ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road
Town of Sandwich
June 2009
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Highway Department
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents
Background .................................................................................................................................1
Project Data.................................................................................................................................1
Project Location Description .....................................................................................................2
Intersection Roadways ........................................................................................................................ 2
Road Safety Audit Observations and Potential Enhancements .............................................4
Safety Issue #1.
Safety Issue #2.
Safety Issue #3.
Safety Issue #4.
Safety Issue #5.
Safety Issue #6.
Safety Issue #7.
Safety Issue #8.
Intersection Skew................................................................................................ 6
Intersection Offset............................................................................................... 6
Asa Meiggs Road................................................................................................ 6
Vertical Alignment of Cotuit Road..................................................................... 7
Horizontal Alignments of Side Streets ............................................................... 7
Grading Issues..................................................................................................... 8
Restricted Sight Distance.................................................................................... 8
Sign Locations and Conformance....................................................................... 9
Recommendations .....................................................................................................................10
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.
Figure 2.
Locus Map.............................................................................................................................. 3
Project Location and Observations......................................................................................... 5
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 1
Proposed Safety Enhancement Summary............................................................................. 11
Page i
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road in Sandwich is in the Top 5% of
High Crash Locations on Cape Cod. This intersection and three others that meet initial criteria for
eligibility of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding were selected by the Cape Cod
Joint Transportation Committee (CCJTC) for potential future redesign to improve safety. To this end, an
RSA was conducted to identify the safety issues and potential safety enhancements. Based on the results
of this and several other RSAs within the Cape Cod region, the MassHighway Safety Management Unit
and CCJTC will prioritize the locations to receive HSIP funding for design improvements.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich
Road in Sandwich, Massachusetts, on June 8, 2009. The RSA agenda is provided in Appendix A.
Table 1 lists the audit team members and their affiliations. Appendix B provides contact information for
all team members.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Sam Jensen
Paul Tilton
Mike Miller
George Russell
Priscilla Leclerc
Tim White
Lisa Schletzbaum
Bonnie Polin
Carrie Lavallee
Keri Pyke
Michelle Langone
Ryan Walsh
Agency/Affiliation
Sandwich Assistant Town Engineer
Sandwich Director of Public Works/Town Engineer
Sandwich Police Department
Sandwich Fire Department
Cape Cod Commission
Federal Highway Administration
MassHighway Safety
MassHighway Safety
MassHighway Projects
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Page 1
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Project Location Description
The intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road is located in the Town of Sandwich,
as shown in Figure 1. The intersection is located within a residential area. The northwest corner of the
intersection is conservation land. Approximately 400 feet south of the intersection of Cotuit Road/
Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road is the T intersection of Cotuit Road/Asa Meiggs Road, a skewed
intersection that affects the operation and safety of vehicles at the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow
Road/ South Sandwich Road.
Prior to the RSA, the team reviewed a collision diagram and crash detail summary based on the crash
records supplied by the Sandwich Police Department. Of the 27 crashes related to the intersection from
2005 through 2008, approximately 85% were angle crashes. Additionally, five of the 27 crashes resulted
in an injury. Crashes typically occurred during the day (89%) and on dry pavement (93%).
MassHighway performed a speed study on Cotuit Road at Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road. The
85th percentile speed was 44 miles per hour in both the northbound and the southbound directions. The
posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour on Cotuit Road; however, there is no speed regulation for Cotuit
Road.
The detailed intersection crash data from 2005 through 2008 are provided in Appendix C. Other intersection data such as traffic volumes and additional intersection information furnished by the Town of
Sandwich and the Cape Cod Commission (CCC) are provided in Appendix D.
In early 2007, the Town of Sandwich installed “Stop Ahead” warning signs on Harlow Road and South
Sandwich Road, cleared vegetation to improve sight distance, installed street lighting, and re-striped
pavement markings in an effort to reduce the number of crashes at the intersection. Despite these
improvements, the intersection is still on the high crash location list.
Intersection Roadways
The intersection is the junction of the following roadways, which are categorized according to
Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation Office of Transportation Planning functional
classifications:
Cotuit Road is an urban minor arterial roadway. Cotuit Road, which is owned by the Town of
Sandwich, runs north–south and connects Route 130 in Sandwich to Route 130 in Mashpee. It has
one travel lane in each direction, with only one foot of shoulder space on each side. The posted speed
limit along Cotuit Road is 40 miles per hour in both directions.
Page 2
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Figure 1.
