>$50,000).
Short-term enhancements include, but are not limited to:

Provide a “Left Turn Yield on Green” sign for Derby Street eastbound;

Trim tree line along the Derby Street eastbound approach;

Provide guide signage;

Remove obsolete Route 228 signage; and

Restrict right turns on Gardner Street northbound.
To enhance the safety of the corridor, the long-term enhancements are to:

Provide a dedicated left-turn lane on Derby Street;

Provide protected-only left-turn phasing;

Evaluate a modern roundabout at the intersection;

Widen the Whiting Street eastbound departure;

Provide ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps and signal indications; and

Provide bicycle detection and shoulders on all approaches.
The RSA is intended to identify potential safety improvements that can be evaluated and included as
part of the design process for a reconstruction project. The short-term, low-cost potential
improvements could be considered by the responsible agency for immediate implementation, as
appropriate.
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Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements
Safety Issue
Traffic Signal
Control
Safety Enhancement
In the short term, consider placing signage stating “Left Turn
Yield on Green” (R10-12) signage on the Derby Street
eastbound approach to the intersection to alert left-turning
motorists that they may need to yield to oncoming Whiting Street
westbound vehicles.
In advance of the project, consider placing a post-mounted
“doghouse” signal facing the Derby Street eastbound approach
so that left-turning vehicles may receive a left-turn arrow.
Consider using a flashing yellow arrow during the permissive
phase to alert motorists to use caution when turning left.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider the safety
benefits of converting to protected-only left-turn phasing for
Derby Street eastbound to eliminate angle crashes between
Derby Street eastbound left-turning vehicles and Whiting Street
westbound vehicles and to reduce the occurrence of rear-end
crashes on both approaches. Consider impacts to traffic
operations.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider replacing
the span-wire signal support with mast arms to allow the use of
an overhead doghouse signal facing Derby Street eastbound.
Consider using a flashing yellow arrow during the permissive
phase to alert motorists to use caution when turning left.
Consider providing far-side post-mounted signal indications so
that turning motorists in the intersection know when the phase
has changed.
Verify that vehicle detection is functional at the intersection of
Whiting Street/Cushing Street. Coordinate the signal at Whiting
Street/Cushing Street with the intersection of Derby Street at
Whiting Street/Gardner Street.
Trim the tree line along the south side of Derby Street so that
signals and wayfinding signage are visible along the entire
Derby Street eastbound approach.
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Responsible Party
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Mid-term
Medium
MassDOT
High
Long-term
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Medium
Mid-term
Medium
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Medium
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Page 18
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Intersection
Geometry
Safety Enhancement
Consider adding a left-turn lane on the Derby Street eastbound approach to the
intersection to give left-turning vehicles a place to wait for a gap in opposing
traffic during the permissive signal phase.
Consider widening the Whiting Street eastbound departure to allow for two
vehicles to enter safely Whiting Street simultaneously.
Consider tightening the intersection by narrowing lanes, providing medians,
moving stop lines closer to the intersection, etc. to calm traffic and reduce the
overall size of the intersection.
As part of long-term planning efforts, consider converting one leg of the
intersection to one-way departing the intersection to reduce the number of
approaches from five to four, eliminating some turning movements and
enhancing the efficiency of the signal. Consider the impact to the regional
traffic network and local businesses.
Consider converting the intersection to a modern roundabout as part of longterm reconstruction efforts to eliminate complex turning movements and angle