N
Locus Map
Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Harlow Road is an urban collector roadway owned by the Town of Sandwich. Harlow Road runs
northeast–southwest and connects Cotuit Road and Boardley Road. Harlow Road has one travel lane
in each direction, with no shoulders. At the intersection of Cotuit Road, Harlow Road is stopcontrolled.
South Sandwich Road is an urban collector roadway owned by the Town of Sandwich. South
Sandwich Road runs northeast–southwest and connects Cotuit Road and Route 130 in Mashpee.
South Sandwich Road has one travel lane in each direction, with no shoulders. At the intersection of
Cotuit Road, South Sandwich Road is stop-controlled.
Road Safety Audit Observations
and Potential Enhancements
Figure 2 provides an aerial view of the intersection. The safety issues and possible enhancements were
determined in the RSA conducted on June 8, 2009. Based on RSA team discussions and field observations, the safety issues include:








Intersection skew
Intersection offset;
Asa Meiggs Road;
Vertical alignment on Cotuit Road;
Horizontal alignment of side streets;
Grading issues;
Restricted sight distance; and
Inadequate signage.
Several of these issues require further study and engineering judgment before determining the feasibility
of implementing enhancements to address them.
The following sections describe in more detail the safety issues determined during the RSA. In the table
following the descriptions, each issue is listed with possible enhancements, estimated safety payoff, time
frame, and cost. Safety payoff estimates are based on the approximate percent of crashes reduced by
enhancement and are categorized as low (<30%), medium (31% to 70%), and high (>71%). The time
frame is categorized as short-term (<1 year), mid-term (1 to 3 years), or long-term (>3 years). The costs
are categorized as low (<$10,000), medium ($10,001 to $50,000), or high (>$50,001).
Page 4
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Figure 2.
Project Location and Observations
N
Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #1. Intersection Skew
Observation:
As previously stated, approximately 85% of crashes at Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South
Sandwich Road were angle crashes. Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road both intersect
Cotuit Road at an angle that is less than the preferred 90º angle. RSA team members noted that
vehicles turning from Cotuit Road onto either Harlow Road or South Sandwich Road typically
cross over the stop line and double yellow center line on the minor street due to the skewed angle
of the intersection.
Enhancements:
1. Re-align Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road to eliminate the skew.
Safety Issue #2. Intersection Offset
Observation:
RSA team members noted that the South Sandwich Road
eastbound and Harlow Road westbound approaches are
offset from one another. The South Sandwich Road
eastbound approach aligns with the southeast corner of the
intersection, on which a utility pole is located.
Enhancements:
1. Re-align Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road
to eliminate the offset.
Looking eastbound from South
Sandwich Road to Harlow Road.
2. Relocate the utility pole located on the southeast corner across from South Sandwich
Road.
Safety Issue #3. Asa Meiggs Road
Observation:
RSA team members noted that a driver stopped on either Harlow Road or South Sandwich Road
will wait to determine the direction of a vehicle exiting Asa Meiggs Road before proceeding
through the intersection. The team also noted that Asa Meiggs Road intersects Cotuit Road at a
skew, which causes right-turning vehicles to yield to Cotuit Road vehicles instead of stopping.
Enhancements:
1. Re-align Asa Meiggs Road to intersect Cotuit Road at the preferred 90º angle.
Page 6
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #4. Vertical Alignment
of Cotuit Road
Observation:
Cotuit Road has sag and crest curve combinations that
reduce the visibility of the intersection with Harlow Road
and South Sandwich Road. Sight distance looking north
from South Sandwich Road appears to be limited by the
sag vertical curve just to the north of the intersection.
Enhancements:
Vertical alignment changes on Cotuit
Road.
1. Re-align and re-grade Cotuit Road to eliminate the
sag and crest curve combination.
Safety Issue #5. Horizontal Alignments of Side Streets
Observation:
Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road each curve
horizontally prior to the intersection, reducing the visibility
of the intersection. “Stop ahead” signs are located in
advance of the intersection on each roadway.
Enhancements:
1. Re-align Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road to
eliminate their horizontal curves prior to the
intersection.
Looking westbound on Harlow Road
toward the intersection with Cotuit
Road.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #6. Grading Issues
Observation:
The RSA team noted that the intersection of Cotuit Road/ Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road
had steep cross slopes. The crown of Cotuit Road at the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow
Road/South Sandwich Road is noticeably higher than the side street approaches. A driver
proceeding east–west along South Sandwich Road/Harlow Road must slow in the center of the
intersection to traverse the crown, adding to the required gap time for a vehicle to cross the
intersection safely. The team also noted that drainage is not an issue at this intersection.
Enhancements:
1. Change the crown line on Cotuit Road to facilitate crossing and turning movements from
Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road.
Safety Issue #7. Restricted Sight
Distance
Observation:
The RSA team noted that the trees and shrubs on the southwest corner of the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/
South Sandwich Road are overgrown and restrict visibility
of vehicles on Cotuit Road.
Enhancements:
1. Trim vegetation and maintain intersection sight lines
at the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/
South Sandwich Road.
Looking south from South Sandwich
Road at Cotuit Road.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #8. Sign Locations and Conformance
Observation:
The RSA team noted that signs at the intersection of Cotuit
Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road may not conform
to Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
specifications. Some warning signs appear to be placed too
far in advance of the intersection.
The street name signs do not meet MUTCD guidelines for
letter size. Larger street name signs could add to the
conspicuousness of the intersection, aiding a motorist in
preparing to complete a turning movement.
Street signs at the intersection of Cotuit
Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich
Road.
Enhancements:
1. Verify that the locations of the “Stop Ahead” warning signs and pavement markings on
Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road conform to MUTCD guidelines for size,
location, and mounting height.
2. Verify that the locations of the “Intersection Ahead” warning signs on Cotuit Road
conform to MUTCD guidelines for size, location, and mounting height.
3. Replace street name signs to conform to MUTCD guidelines for letter height.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Recommendations
The intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road has a high incidence of angle
crashes. The Town has tried some simple improvements such as pruning vegetation that was impeding
sight distance and installing intersection warning signs, which resulted in little reduction in crashes. The
Town performed a study in 2006 and presented its results to the Town Board of Selectmen, recommending geometric improvements and traffic calming measures.
The RSA team noted that intersection geometric conditions may be causing crashes. Based on its
observations and discussions, the RSA team identified the issues and possible enhancements that could
improve the safety at the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road in Sandwich,
Massachusetts. A summary of these safety issues and possible enhancements is provided in Table 2.
Short-term recommendations include:

Trimming and maintaining the trees and shrubs located on the southwest corner of the
intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road; and

Improving sign locations, sizes, and placements at the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow
Road/South Sandwich Road.
To enhance the safety at the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, the longterm recommendation is to redesign the intersection and improve its alignment and grading. The RSA
team noted that control does not appear to be an issue at the intersection. Vehicles do not appear to have
difficulty stopping at the intersection. However, changing the control of the intersection to incorporate a
roundabout or traffic signal could solve safety-related issues should other measures not be effective.
Further study could be conducted to determine if the intersection warrants a traffic signal or roundabout,
should other measures prove less effective at improving the overall safety at the intersection.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Proposed Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Intersection Skew
Re-align Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road to eliminate the
skew.
Safety Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
High
Mid-term
High
High
Mid-term
High
Low
Long-term
Mid
Mid
Long-term
High
Re-align and re-grade Cotuit Road to eliminate the sag and crest
Vertical Alignment of
curve combination.
Cotuit Road
High
Long-term
High
Horizontal
Alignments of Side
Streets
Mid
Long-term
High
Change the crown line on Cotuit Road to facilitate crossing and
turning movements from Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road.
Low
Long-term
Low*
Trim vegetation and maintain intersection sight lines at the intersection of Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road.
Mid
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Intersection Offset
Asa Meiggs Road
Grading Issue
Limited Sight
Distance
Re-align Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road to eliminate the
offset.
Relocate utility pole currently located on the southeast corner across
from South Sandwich Road.
Re-align Asa Meiggs Road to intersect Cotuit Road at the preferred
90° angle.
Re-align Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road to eliminate their
horizontal curves prior to the intersection.
Verify that the locations of the “Stop Ahead” warning signs and
pavement markings on Harlow Road and South Sandwich Road
conform to MUTCD guidelines for size, location, and mounting
height.
Sign Location and
Conformance
Verify that the locations of the “Intersection Ahead” warning signs on
Cotuit Road conform to MUTCD guidelines for size, location, and
mounting height.
Replace street name signs to conform to MUTCD guidelines for letter
height.