crashes. Consider impacts to operations and right-of-way.
In the short-term, place warning signage with text reading “Caution – Queued
Vehicles Ahead” or similar to urge motorists approaching the crest of the
vertical curve on Gardner Street to do so with caution.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, consider lowering the profile of
Gardner Street so that queued vehicles at the intersection are more visible for
approaching motorists.
Signage and
Pavement
Markings
Provide diagrammatic guide signage at the intersection to help motorists
determine which lane to use for each destination. Reinforce with applicable
pavement markings, where appropriate.
Remove obsolete route signage for Route 228, and remove references to Route
228 from wayfinding signage to reduce motorist confusion and sign clutter.
Provide signage for Route 53 as close to the intersection as possible on each
departure, to reinforce the path of Route 53, adding confidence to motorists
following Route 53.
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Cost
Responsible
Party
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Low
Mid-term
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
High
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
High
MassDOT
Medium
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Page 19
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Safety Issue
Signage and
Pavement
Markings
Safety Enhancement
Adjust wayfinding signage to convey information to motorists more clearly.
Consider diagrammatic wayfinding signage as an alternative to the existing
guide signage, given the complex nature of the intersection.
Provide a white lane line between the center lane and the right lane on the
Whiting Street westbound approach to formalize the three-lane approach
and reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes.
Consider providing dotted lane extensions through the intersection to guide
vehicles along a predictable path when traveling through the intersection
and to reinforce lane use designations, particularly for the Whiting Street
Safety
Payoff
Time
Frame
Medium Short-term
Cost
Responsible
Party
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
Short-term
Low
MassDOT
Low
MassDOT
High
MassDOT
High
MassDOT
High
MassDOT
High
MassDOT
Medium
MassDOT
Medium
MassDOT/
Adjacent land
owners
southeast-bound approach continuing along Whiting Street.
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Accommodations
Access
Management
Upgrade existing Gardner Street street name signs and install new Derby
Street and Whiting Street street name signs in conspicuous locations for
Low
Short-term
added clarity at the intersection.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, provide ADA-compliant
pedestrian crossings, including pedestrian ramps, push buttons, and signal
High
Long-term
indications, at the intersection.
Consider providing crossings across additional legs of the intersection to
High
Long-term
improve pedestrian safety and mobility.
As part of long-term planning efforts, consider providing additional
sidewalks along the north side of Derby Street, the north side of the eastern
leg of Whiting Street, and along both sides of Gardner Street and the
High
Long-term
northwestern leg of Whiting Street to improve pedestrian safety, mobility,
and access to local businesses.
As part of long-term planning efforts, consider providing 5-foot shoulders
Medium Long-term
that may be used by cyclists to travel more comfortably through the area.
As part of long-term reconstruction efforts, ensure that bicycle detection is
Medium Long-term
provided at the intersection to improve bicyclist mobility.
Consider working with property owners to close driveways located close to
the intersection and to develop an internal traffic pattern in their property.
Medium Mid-term
Consider delivery truck maneuvers.
Page 20
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda Road Safety Audit
Hingham, MA
Derby Street and Whiting Street (Route 53)
Meeting Location: Hingham DPW
25 Bare Cove Park Drive, Hingham, MA
Monday, April 28, 2014
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Type of meeting:
High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
1:00 PM
Welcome and Introductions
1:15 PM
Discussion of Safety Issues
• Crash history, Speed Regulations – provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
2:00 PM
Site Visit
• Drive to the intersections of Derby Street and Whiting Street (Route 53)
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
2:30 PM
Discussion of Potential Improvements
• Discuss observations and finalize safety issue areas
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
3:00 PM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on April 28, 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
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
Monday, April 28, 2014
Location: Hingham DPW – 25 Bare Cove Road, Hingham
Audit Team Members
Agency/Affiliation
E-mail Address
Steven Dearth
Town of Hingham Police
dearths@hingham-ma.gov
Glen Olsson
Town of Hingham Police
olssong@hingham-ma.gov
David Damstra
Town of Hingham Fire
damstrad@hingham-ma.gov
Harry Sylvester
Town of Hingham Engineering Department
sylvesterh@hingham-ma.gov
Roger Fernandes
Town of Hingham Engineering Department
fernandesr@hingham-ma.gov
Promise Otaluka
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
promise.otaluka@dot.gov
Steve Farr
Nitsch Engineering
sfarr@nitscheng.com
Barbara Lachance
MassDOT District 5 Traffic
Barbara.lachance@dot.state.ma.us
Faina Veinstein
MassDOT District 5 Projects
faina.veinstein@dot.state.ma.us
Rich Oliveira
MassDOT District 5 Projects
richard.oliveira@dot.state.ma.us
nithinkrishnalinga.reddy@dot.state.m
Nithin Krishna
MassDOT Highway Division
a.us
John Coco
MassDOT
john.coco@dot.state.ma.us
Lisa Schletzbaum
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
lschletzbaum@state.ma.us
Corey O’Connor
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
coconnor@state.ma.us
Ted Brovitz
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
tbrovitz@hshassoc.com
Mike Tremblay
Howard/Stein-Hudson (HSH)
mtremblay@hshassoc.com
Phone Number
781-804-2205
781-804-2212
781-741-1488
781-741-1430
781-804-2305
617-494-2528
617-338-0063
508-884-4260
508-884-4230
508-884-4258
857-368-9639
508-824-6637
857-368-9634
857-368-9638
617-348-3308
617-348-3347
Road Safety Audit
Derby Street at Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street, Hingham
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data 18
8
23
7
32
26
27
1, 3
, 5,
0, 1
22
24
1, 1
4, 1
5, 1
6, 1
7, 1
9, 2
1, 3
12,
1, 3
13,
4
20,
30,
33
6
4, 25, 28, 29
9,1
NOT TO
SCALE
SYMBOLS & TYPES OF COLLISIONS
REAR END
HEAD ON
LEFT TURN
OUT OF CONTROL
SIDE SWIPE
RIGHT ANGLE
INJURY ACCIDENT
Crash Diagram Summary Table
Intersection of Whiting Street (Route 53) and Derby Road and Gardner Street, Hingham, MA
2007 - 2009
# Month #
Time of Day
2
Crash Date
m/d/y
2/5/2007
Crash Day
1
Monday
2:11 PM
3
Manner of Collision (11)
Type
Angle
#
1
Daylight
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
4
4
4
4
3/1/2007
4/4/2007
4/9/2007
4/20/2007
4/21/2007
Thursday
Wednesday
Monday
Friday
Saturday
7:28 AM
3:51 PM
9:41 AM
4:21 PM
11:24 AM
4
3
2
3
2
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
1
1
1
1
1
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
1
3
1
1
1
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
4
5
6
7
8
12
1
2
4
6
8
4/21/2007
5/29/2007
6/12/2007
7/5/2007
8/9/2007
12/19/2007
1/27/2008
2/27/2008
4/19/2008
6/5/2008
8/20/2008
Saturday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Thursday
Thursday
Wednesday
Sunday
Wednesday
Saturday
Thursday
Wednesday
10:23 PM
12:14 PM
6:21 PM
9:11 AM
11:34 AM
3:23 PM
9:39 AM
9:00 AM
5:51 PM
9:37 AM
10:24 AM
3
2
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
18
19
20
21
8
12
12
12
8/1/2008
12/7/2008
12/16/2008
12/18/2008
Friday
Sunday
Tuesday
Thursday
8:50 PM
6:21 PM
8:06 AM
6:40 AM
4
3
2
3
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
1
4
1
2
22
23
24
25
12
1
2
6
12/30/2008
1/5/2009
2/1/2009
6/16/2009
Tuesday
Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
8:09 PM
4:18 AM
12:47 PM
1:32 PM
4
1
3
2
Sideswipe, same direction
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Rear-end
#
Light Condition (1)
Type
Weather Condition (2,3)
Type
Clear
1 Dry
Road Surface (6)
Type
Driver Contributing Code (24)
#
Type
4 Failed to yield to right of way
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
1
2
1
1
1
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
4
4
1
4
5
1
1
1
2, 3
1, 97
3
4
2
1
2
1
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy/Rain
Clear/Other
Rain
Snow
Cloudy
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
1
1
1
2
1
2
3
1
1
1
1
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Wet
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dawn
1
2
2, 5
1