* Relatively low cost when done in conjunction with the vertical alignment changes on Cotuit Road.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit
Sandwich – Cotuit Rd at Harlow Rd/South Sandwich Rd
Meeting Location: 16 Jan Sebastian Drive Meeting Room
Monday, June 8, 2009
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Type of meeting:
High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
9:00 AM
Welcome and Introductions
9:15 AM
Review of Site Specific Material
• Crash, Speed & Volume Summaries– provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
9:45 AM
Visit the Site
• Drive to the intersection
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
10:30 AM
Completion of RSA
• Finalize all areas for improvement
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
11:00 AM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on June 8th, participants are encouraged to drive through
the Cotuit Road at Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road 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—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
June 8, 2009
Audit Team Members
Sam Jensen
Paul Tilton
Mike Miller
George Russell
Priscilla Leclerc
Tim White
Lisa Schletzbaum
Bonnie Polin
Carrie Lavallee
Keri Pyke
Michelle Langone
Ryan Walsh
Location: 16 Jan Sebastian Drive Meeting Room, Sandwich
Agency/Affiliation
Email Address
Phone Number
Sandwich Assistant Town Engineer
sjensen@townofsandwich.net
(508) 833-8000
Sandwich Director of Public Works/
ptilton@townofsandwich.net
(508) 833-8002
Town Engineer
Sandwich Police Department
mmiller@townofsandwich.net
(508) 888-3213
Sandwich Fire Department
grussell@townofsandwich.net
(508) 888-0525
Cape Cod Commission
pleclerc@capecodcommission.org
(508) 362-3828
Federal Highway Administration
Timothy.A.White@fhwa.dot.gov
(617) 494-3290
MassHighway Safety
lisa.schletzbaum@mhd.state.ma.us
(617) 973-7685
MassHighway Safety
bonnie.polin@mhd.state.ma.us
(617) 973-7991
MassHighway Projects
carrie.lavalle@mhd.state.ma.us
(617) 973-8834
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
kpyke@hshassoc.com
(617) 482-7080
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
mlangone@hshassoc.com
(617) 482-7080
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
rwalsh@hshassoc.com
(917) 339-0488
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Crash Data Summary
Intersection of Cotuit Road at Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road
Jan 1, 2005-Dec 31, 2008
Crash
Number
Crash Day
1
Tuesday
February 1, 2005
3:55 PM
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Thursday
Sunday
Friday
Wednesday
February 21, 2005
March 3, 2005
April 1, 2005
July 26, 2005
July 28, 2005
September 8, 2005
September 25, 2005
April 28, 2006
May 17, 2006
4:13 PM
4:57 PM
3:32 PM
5:06 PM
4:25 PM
6:51 PM
4:00 PM
8:25 PM
7:46 AM
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Tuesday
Saturday
Wednesday
Monday
Sunday
Thursday
Friday
Sunday
Sunday
August 15, 2006
August 26, 2006
August 30, 2006
September 4, 2006
September 17, 2006
April 5, 2007
April 13, 2007
July 29, 2007
August 26, 2007
5:54 PM
12:18 PM
3:08 PM
8:43 AM
10:29 AM
2:04 PM
3:04 PM
3:09 PM
12:29 AM
20
21
Thursday
Tuesday
September 6, 2007
September 25, 2007
5:15 PM
3:52 PM
22
23
24
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
October 14, 2007
April 1, 2008
April 9, 2008
8:18 AM
11:33 AM
9:27 AM
25
Friday
May 2, 2008
26
27
Friday
Wednesday
June 27, 2008
November 5, 2008
Crash Date
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Light Condition
Weather Condition
Road Surface
Driver Contributing Code
Age
Angle
Daylight
visibility obstructed
70, 44
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - Roadway not lighted
Daylight
Clear
Sleet, Hail, Freezing
Rain/Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Sideswipe, opposite
direction
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Single vehicle crash
Sideswipe, opposite
direction
Angle
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
failed to yield
failed to yield
inattention
driving too fast for conditions
failed to yield
failed to yield
failed to yield
inattention
making improper turn
48, 24, 44
23, 27
17, 39
77 ,20
42, 29
47, 33
18, 57
25, 23
51, 84
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - Roadway not lighted
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Daylight
Daylight
Clear, Cloudy
Clear
Dry
Dry
failed to yield
failed to yield
36, 40
63, 52
Failed to yield right of way
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Dry
Wet
Dry
inattention and glare
inattention, failed to yield
failed to yield
19, 18
32, 37
40, 63
Failed to yield right of way - Sight distance
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
4:09 PM
Angle
Angle
Angle
Sideswipe, opposite
direction
Daylight
Clear
Dry
failed to yield
49, 75
Failed to yield right of way
12:15 PM
5:35 PM
Angle
Angle
Daylight
Dark - Lighted roadway
Clear
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
inattention
unknown
Failed to yield right of way when crossing
20, 42, 18 Cotuit Road. Not sure of direction though.
37, 42
Summary
27
Manner of Collision
Angle
23
85.2%
Single Vehicle
Crash
1
3.7%
Road Surface
Dry
Wet
25
2
92.6%
7.4%
Monday
2
7.4%
Tuesday
5
18.5%
Total Crashes
Time of Day
Sideswipe, opposite
direction
3
11.1%
6:00am-10:00am
4
14.8%
10:00am-2:00pm
4
14.8%
Daylight
24
88.9%
Lighting
Dark-lighted
1
3.7%
Dark- not lighted
2
7.4%
Wednesday
4
14.8%
Thursday
5
18.5%
Day of Week
Friday
5
18.5%
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Sandwich Police Department
2:00pm-6:00pm
16
59.3%
6:00pm-10:00pm
2
7.4%
Saturday
1
3.7%
Sunday
5
18.5%
10:00pm-2:00am
1
3.7%
failed to yield
inattention
failed to yield
failed to yield
failed to yield
failed to yield
79, 40
17, 52
57, 80
52, 26
43, 23
44, 65
43, 40
41, 19
unknown
Comments
Snow bank blocking visibility and missing
stop sign may be factors
Failed to stop for stop sign
Failed to yield right of way
Sight distance
Speed may be a factor
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Sight distance - motorcycle
Sight distance
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to stop for stop sign
No driver or witness
of Crashes by Month for Years 2005-2008
Number of Crashes
3
2
1
Ju
ly
Au
Se gus
t
pt
em
be
r
O
ct
ob
N
ov er
em
b
D
ec er
em
be
r
0
Ja
nu
a
Fe ry
br
ua
ry
M
ar
ch
Ap
ril
M
ay
Ju
ne
Number of Crashes
Month
Number of Crashes
January
0
Number
February
2
March
1
7
April
6
May
2
June
0
6
July
4
August
4
September
6
5
October
1
November
1
4
December
0
Month of Year
Road Safety Audit—Cotuit Road/Harlow Road/South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix D. Additional Information
7224
Cotuit Rd @ Harlow Rd: ATR Data
700
Cotuit Rd S of S Sandwich Rd, July
2006
S Sandwich Rd @ Sand/Mash TL,
July 2008
Harlow Rd E of Cotuit Rd, June
2008
600
Vehicles per Hour
500
400
300
200
100
AM
AM
:0
0
09
AM
:0
0
07
05
:0
0
AM
AM
:0
0
03
PM
:0
0
01
PM
:0
0
11
PM
:0
0
09
PM
:0
0
07
PM
:0
0
05
PM
:0
0
03
AM
:0
0
01
AM
:0
0
11
AM
:0
0
09
AM
:0
0
07
AM
:0
0
05
AM
:0
0
03
PM
:0
0
01
PM
:0
0
11
PM
:0
0
09
PM
:0
0
07
:0
0
05
:0
0
03
01
:0
0
PM
PM
0
AM
Combined Combined Combined
Time
11:00 AM
402
258
153
12:00 PM
382
299
157
01:00 PM
374
344
180
02:00 PM
363
300
197
03:00 PM
436
425
236
04:00 PM
554
572
275
05:00 PM
620
629
332
06:00 PM
411
351
209
07:00 PM
300
285
138
08:00 PM
244
185
88
09:00 PM
218
151
72
10:00 PM
125
83
43
11:00 PM
105
52
26
12:00 AM
46
28
7
01:00 AM
29
18
7
02:00 AM
5
10
2
03:00 AM
10
6
0
04:00 AM
28
16
3
05:00 AM
109
60
53
06:00 AM
247
190
136
07:00 AM
409
371
240
08:00 AM
441
435
238
09:00 AM
326
302
179
10:00 AM
358
245
158
11:00 AM
380
261
184
12:00 PM
356
322
168
01:00 PM
353
299
165
02:00 PM
403
365
197
03:00 PM
481
425
288
04:00 PM
602
575
311
05:00 PM
632
588
346
06:00 PM
440
367
215
07:00 PM
335
237
157
08:00 PM
277
185
136
09:00 PM
194
149
71
10:00 PM
144
117
43
11:00 PM
74
60
28
12:00 AM
38
44
24
01:00 AM
20
18
15
02:00 AM
14
5
6
03:00 AM
8
3
3
04:00 AM
31
13
4
05:00 AM
100
51
44
06:00 AM
236
178
127
07:00 AM
372
357
208
08:00 AM
402
368
297
09:00 AM
415
285
158
10:00 AM
388
282
170
:0
0
20999
11
21089
GEOMETRIC DESIGN
Issue
Comment
A. Speed – (Design Speed; Speed Limit & Zoning; Sight Distance; Overtaking
Are there speed-related issues along the corridor?
Please consider the following elements:
• Horizontal and vertical alignment;
• Posted and advisory speeds
• Driver compliance with speed limits
• Approximate sight distance
• Safe passing opportunities
B. Road alignment and cross section
With respect to the roadway alignment and crosssection please consider the appropriateness of the
following elements:
• Functional class (Urban Principal Arterial)
• Delineation of alignment;
• Widths (lanes, shoulders, medians);
• Sight distance for access points;
• Cross-slopes
• Curbs and gutters
• Drainage features
C. Intersections
For intersections along the corridor please consider all
potential safety issues. Some specific considerations
should include the following:
• Intersections fit alignment (i.e. curvature)
• Traffic control devices alert motorists as
necessary
• Sight distance and sight lines seem appropriate
• Vehicles can safely slow/stop for turns
• Conflict point management
• Adequate spacing for various vehicle types
• Capacity problems that result in safety problems
D. Auxiliary lanes
• Do auxiliary lanes appear to be adequate?
• Could the taper locations and alignments be
causing safety deficiencies?
• Are shoulder widths at merges causing safety
deficiencies?
E. Clear zones and crash barriers
For the roadside the major considerations are clear
zone issues and crash barriers. Consider the following:
• Do there appear to be clear zones issues?
⎯ Are hazards located too close the road?
⎯ Are side slopes acceptable?
• Are suitable crash barriers (i.e, guard rails,
curbs, etc.) appropriate for minimizing crash
severity?
• Barrier features: end treatments, visibility, etc.
F. Bridges and culverts – (if necessary)
Are there specific issues related to bridges and culverts
that may result in safety concerns?
G. Pavement – (Defects, Skid Resistance, and Flooding)
• Is the pavement free of defects including
excessive roughness or rutting, potholes, loose
material, edge drop-offs, etc.) that could result
in safety problems (for example, loss of
steering control)?
• Does the pavement appear to have adequate
skid resistance, particularly on curves, steep
grades and approaches to intersections?
• Is the pavement free of areas where flooding or
sheet flow of water could contribute to safety
problems?
• In general, is the pavement quality sufficient
for safe travel of heavy and oversized vehicles?
H. Lighting (Lighting and Glare)
It is important to consider to the impacts of lighting.
Some specifics include the following:
• Is lighting required and, if so, has it been
adequately provided?
• Are there glare issues resulting from headlights
during night time operations or from sunlight?
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
Issue
I. Signs
Signage is a critical element in providing a safe
roadway environment. Please consider the following:
• Are all current signs visible (consider both
night and day)? Are they conspicuous and
clear? Are the correct signs used for each
situation?
• Does the retroreflectivity or illumination appear
satisfactory?
• Are there any concerns regarding sign
supports?
J. Traffic signals
• If present, do the traffic signals appear to be
designed, installed, and operating correctly?
• Is the signal processing the traffic efficiently?
• Is the controller located in a safe position?
(where it is unlikely to be hit, but maintenance
access is safe)
• Is there adequate sight distance to the ends of
possible vehicle queues?
K. Marking and delineation
• Is the line marking and delineation:
⎯ appropriate for the function of the road?
⎯ consistent along the route?
⎯ likely to be effective under all expected
conditions? (day, night, wet, dry, fog, rising
and setting sun, oncoming headlights, etc.)
• Are centerlines, edgelines, and lane lines
provided? If not, do drivers have adequate
guidance?
Comment
ROADWAY ACTIVITY
Issue
With respect to roadway activity please consider safety
elements related to the following:
• Pedestrians
• Bicycles
• Public transportation vehicles and riders
• Emergency vehicles
• Commercial vehicles
• Slow moving vehicles
Comment
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Issue
Weather & Animals
From an environmental perspective it is important to
consider any potential impacts. Most notably is likely
to be the impacts of weather or animals, including:
• Possible effects of rain, fog, snow, ice, wind on
design features.
• Has snow fall accumulation been considered in
the design (storage, sight distance around
snowbanks, etc.)?
• Are there any known animal travel/migration
routes in surrounding areas which could affect
design?
Comment