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy/Sleet, Hail, Freezing
Clear
1
2
2
1
4
4
1
1
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
2
5
1
1
Cloudy
Sleet, Hail, Freezing Rain
Clear
Clear
1
4
1
1
#
Ages
D2
D3
58
53
29
41
20
35
31
19
55
34
54
29
Crossing over lane into another vehicle
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to stop in time
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to stop in time
9
19
1
1
4
1
1
1
4
4
1
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Inattention
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
43
72
27
17
38
57
74
18
17
16
26
75
29
17
47
20
57
42
66
22
22
Crossing over lane into another vehicle
Failure to stop in time
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to stop in time
Failure to stop in time
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to yeild making left turn
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
1
4
97
4
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Other improper action
Failed to yield to right of way
47
20
46
16
35
54
36
28
Crossing over lane into another vehicle
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to stop in time
Failure to yeild making left turn
Dry
Ice
Dry
Dry
4
1
99
1
30
48
27
24
81
83
31
25
Crossing over lane into another vehicle
Vehicle slid on ice and hit median
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to stop in time
Vehicle left Derby Street at corner of
Whiting heading westbound
Unknown
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
61
44
22
33
46
55
57
66
66
23
32
51
44
72
29
19
Crossing over lane into another vehicle
Failure to stop in time
Failure to stop in time
Failure to stop in time
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to yeild making left turn
Failure to stop in time
Failure to yeild making left turn
26
6
6/23/2009
Tuesday
2:54 AM
1
Single Vehicle Crash
4
Dark - lighted roadway
2, 3 Cloudy/Rain
2 Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Failure to keep in proper lane or
9 running off road
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
7
8
9
9
10
10
10
10
7/26/2009
8/31/2009
9/19/2009
9/25/2009
10/16/2009
10/18/2009
10/22/2009
10/28/2009
Sunday
Monday
Saturday
Friday
Friday
Sunday
Thursday
Wednesday
2:17 PM
5:08 PM
11:45 AM
9:29 AM
6:46 AM
10:22 AM
9:10 AM
7:37 AM
3
2
2
2
3
3
2
3
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
1, 2
1
1
1
2, 3
2, 3
2
2, 3
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
2
99
5
1
19
4
4
5
1
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Hingham Police Department
Clear/Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy/Rain
Cloudy/Rain
Cloudy
Cloudy/Rain
Comments
D1
46
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Wet
D4
Failure to yeild making left turn
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection of Whiting Street (Route 53) and Derby Road and Gardner Street, Hingham, MA
CRASH MONTH
20%
15%
15%
15%
15%
12%
12%
12%
10%
6%
5%
6%
3%
0%
0%
J
F
0%
M
A
24%
25%
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
21%
20%
18%
15%
15%
10%
6%
9%
6%
9%
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
30%
24%
20%
15%
12%
9%
10%
0%
6AM8AM
8AM10AM
10AM12PM
12%
12PM2PM
2PM4PM
9%
4PM6PM
6% 6%
6PM8PM
8PM10PM
3%
10PM12AM
0%
3% 3%
12AM2AM
2AM4AM
4AM6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
53%
32%
9%
6%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Crash Data Spreadsheet.xlsx
0%
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
1 of 2
0%
0%
0%
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
4/17/2014
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Intersection of Whiting Street (Route 53) and Derby Road and Gardner Street, Hingham, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
79%
Daylight
18%
3%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
50%
3%
0%
Unknown
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Other
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
6%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
Rain
3%
Snow
21%
Cloudy
18%
Clear
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
80%
68%
60%
40%
26%
20%
0%
Dry
Wet
3%
3%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand, mud, Water
dirt, oil, (standing,
gravel
moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
30%
20%
26%
15%
12%
17%
15%
10%
0%
15-20
Crash Data Spreadsheet.xlsx
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
6%
6%
60-69
70-79
3%
80+
4/17/2014
NOT TO
SCALE
PREPARED FOR: