ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Main Street (Route 18) at Various Locations
Town of Weymouth
June 2011
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................. 2
Project Data................................................................................................................................. 3
Project Location Description ..................................................................................................... 3
Road Safety Audit Observations ...............................................................................................7
General Corridor-wide Observations .................................................................................................. 7
Intersection #1.
Main Street (Route 18)/Middle Street/West Street ............................................. 9
Intersection #2.
Main Street (Route 18)/Park Avenue/Park Avenue West ................................. 14
Intersection #3.
Main Street (Route 18)/Columbian Street ........................................................ 18
Intersection #4.
Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Pleasant Street/Pleasant Street Shopping Center Driveway ............................................................................... 20
Intersection #5.
Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Route 58 .................................................. 24
Potential Safety Enhancements ...............................................................................................28
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.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Locus Map.............................................................................................................................. 4
Intersection #1. Main Street (Route 18)/Middle Street/West Street ..................................... 10
Intersection #2. Main Street (Route 18)/Middle Street/West Street ..................................... 15
Intersection #3. Main Street (Route 18)/Columbian Street .................................................. 19
Intersection #4. Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Pleasant Street/Pleasant Street Shopping Center Driveway .................................................................................................. 21
Intersection #5. Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Route 58 ............................................ 25
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 3
Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements ....................................................................... 29
Page 1
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The Main Street (Route 18) corridor between Middle Street/West Street and Pond Street (Route 58) in the
Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts, has several high crash locations. The intersections of Route 18 with
Middle Street/West Street; Park Avenue/Park Avenue West; Columbian Street; and Pleasant Street/Pond
Street were recently reconstructed circa 2008 as part of a roadway widening and intersection
improvement project; however, while crash experience has generally decreased at these locations, safety
remains a concern.
The intersections of Route 18 at Columbian Street and Pleasant Street/Pond Street experienced significant
decreases in their crash rates with 1.44 crashes per million vehicles entering (MEV) before construction at
both locations versus an after construction crash rate of only 0.57 and 0.79 crashes per MEV,
respectively. Meanwhile, the after construction crash rates at the intersections of Route 18 at Middle
Street/West Street (1.74 before vs. 1.28 after) and Park Avenue/Park Avenue West (1.26 before vs. 1.18
after) remain well above the MassDOT statewide crash rate for signalized intersections of 0.81 crashes
per MEV.
Just south of these intersection locations, the intersection of Route 18/ Pond Street (Route 58) is listed in
the Top 5% of High Crash Locations within the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO). This intersection is currently in the preliminary design stage as part of a planned widening and
reconstruction project along the Route 18 corridor.
In response to concerns raised by the Town, and in anticipation of the Route 18 corridor project, the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) conducted a Road Safety Audit (RSA) at five
intersection locations along the Route 18 corridor. At the intersections of Route 18 with Middle
Street/West Street; Park Avenue/Park Avenue West; Columbian Street; and Pleasant Street/Pond Street,
the RSA focused on identifying potential short-term safety enhancements, which may be included in the
Route 18 corridor project, as well as other long-term measures, where applicable. At the intersection of
Route 18/ Pond Street (Route 58), which will be reconstructed as part of the Route 18 corridor project, the
Road Safety Audit (RSA) focused on the long-term safety improvements that could be included as part of
that effort.
In general, the RSA is intended to identify potential safety improvements that can be
evaluated/implemented in the short-term, and/or included as part of the design process as part of
future/current reconstruction efforts. The short-term, low-cost potential improvements could be
considered by the responsible agency for implementation prior to reconstruction or as appropriate.
Page 2
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the five intersection locations along the Route 18 corridor on
Tuesday, June 28, 2011. 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.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Jim Clarke
George Bezkorovainy
John Riley
Brian Evangelista
Sarah Kurpiel
Seth Asante
Amitai Lipton
Erin Kinahan
Weijie Dong
Corey O’Connor
Martin Leelman
Raj Kulen
Bonnie Polin
Lisa Schletzbaum
J. Michael Garvin
Brian Ackley
Dave Matton
Joe SanClemente
Agency/Affiliation
Weymouth Planning Department
Town of Weymouth Traffic Engineer
Weymouth Police Department
Weymouth Fire Department
MAPC
Boston MPO
MassDOT District 6
MassDOT District 6
MassDOT Highway Division
MassDOT Highway Division
MassDOT Highway Division
MassDOT District 6 Traffic
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Project Location Description
The segment of Main Street (Route 18) between Middle Street/West Street and Pond Street (Route 58) is
located in the Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts, as shown in the aerial image in Figure 1. The
segment is located just south of Route 3 (exit 16) and serves as a major north–south roadway, providing
access to numerous commercial, residential, and institutional uses as well as other arterial roadways.
Page 3
Road Safety Audit–Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Figure 1.
Locus Map
3
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Main St. (Route 18)
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South Weymouth
South Weymouth
Station
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
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Not to scale.
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RSA Study Area
MBTA Commuter Rail
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
The RSA team evaluated the following five intersection locations along the Route 18 corridor:
Main Street (Route 18)/Middle Street/West Street– is a 4-way signalized intersection. All of the
approaches to the intersection each consist of one designated left-run lane, two multi-purpose travel lanes,
a bike lane, and one designated right-turn lane. Pedestrian crossings are provided across each of the
intersection approaches.
Main Street (Route 18)/Park Avenue/Park Avenue West– is a 4-way signalized intersection. The Park
Avenue West eastbound approach consists of an exclusive left-turn lane, a designated through lane, and a
shared through/right-turn lane. The Park Avenue westbound approach consists of an exclusive left-turn
lane, a designated through lane, a bicycle lane, and an exclusive right-turn lane. The Route 18
northbound and southbound approaches each consist of an exclusive left-turn lane, a designated through
lane, and a shared through/right-turn lane. Pedestrian crossings are provided across each of the
intersection approaches.
Main Street (Route 18)/Columbian Street– is a 4-way signalized intersection. The Columbian Street
eastbound approach consists of a shared left-turn/through lane, a bicycle lane, and a designated right-turn
lane. The Columbian Street westbound approach consist of a shared left-turn/through lane and a
designated right-turn lane The Route 18 northbound and southbound approaches each consist of an
exclusive left-turn lane, a designated through lane, and an exclusive right-turn lane. Pedestrian crossings
are provided across each of the intersection approaches.
Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Pleasant Street– is a 4-way signalized intersection. Pond Street and
Pleasant Street intersect Route 18 at an acute angle from the southwest and northeast, respectively,
resulting in a skewed intersection geometry. The Pond Street north-eastbound approach and the Pleasant
Street south-westbound approach each consist of an exclusive left-turn lane, a shared left-turn/through
lane, and a through lane with a forced right-turn approximately 30 feet upstream of the stop line. The
Route 18 northbound and southbound approaches each consist of two through lanes and designated rightturn lane. Pedestrian crossings are provided across each of the intersection approaches. The main
driveway to the Pleasant Street Shopping Center intersects Route 18 from the east approximately 250
south of the intersection, forming an unsignalized T-intersection.
Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Route 58– is a 4-way signalized intersection. Route 58 intersects
Route 18 at an acute angle from the northwest and southeast, resulting in a skewed intersection geometry.
The Route 58 south-eastbound and north-westbound approaches each consist of one shared leftturn/through/right-turn lanes. The Route 18 northbound and southbound approaches each consist of one
designated left-turn lane, one through lane, and a shared through/right-turn lane. Pedestrian crossings are
provided across eastern, western, northern legs of the intersection. Trotter Road intersects Route 18 from
the east approximately 200 feet north of the intersection. The intersection of Route 18 and Trotter Road
is a signalized T–intersection.
Page 5
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
These five intersections form the junctions of the following roadways, which are categorized according to
MassDOT Office of Transportation Planning functional classifications:
Main Street (Route 18) is an urban principal arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction. Main Street
is a north–south roadway and is dedicated as Route 18. Within the study area, Route 18 generally
consists of 1 to 2 travel lanes in each direction. The speed limit along Route 18 varies between 35 and 45
miles per hour (mph).
Middle Street is an urban minor arterial and is owned by the Town. Middle Street generally runs east–
west between Commercial Street and Route 18 and provides access to residential area and commercial
uses. Middle Street generally consists of one travel lane in each direction.
West Street is an urban minor arterial and is owned by the Town. West Street generally runs east–west
between Route 18 and Commerce Drive in Braintree and provides access to residential areas and several
commercial and industrial uses. West Street generally consists of one travel lane in each direction.
Park Avenue is an urban minor arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction. Park Avenue generally
runs east–west between Ralph Talbot Street and Route 18 and provides access to several commercial and
residential uses, Weymouth High School, and the St. Francis Xavier School. Park Avenue generally
consists of one travel lane in each direction.
Park Avenue West is an urban minor arterial and falls under MassDOT jurisdiction. Park Avenue West
generally runs east–west between Route 18 and Columbian Street and provides access to predominantly
residential uses. Park Avenue West generally consists of one travel lane in each direction.
Columbian Street generally runs east–west between Pleasant Street and Grove Street in Braintree.
Between Route 18 and Pleasant Street, Columbian Street is classified as a local roadway, owned by the
Town, and provides access to the South Shore Hospital. West of Route 18, Columbian Street is classified
as an urban minor arterial, also owned by the Town. Columbian Street generally consists of one travel
lane in each direction.
Pond Street is generally runs north–south between Route 18 and the Abington Town line where it turns
into Adams Street. Pond Street is classified as an urban minor arterial between Route 18 and Randolph
Street and a local roadway south of Randolph Street to Route 18; the roadway falls under Town
jurisdiction in these areas. To the southeast of Route 18, Pond Street is designated as Route 58 and is
classified as an urban minor arterial under MassDOT jurisdiction. Pond Street generally consists of one
travel lane in each direction.
Pleasant Street is an urban minor arterial and is owned by the Town. Pleasant Street generally runs
northeast–southwest between High Street and Route 18. Pleasant Street generally consists of one travel
lane in each direction.
Page 6
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Prior to the RSA, in order to begin assessing possible safety issues, the team reviewed collision diagrams
and a crash detail summary based on crash records supplied by the Weymouth Police Department.
Appendix C provides the detailed crash data for the roadway segment. Speed regulations and traffic
volume data are presented in Appendix D.
Road Safety Audit Observations
Based on field observations and discussion on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, the RSA team determined that the
five intersection locations along the Route 18 corridor have the following issues that affect safety:
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Access management;
Signal timing;
Signal phasing
Signal placement; and
Travel speeds.
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.
General Corridor-wide Observations
Observations
During the RSA the team reviewed crash data summary charts for each location comparing crash
time of day, day of week, and month of year; manner of crash; crash lighting, weather , pavement,
and road surface conditions; and driver age. An RSA team member noted that there appeared to
be a higher incidence of crashes on certain days of the week and by time of day at some of the
locations.
At the intersection of Route 18/Park Avenue/Park Avenue West, it was noted that there appeared
to be a higher incidence of crashes on Sundays (5 of 33 or approximately 33%) when compared
to crashes Town-wide in Weymouth. Similarly, at the intersections of Route 18/Middle
Street/West Street and Route 18/Pond Street/Route 58, it was noted that there appeared to be a
higher incidence of crashes during the evening hours (i.e., 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.) when compared to
Town-wide crash history.
The team noted that with such a small sample size at each location (i.e., only 33 to 51 crashes per
location over a 2 to 3 year period) that just a few crashes occurring in a different day or time
period could easily skew the statistics and that a further comparison to traffic volumes by time of
day of and day of week may be beneficial at identifying significant difference in crash rates.
RSA team members also commented that there appeared to be a high rate of rear-end and angle
crashes throughout the corridor.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. Conduct statistical review of crashes throughout the corridor to identify outliers in trends
(e.g., time of day, day of week, etc.).
2. Review, and adjust as necessary, minimum green times and clearance intervals (per
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards) on a corridor-wide basis in an
effort to reduce rear-end and angle crashes.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Intersection #1.
Street
Main Street (Route 18)/Middle Street/West
Observations:
The intersection of Route 18/Middle Street/West Street was recently reconstructed circa 2008 as
part of a roadway widening and intersection improvement project along the corridor; however,
while the reconstruction helped to reduce the occurrence of crashes, the intersection is still
experiencing a higher than average crash rate (1.28 crashes per million entering vehicles (MEV)
versus the statewide average of 0.81 MEV). The intersection is illustrated in Figure 2.
According to crash records obtained from the Weymouth Police Department, 51 crashes were
reported at this location between January 2009 and December 2010, which were predominately
angle type (26 or 51%) or rear-end (16 or 31%). No fatalities were reported during this time
period; however, 10 crashes (or 20 %) resulted in personal injury.
The RSA team made the following observations at this intersection location:
Signal Timing, Phasing, and Placement
All of the intersection approaches currently provide a left-turn arrow for protected and permitted
left-turns; the only exception to this is the Route 18 northbound approach, which allows for
permitted left-turns only. According to the crash records, 5 crashes (or 10%) involved vehicles
making a left turn from Route 18 northbound with vehicles traveling through along Route 18
southbound. RSA team members noted that since protected left-turn phases are provided at many
of the other intersection approaches along the corridor, motorists may not realize that the left-turn
is permitted only.
In addition, due to the fairly steep vertical alignment of the Route 18 southbound approach, vehicles making the left-turn from Route 18 northbound have limited sight lines of on-coming traffic in the two southbound travel lanes, making it difficult for motorists to identify an acceptable gap in the traffic stream to safely make the turn. The 4 rear-end crashes involving motorists traveling in the southbound direction may have occurred as a result of motorists stopping for northbound left-turns, inadequate clearance times, and/or travel speed in excess of the speed limit. Steep vertical alignment along the Route 18 southbound
approach.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit–Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Main St. (Rte. 18)
Figure 2. Intersection 1: Main Street (Route 18)/Middle Street/
West Street
Cumberland
Farms
Mobil
Gas Station
Middle
.
Main St. (Rte. 18)
St
West
N
Not to scale.
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
St.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
According to the crash records, 10
crashes (or 20%) involved vehicles
making left-turns from Route 18
southbound with vehicles traveling
along Route 18 northbound; 4 of
these crashes resulted in personal
injury. During the field visit, the
RSA team noted that the green and
yellow intervals for the Route 18
southbound protected left-turn
phase may be short given the steep
grade (i.e., start-up delay) and due
to the fairly moderate volume of
heavy vehicles at the intersection.
No protected left-turn phase is provided for Route 18
northbound.
The team also noted that vehicles
making left-turns at the intersection
often queue in the middle of the intersection while waiting to find an acceptable gap in the
passing traffic stream. Many of these vehicles are currently traveling through the intersection
during the red phase, which may have contributed to the crash experience at the intersection. An
RSA team member noted that supplemental traffic signal indications for left-turns are not
provided at the far-side of the intersection and motorists waiting in the middle of intersection may
not be able to see the overhead indication when the light changes.
An RSA team member noted that overlap right-turn phases are provided for all approaches except
for the West Street eastbound right-turn lane; however, it was noted that right-turns at this
approach are generally low during the peak periods with only approximately 50 to 60 vehicles per
hour versus the other approaches which carry roughly 150 to 200 vehicles per hour each during
the peak periods. Of the 51 crashes at the intersection, only one crash involved an eastbound
right-turning vehicle with a vehicle making a left-turn from Middle Street westbound.
Finally, the RSA team noted that some of the traffic signal faces on the span wire are not aligned
with the lane and/or are twisted, which may make it difficult for motorists to see when
approaching the intersection.
Intersection Geometry
RSA team members noted that the radii at the corners of the intersection are generally large
which facilitate higher turning speeds and may have contributed to the crash experience at the
intersection. One of the cashes at the intersection was a head-on collision involving a vehicle
making a left-turn from Middle Street westbound with a second vehicle marking a left-turn into
the Mobil gas Station from Route 18 southbound; however, it is unclear if turning speed was a
factor in this crash.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
RSA team members also noted that the large radii increase the overall size of the intersection
which enables several left-turning vehicles to queue in the middle of the intersection while
waiting for a gap in the passing traffic stream and also increases clearance interval requirements.
Merge Areas
Of the 51 crashes, one sideswipe
collision involved vehicles traveling
along Middle Street eastbound within
the merge area, just east of the
intersection. The RSA team noted
that the merge area appears fairly
short and while signed well, the
pavement markings are worn.
Merge area pavement markings along Middle Street
eastbound are missing or worn.
Page 12
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only phasing for left-turns at the
intersection. Consider the impacts on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits and the
need for additional equipment (i.e., additional left-turn signal head for Route 18
northbound).
2. Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental indications on the far-side of the
intersection for left turning vehicles.
3. Review, and adjusted as necessary, all minimum green times and clearance intervals
taking into account grade and heavy vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers
(ITE) standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle type crashes.
4. Consider the appropriateness of installing a Dilemma-Zone Detection system to help
reduce the frequency of red-light violations; crashes associated with the traffic signal
phase change (e.g., rear-end and angle crashes), and reduce delay and stop frequency on
the major road.
5. Realign traffic signal faces on span wire to improve visibility at each approach, and/or to
center over travel lane, as appropriate/feasible.
6. Consider the appropriateness of tightening the radii at the corners of the intersection to
reduce the turning speed of right-turning vehicles and improve safety. Consider heavy
vehicle turning requirements and the impact (possible reduction) on clearance interval
requirements.
7. Re-stripe merge area along the Middle Street eastbound travel lane, to the east of the
intersection.
Page 13
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Intersection #2.
Avenue West
Main Street (Route 18)/Park Avenue/Park
Observations:
The intersection of Route 18/Park Avenue/Park Avenue West was recently reconstructed circa
2008 as part of a roadway widening and intersection improvement project along the corridor;
however, while the reconstruction helped to reduce the occurrence of crashes, the intersection is
still experiencing a higher than average crash rate (1.18 crashes per million entering vehicles
(MEV) versus the statewide average of 0.81 MEV) and only experienced a decrease of
approximately 6% since improvements were made . The intersection is illustrated in Figure 3.
From January 2009 to December 2010, there were 33 crashes reported at the intersection, which
were predominantly rear-end (16 or 49%) and angle type (9 or 27%). No fatalities were reported
during this time period; however, three crashes (9%) resulted in personal injury, two crashes
involved a cyclist, and one crash involved a pedestrian.
The RSA team made the following observations at this intersection location:
Driveway Access
The existing Dunkin’ Donuts, located on
the northwest corner of the intersection,
is currently provided with three
driveways, including two on Park
Avenue West (approximately 50 feet
and 150 feet west of Route 18) and one
on Route 18 (approximately 75 north of
Park Avenue). During field
observations, team members noted that
vehicles often bottom out when entering
the driveway due to a vertical grade
change at the driveway apron, which
results in motorists entering the site at a
slow rate of speed. This is of particular
concern for vehicles making a
Route 18 southbound queue extending past Dunkin’
northbound left into the site as they need
Donuts driveway.
to judge an adequate gap in the Route 18
southbound traffic stream (three lanes: one left-turn and two through). Field observations also
indicate that these left-turn vehicles often accelerate quickly to make the turn without realizing
that they then need to slow down significantly at the driveway apron to avoid bottoming out. The
driveway apron was visibly damaged at the time of the RSA.
Page 14
Road Safety Audit–Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Main St. (Rte. 18)
Figure 3. Intersection 2: Main Street (Route 18)/Park Avenue/
Park Avenue West
Dunkin’
Donuts
Blockbuster
Video
Park Ave. West
Gulf
Gas Station
N
Not to scale.
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Main St. (Rte. 18)
Park Ave.
Marylou’s
Coffee
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
While in the field, the RSA team also noted that the vehicle queue for the Dunkin’ Donuts drivethrough occasionally extends into the Route 18 southbound travel lane. Thus, in addition to
waiting for an adequate gap in the passing traffic stream, vehicles making a left-turn into the
Dunkin’ Donuts driveway from Route 18 northbound must wait for the queue to subside, which
blocks the northbound through travel lane. According to the crash records, one angle crash was
reported involving a vehicle making a left-turn into the driveway from Route 18 northbound with
a second vehicle traveling south on Route 18 and three rear-end crashes were reported involving
vehicles traveling northbound along Route 18 (and likely not expecting vehicles to stop to make
the left-turn into Dunkin’ Donuts).
Similarly, there were three rear-end collisions reported involving vehicles traveling along Route
18 southbound. These rear-end crashes may be the result of motorists not expecting southbound
traffic to stop to allow left-turning vehicles into the Dunkin’ Donuts driveway.
Signal Timing and Phasing
Of the 33 crashes reported at this intersection, six crashes (or 18%) were rear-end type involving
vehicles traveling along Route 18 northbound that were generally the result of motorists
following too closely and/or driver inattention. These crashes may have also been the result of
inadequate clearance intervals.
The traffic signal currently provides
protected/permitted phasing for all
intersection approaches. According
to the crash records there were several
angle type crashes at each of the
intersection approaches that may have
also been the result of inadequate
clearance intervals and/or higher
vehicle speeds. The RSA team noted
that the Route 18 northbound
approach is at a fairly steep vertical
down-grade towards the intersection,
which may contribute towards higher
vehicle speeds. Thus, vehicles
making a permitted left-turn from
Vertical down-grade along Route 18 northbound
Route 18 northbound may have
difficulty choosing an adequate gap in
the southbound traffic stream to safely make the turn. The RSA team also noted that the green
time and clearance intervals for the Route 18 northbound and southbound protected left-turn
phases seemed short and that vehicles often make left-turns during the red phase.
Page 16
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. Prohibit left-turns into Dunkin Donuts from Route 18 northbound by installing No Left
Turn signage (i.e., R3-2) to encourage patrons to use the entrance via the traffic signal on
Park Avenue West (short-term).
2. Consider the appropriateness/feasibility of installing a median along the center of Route
18 to physically prohibit left-turns into driveways. Consider emergency vehicle access
(long-term).
3. Reduce slope/grade change at Dunkin Donuts driveway to improve traffic flow into the
site. Consider the appropriateness of replacing driveway apron with a curb cut and
crosswalk or feasibility of re-grading the existing apron.
4. Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only phasing for left-turns at the
intersection. Consider the impacts on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits.
5. Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental indications on the far-side of the
intersection for left turning vehicles.
6. Review, and adjust as necessary, all minimum green times and clearance intervals taking
into account grade and heavy vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle type crashes.
Page 17
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Intersection #3.
Main Street (Route 18)/Columbian Street
Observations:
While the RSA did not review the existing traffic operations at this intersection in the field, the
team did briefly discuss operations and crash history at this location. The intersection was
recently reconstructed circa 2008 as part of a roadway widening and intersection improvement
project along the corridor (see Figure 4) and has experienced an approximately 45% decrease in
crashes following the reconstruction. The current post-construction crash rate is approximately
0.79 crashes per MEV, which is slightly lower than the MassDOT statewide average for signalized intersection of 0.81 crashes per MEV.
From January 2009 to December 2010, there were 22 crashes reported at this location, which
were predominantly, rear-end (8 or 36%), angle (8 or 36%), or sideswipe crashes (5 or 23%).
The RSA team noted that many of these crashes may be the result on inadequate clearance times
and/or higher vehicle speeds.
Enhancements:
1. Review, and adjust as necessary, all minimum green times and clearance intervals taking
into account grade and heavy vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle type crashes.
2. Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only phasing for left-turns at the
intersection. Consider the impacts on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits.
3. Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental indications on the far-side of the
intersection for left turning vehicles.
Page 18
Road Safety Audit–Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Main St. (Rte. 18)
Figure 4. Intersection 3: Main Street (Route 18)/Columbian Street
South Shore
Hospital
Columbian St.
Colu
Main St. (Rte. 18)
mbia
N
Not to scale.
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
n St
South Shore
Hospital
.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Intersection #4. Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Pleasant
Street/Pleasant Street Shopping Center Driveway
Observations:
While the RSA did not review the existing traffic operations at this intersection in the field, the
team did briefly discuss operations and crash history at the intersection of Main Street (Route
18)/Pond Street/Pleasant Street with a focus on the unsignalized intersection of Route 18/
Pleasant Street Shopping Center Driveway, which is located approximately 250 feet south of
Pleasant Street/Pond Street (see Figure 5).
The intersection of Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Pleasant Street was recently reconstructed
circa 2008 as part of a widening and intersection improvement project along the corridor and has
experienced a significant decrease in crashes (approximately 60% fewer) following the
reconstruction. The current post-construction crash rate is approximately 0.57 crashes per MEV,
which is well below the MassDOT statewide average for signalized intersection of 0.81 crashes
per MEV.
The RSA team noted the following with respect to Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Pleasant
Street and Route 18/ Pleasant Street Shopping Center Driveway:
Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Pleasant Street
From January 2008 to December 2010, the intersection of Route 18/Pond Street/Pleasant Street
experienced 26 crashes, including 17 rear-end (65%), 7 angle (or 27%), and 2 sideswipe same
direction crashes (8%). Crashes generally occurred on dry pavement (22 or 85%) and during
daylight conditions (22 or 85%).
The RSA team noted that the Route 18 northbound signal head and the No Left Turn sign (R3-2)
are visible from Pond Street eastbound approach. The team also noted that the Pleasant Street
westbound signal head was twisted and visible to Route 18 northbound traffic.
Page 20
Road Safety Audit–Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Pl
ea
sa
nt
St
.
Main St. (Rte. 18)
Figure 5. Intersection 4: Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/
Pleasant Street Shopping Center
Main St. (Rte. 18)
Po
nd
St
.
Pleasant Street
Shopping Center
Pleasant St. Shopping
Center Driveway
N
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Route 18/ Pleasant Street Shopping Center Driveway
According to crash data provided
by the Town of Weymouth, there
were 18 crashes reported between
January 2010 and December 2010
at the unsignalized intersection of
Route 18/Pleasant Street Shopping
Center Driveway. Of these 18
crashes, 11 (or 61%) involved
vehicles making a southbound
left-turn into the shopping center
driveway with vehicles traveling
in the curb lane along Route 18
northbound.
The Route 18 northbound travel
Vehicle making a southbound left-turn into the
lane widens from one lane to three
Shopping Center Driveway
lanes approximately 300 feet
south of the Shopping Center Driveway to allow for two through lanes and a dedicated right-turn
lane at the intersection with Pond Street/Pleasant Street.
According to RSA team members, the vehicle queue along the northbound through lanes often
extends south of the shopping center driveway, while the northbound right-turn storage lane is
generally free/underutilized. Vehicles making a southbound left-turn into the Shopping Center
Driveway need to either wait for an adequate gap in the northbound traffic stream or squeeze
between the northbound vehicle queue and travel across three northbound travel lanes to enter the
shopping center. Thus, vehicles traveling along the northbound right-turn lane may not expect, or
have adequate time to perceive and react to, a left-turn turning vehicle. Similarly, the left-turning
vehicle may not be able to see a vehicle traveling along the northbound right-turn lane due to the
presence of the northbound queue.
Furthermore, the presence of turning vehicles in and out of the Shopping Center Driveway may
not be expected by the vehicles traveling along Route 18 northbound due to the presence of solid
lane lines and a solid edge line in the vicinity of the driveway.
Page 22
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Enhancements:
1. Rotate Route 18 northbound signal head and No Left turn sign (R3-2), where feasible, so
that they are not/less visible from Pond Street eastbound approach (short-term).
2. Rotate the Pleasant Street westbound signal head, where feasible, so that it is not/less
visible from the Route 18 northbound approach.
3. Consider pavement marking enhancements at the Shopping Center Driveway intersection
to make it “look” more like an intersection (short-term). Possible modifications for
further consideration may include changing the solid lane line to a dotted line,
eliminating the solid edge line, changing the solid double yellow center line to a dotted
yellow center line, and adding “do not block the box” signage and a box pavement
marking, where enforceable.
4. Consider reducing the length of the right-turn lane so that the Route 18 northbound
approach is only two (through) lanes in the vicinity of the Shopping Center Driveway
(long-term).
Page 23
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Intersection #5.
Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Route 58
Observations:
The signalized intersection of Route 18/Pond Street/Route 58 is listed in the Top 5% of High
Crash Locations within the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and is
currently in the preliminary design stage as part of a planned widening and reconstruction project
along the Route 18 corridor. Trotter Road (which provides access to the South Weymouth
Commuter Rail Station) intersects Route 18 from the east approximately 200 feet north of Pond
Street and Route 58, forming a second signalized T-intersection (see Figure 6). It is currently
anticipated that the traffic signal at Route 18/Trotter Road would be removed and that the existing
median along Route 18 would be extended to preclude left-turns into and out of Trotter Road as
part of the reconstruction effort. Left turns at Trotter Road would be displaced to a new roadway
that would be constructed north of the current intersection.
According to crash data between January 2008 and December 2010, there were a total of 49
crashes reported at this location, including 45 crashes at the intersection of Route 18/Pond
Street/Route 58 and 4 crashes at the intersection of Route 18/Trotter Road. The RSA team made
the following observations with respect to this location:
Intersection Geometry
The RSA team noted that vehicles
turning left from Route 58 northwestbound onto Route 18
southbound have difficulty
marking the turn without hitting
the median that separates Route 18
northbound and southbound
traffic. These vehicles have also,
in the past, damaged the Keep
Right regulatory signage (i.e., R4­
7). At the time of the RSA, the
Keep Right signage was in place;
however, the median was visibly
damaged. According to the crash
records, two crashes involved a
Damaged median at southern leg of Route 18
single vehicle traveling
southbound along Route 18 and hitting a fixed object – the median. One of these crashes was the
result of the Keep Right signage missing, while the other may have been the result of intersection
geometry combined with dark lighted conditions.
Page 24
Road Safety Audit–Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Main St. (Rte. 18)
Figure 6. Intersection 5: Main Street (Route 18)/Pond Street/Route 58
Trotter Rd.
Po
nd
CVS
58
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
ute
Not to scale.
Ro
Main St. (Rte. 18)
.
St
N
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Sight Distance
The RSA team noted that sight
distance for vehicles exiting the
CVS parking lot is limited to the
south of the intersection due to
the presence of signage and the
traffic signal controller; however,
no crashes were reported at this
location.
Signal Timing, Phasing, and
Indications
Of the 45 crashes reported at
Route 18/Pond Street/Route 58,
13 (or 29%) were angle type
Limited sight lines south of CVS driveway.
involving Route 18 southbound
left-turns onto Route 58 with vehicles traveling along Route 18 northbound; 7 of these crashes
resulted in personal injury. Similarly, four angle crashes (or 9%) involved left-turns from Route
18 northbound with Route 18 southbound traffic.
Route 18 northbound and southbound left-turns are currently provided with a permitted/protected
phase. RSA team members noted that inadequate clearance times combined with higher vehicles
speeds along Route 18 may have contributed to the crash history.
In addition, during the permitted left-turn phase, motorists making a left-turn from either Route
18 northbound or southbound must cross three lanes of traffic (a left-turn lane and two through
lanes). Motorists may have difficulty judging adequate gaps in the passing traffic stream and/or
the left-turning vehicles in the opposing left-turn lane may be blocking sight lines between leftturning vehicles and the opposing through traffic.
According to traffic count data provided by MassDOT, the Route 18 southbound left-turn
accommodates approximately 140 vehicles during the morning peak hour and 440 vehicles during
the evening peak hour. RSA team members noted that the left-turn queue often extends into the
Trotter Road intersection during the afternoon peak period, which blocks left-turns at that
location. An RSA team member noted that the left-turn volumes during the evening peak hour
may be high as a result of motorists avoiding the left-turn further south at the intersection of
Route 139 due to vehicle queuing /delays at that location.
RSA team members also noted that 15 crashes (or 33%) at the intersection were rear-end type,
including four rear-end crashes each along Route 18 northbound, Route 18 southbound, and Pond
Street south-eastbound; and three rear-end crashes along the Route 58 north-westbound approach.
The occurrence of rear-end crashes at the intersection may be the result of inadequate clearance
Page 26
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
times or wet/icy pavement. Of the 45 crashes reported at this location, 16 (or nearly 36%)
occurred on either wet or icy pavement conditions.
Lastly, the RSA team noted that the signal indications are currently incandescent bulbs.
Enhancements:
1. Pull back median along the southern leg of the intersection that separates Route 18
northbound and southbound traffic to facilitate left turns from Route 58 north-westbound
onto Route 18 southbound and maintain Keep Right signage (i.e., R4-7)
2. Remove/relocate signage, where feasible, that obstructs sight lines to the south of the
CVS driveway in the short-term and relocate the traffic signal controller and any
remaining signage that obstructs sight lines as part of the redesign.
3. Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only phasing for left-turns at the
intersection. Consider the impacts on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits.
4. Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental indications on the far-side of the
intersection for left turning vehicles.
5. Review, and adjust as necessary, all minimum green times and clearance intervals taking
into account grade and heavy vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle-type crashes.
6. Review the Route 18 southbound left-turn volumes and consider the appropriateness of
adding a dual left-turn and the impacts on adjacent property (e.g., need for land
acquisition) or investigate the travel time/conditions of the parallel route (Rout e 18 vs.
Route 58) for potential signal timing changes.
7. Replace existing incandescent traffic signal bulbs with LED indications as part of the
reconstruction.
Page 27
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Potential Safety Enhancements
Based on its observations and discussions, the RSA team identified the issues and possible enhancements
that could improve safety at five intersection locations along Main Street (Route 18) between Middle
Street/West Street and Pond Street (Route 58) in the Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts. Further design
work or consideration may be necessary to determine the feasibility of making some of the improvements.
Short-term enhancements include:
�
Review minimum green times and clearance intervals;
�
Improve visibility of traffic signal indications
�
Reposition/realign traffic signal heads and signage currently on span wires;
�
Remove/relocate signage that obstructs sight lines;
�
Review statistical significant of crashes to identify outliers in trends; and
�
Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected left-turns only.
To enhance the safety of the intersection, the long-term enhancements are to:
�
Improve access management;
�
Improve intersection geometry;
�
Improve pavement and lane use markings;
�
Add supplemental traffic signal indications;
�
Improve visibility of traffic signal indications; and
�
Relocate sight line obstructions.
Table 2 summarizes these 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), mid-term (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). It is the responsibility
of MassDOT to ensure that the relevant safety enhancements identified as part of this RSA are
implemented either in the short-term or evaluated as part of a future design process in the long-term.
Page 28
Safety Enhancement
Conduct statistical review of crashes throughout the corridor to
identify outliers in trends (e.g., time of day, day of week, etc.).
General
Review minimum green times and clearance intervals on a
Observations
corridor-wide basis taking into account grade and heavy
vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
standards.
Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only
phasing for left-turns at the intersection. Consider the impacts
on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits and the need
for additional equipment (i.e., additional left-turn signal head for
Route 18 northbound).
Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental
indications on the far-side of the intersection for left turning
vehicles.
Review, and adjust as necessary, all minimum green times and
clearance intervals taking into account grade and heavy
vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Intersection #1: Main standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle
type crashes.
Street (Route
18)/Middle
Consider the appropriateness of installing a Dilemma-Zone
Street/West Street
Detection system to help reduce the frequency of red-light
violations; crashes associated with the traffic signal phase
change (e.g., rear-end and angle crashes), and reduce delay
and stop frequency on the major road.
Realign traffic signal faces on span wire to improve visibility at
each approach, and/or to center over travel lane, as
appropriate/feasible.
Consider the appropriateness of tightening the radii at the
corners of the intersection to reduce the turning speed of rightturning vehicles and improve safety. Consider heavy vehicle
turning requirements and the impact (possible reduction) on
clearance interval requirements.
Location
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Time Frame
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Long-term
Safety Payoff
Medium
High
High
Medium
High
Medium
Low
Low
High
Low
Medium
Low
Medium
Medium
Low
Low
Cost
Page 29
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
Responsibility
Location
Safety Enhancement
Safety Payoff
Intersection #1: Main
Street (Route
Re-stripe merge area along the Middle Street eastbound travel
18)/Middle
Low
lane, to the east of the intersection.
Street/West Street
(continued)
Prohibit left-turns into Dunkin Donuts from Route 18 northbound
by installing No Left Turn signage (i.e., R3-2) to encourage
Medium
patrons to use the entrance via the traffic signal on Park
Avenue West.
Consider the appropriateness/feasibility of installing a median
along the center of Route 18 to physically prohibit left-turns into
Medium
driveways. Consider emergency vehicle access.
Reduce slope/grade change at Dunkin Donuts driveway to
improve traffic flow into the site. Consider the appropriateness
Medium
Intersection #2: Main of replacing driveway apron with a curb cut and crosswalk or
Street (Route
feasibility of re-grading the existing apron.
18)/Park
Avenue/Park Avenue Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only
phasing for left-turns at the intersection. Consider the impacts
High
West
on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits.
Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental
indications on the far-side of the intersection for left turning
Medium
vehicles.
Review, and adjust as necessary, all minimum green times and
clearance intervals taking into account grade and heavy
vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
High
standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle
type crashes.
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Cost
Low
Low
High
Medium
Medium
Medium
Low
Time Frame
Short-term
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Page 30
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT/
Dunkin Donuts
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
Responsibility
Safety Enhancement
Review, and adjust as necessary, all minimum green times and
clearance intervals taking into account grade and heavy
vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle
Intersection #3: Main type crashes.
Street (Route
Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only
18)/Columbian Street phasing for left-turns at the intersection. Consider the impacts
on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits.
Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental
indications on the far-side of the intersection for left turning
vehicles.
Rotate Route 18 northbound signal head and No Left Turn sign
(R3-2), where feasible, so that they are not/less visible from
Pond Street eastbound approach (short-term).
Rotate the Pleasant Street westbound signal head, where
feasible, so that it is not/less visible from the Route 18
Intersection #4: Main northbound approach
Street (Route
Consider pavement marking enhancements at the Shopping
18)/Pond
Center Driveway intersection to make it “look” more like an
Street/Pleasant
intersection (short-term). Possible modifications for
Street/Pleasant
consideration may include changing the solid lane line to a
Street Shopping
dotted line, eliminating the solid edge line, changing the solid
Center Driveway
double yellow center line to a dotted yellow center line, and
adding “do not block the box” signage and a box pavement
marking, where enforceable.
Consider reducing the length of the right-turn lane so that the
Route 18 northbound approach is only two (through) lanes in
the vicinity of the Shopping Center Driveway (long-term).
Location
Time Frame
Short-term
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Long-term
Safety Payoff
High
High
Medium
Low
Low
Medium
High
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
High
Low
Low
Low
Medium
Medium
Low
Cost
Page 31
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
Responsibility
Safety Enhancement
Pull back median along the southern leg of the intersection that
separates Route 18 northbound and southbound traffic to
facilitate left turns from Route 58 north-westbound onto Route
18 southbound and maintain Keep Right signage (i.e., R4-7)
Remove/relocate signage, where feasible, that obstructs sight
lines to the south of the CVS driveway in the short-term and
relocate the traffic signal controller and any remaining signage
that obstructs sight lines as part of the redesign (long-term).
Evaluate the appropriateness of providing protected only
phasing for left-turns at the intersection. Consider the impacts
on capacity versus the resulting safety benefits.
Intersection #5: Main Consider the appropriateness of adding supplemental
Street (Route
indications on the far-side of the intersection for left turning
18)/Pond
vehicles.
Street/Route 58
Review, and adjust as necessary, all minimum green times and
clearance intervals taking into account grade and heavy
vehicles, per Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
standards to help reduce the occurrence of rear-end and angle
type crashes.
Review the Route 18 southbound left-turn volumes and
consider the appropriateness of adding a dual left-turn and the
impacts on adjacent property (e.g., need for land acquisition) or
investigate the travel time/conditions of the parallel route (Rout
e 18 vs. Route 58) for potential signal timing changes.
Replace existing incandescent traffic signal bulbs with LED
indications as part of the reconstruction.
Location
Low/High
Short-/long­
term
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Long-term
Long-term
Low
High
Medium
High
Medium
Low
Low
High
Low
Medium
Medium
Medium
Long-term
Medium
Cost
Time Frame
Safety Payoff
Table 2. Summary of Potential Safety Enhancements (continued)
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Page 32
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
MassDOT
Responsibility
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda Road Safety Audit
Weymouth – Main Street (Rte 18) at various locations
Meeting Location: Weymouth Police Dept.
140 Winter Street, Weymouth
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Type of meeting:
Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
9:30 AM
Welcome and Introductions
9:45 AM
Review of Site Specific Material
� Crash, Speed & Volume Summaries
� Existing Geometries and Conditions
10:45 AM
Visit the Site
� Drive to each of the intersections Route 18/Middle/West Streets, Route 18/Park
Ave/Park Ave W, Route 18/Route 58/Trotter Road
� As a group, identify areas for improvement
11:45 AM
Completion of RSA
� Finalize discussion on all areas for improvement
� Discuss potential improvements with pros and cons and record possible
countermeasures
12:30 PM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
� Before attending the RSA on June 28th, participants are encouraged to drive / walk
through the intersections and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List
with a focus on safety.
� All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participants
are encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the
synergy that develops and respect for others’ opinions are key elements to the
success of the overall RSA process.
� After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked to comment and respond to the
document materials to assure it is reflective of the RSA completed by the
multidisciplinary team.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Location: Weymouth Police Department, 140 Winter Street, Weymouth, MA
Audit Team Members
Agency/Affiliation
E-mail Address
Phone Number
Jim Clarke
Weymouth Planning Department
jclarke@weymouth.ma.us
781-340-5015
George Bezkorovainy
Town of Weymouth Traffic Engineer
gbezkorovainy@weymouth.ma.us
781-682-3638
John Riley
Weymouth Police Department
–
781-335-1212
Brian Evangelista
Weymouth Fire Department
–
781-337-5151
Sarah Kurpiel
MAPC
skurpiel@mapc.org
617-451-2770
Seth Asante
Boston MPO
sasante@ctps.org
617-973-7098
Amitai Lipton
MassDOT District 6
Amitai.lipton@state.ma.us
781-431-5713
Erin Kinahan
MassDOT District 6
Erin.kinahan@state.ma.us
781-431-5750
Weijie Dong
MassDOT Highway Division
weijie.dong@state.ma.us
617-347-4142
Corey O’Connor
MassDOT Highway Division
Corey.oconnor@state.ma.us
978-852-0617
Martin Leelman
MassDOT Highway Division
Martin.leelman@state.ma.us
617-973-7839
Raj Kulen
MassDOT District 6 Traffic
Raj.kulen@state.ma.us
617-951-6248
Bonnie Polin
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
bonnie.polin@state.ma.us
(617) 973-7991
Lisa Schletzbaum
MassDOT Highway Division Safety Section
lisa.schletzbaum@state.ma.us
(617) 973-7685
J. Michael Garvin
Tetra Tech
Michael.garvin@tetratech.com
508-903-2000
Brian Ackley
Tetra Tech
Brian.ackley@tetratech.com
508-903-2032
Dave Matton
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
dmatton@hshassoc.com
(617) 482-7080
Joe SanClemente
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
js@hshassoc.com
(617) 482-7080
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data Friday
Friday
Thursday
Sunday
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
Saturday
Tuesday
Saturday
2/26/10
2/26/10
3/25/10
3/28/10
3/30/10
5/20/10
5/22/10
5/23/10
6/12/10
6/15/10
6/19/10
6/22/10
6/29/10
7/16/10
9/16/10
9/27/10
9/30/10
10/15/10
11/4/10
11/11/10
12/12/10
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
11:27 AM
10:20 AM
12:06 PM
9:16 PM
12:33 PM
10:24 PM
4:30 AM
10:12 PM
3:28 PM
7:33 AM
3:30 PM
8:00 PM
6:59 AM
8:52 PM
5:35 AM
6:33 PM
4:53 PM
9:38 PM
11:11 AM
3:46 PM
12:24 PM
11:31 AM
1:57 PM
6:52 PM
9:52 PM
6:11 PM
5:30 AM
9:03 PM
10:17 AM
6:51 PM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Sideswipe, same opposite
direction
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Head on
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Head on
Angle
Unknown
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Head on
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Manner of Collision
Rear-end
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Light Condition
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dawn
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dawn
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Weymouth Police Department
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Thursday
Thursday
Sunday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Friday
Thursday
Tuesday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Saturday
Wednesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Wednesday
19 12/14/09 Monday
20 12/14/09 Monday
21 12/17/09 Thursday
12/22/09
1/3/10
1/11/10
1/12/10
1/16/10
2/3/10
2/4/10
2/16/10
2/17/10
6:59 AM
5:43 PM
8:45 PM
6/25/09
7/21/09
8/14/09
8/18/09
8/28/09
9/1/09
10/19/09
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1:30 PM
1:39 PM
3:59 PM
8:15 AM
4:55 PM
7:52 AM
6:14 AM
Thursday
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
Monday
3/22/09
3/24/09
4/22/09
4/28/09
5/29/09
7
8
9
10
11
9:41 PM
9:55 AM
7:53 AM
1:56 PM
3:53 PM
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Friday
1/5/09
1/23/09
1/31/09
2/7/09
3/5/09
3/15/09
Time of Day
7:00 AM
5:56 PM
10:28 AM
3:43 PM
12:24 PM
8:08 PM
Crash Day
Monday
Friday
Saturday
Saturday
Thursday
Sunday
Crash
Date
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
Crash Data Summary Table
Rain
Cloudy
Cloudy
Rain
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Snow
Clear
Clear
Clear
Snow
Clear
Snow
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Weather
Condition
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Road Surface
Ice
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
51
25
29
26
20
69
18
34
55
26
19
53
20
35
Inattention
Unknown
Inattention
Visibility Obstructed
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
24
60
57
28
35
38
38
44
19
23
25
33
25
30
57
24
86
unk
44
48
19
65
24
24
42
52
77
26
39
63
18
42
44
71
22
51
21
22
47
41
37
16
26
19
74
29
82
38
52
43
41
40
48
43
23
48
52
24
24
26
28
34
57
28
46
Ages
39
53
45
57
50
22
38
17
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Visibility Obstructed
Inattention
39
53
19
45
28
47
62
27
42
50
25
44
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
Unknown
Inattention
Followed too closely
Emotional
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Followed too closely
31
47
20
32
46
59
Driver Contributing Code
Driving too fast for conditions
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Distracted
Intersection of Main Street and Middle Street; Weymouth, MA
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010
Followed too closely
Failed to stop for red light
Motorcycle got rear-ended
Turning into mobil gas station
Turning into mobil gas station
Exiting mobil gas station
Exiting mobil gas station
Turning into mobil gas station
Vehicle fled the scene after the
accident
Exiting mobil gas station
Not a single vehicle crash. Crash
located near 1147 Middle St
Operator stated that she got cut off by
another vehicle and cause her to lost
control of the vehicle
Comments
Intersection of Route 18 (Main Street) at Middle Street and West Street
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH MONTH
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
14%
14%
14%
12%
10%
8%
8%
6%
4%
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
4%
O
N
S
D
20%
20%
15%
A
4%
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
24%
25%
4%
16%
12%
10%
12%
12%
Saturday
Sunday
6%
5%
0%
Monday
Wednesday
27%
30%
20%
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
25%
20%
18%
10%
0%
6%
4%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
51%
31%
4%
2%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
4%
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
1 of 2
6%
Head on
0%
2%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
6/14/2011
Intersection of Route 18 (Main Street) at Middle Street and West Street
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
61%
35%
Daylight
4%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
80%
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Snow
Rain
6%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
10%
Cloudy
14%
Clear
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
71%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
75%
60%
40%
22%
20%
2%
2%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
0%
Dry
Wet
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
CRASH DRIVER AGES
40%
30%
30%
21%
15%
20%
10%
15%
9%
5%
3%
2%
70-79
80+
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
6/14/2011
Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday
Wednesday
Monday
Sunday
10 7/14/09
11 7/22/09
12 8/10/09
13 8/12/09
14 10/5/09
15 11/1/09
9:14 AM
32 11/13/10 Saturday
33 12/6/10
Monday
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Head on
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Dusk
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Angle
Light Condition
Dark - lighted roadway
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Manner of Collision
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Weymouth Police Department
5:04 PM
10:44 PM
4:48 PM
9:47 PM
29 9/9/10
Thursday
30 9/26/10 Sunday
31 10/15/10 Friday
5:19 PM
10:32 AM
1:22 PM
9:18 AM
5:14 PM
3:52 PM
9:20 AM
1:53 PM
6:07 PM
11:29 AM
Saturday
Wednesday
Sunday
Friday
Friday
Monday
Sunday
Friday
Monday
5:07 PM
5:18 PM
7:58 AM
1:07 PM
9:24 AM
4:44 PM
2:50 PM
4:17 PM
6:50 PM
3:59 PM
6:21 AM
11:51 AM
11:18 PM
12:24 PM
12:16 PM
3:27 PM
10:44 PM
Time of Day
Thursday
2/6/10
3/3/10
3/7/10
5/14/10
6/18/10
6/21/10
6/27/10
7/2/10
8/30/10
28 9/2/10
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
16 11/4/09 Wednesday
17 12/10/09 Thursday
18 1/13/10 Wednesday
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Tuesday
Monday
Thursday
Tuesday
Sunday
Thursday
Saturday
Crash Day
Friday
Wednesday
3/24/09
4/6/09
4/16/09
5/5/09
6/7/09
6/25/09
7/4/09
Crash
# Date
1 3/6/09
2 3/18/09
Crash Data Summary Table
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Rain
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Weather Condition
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Road Surface
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Failed to yield to right of way
Unknown
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
49
57
36
35
51
33
37
39
27
35
59
18
66
20
59
63
19
52
67
50
23
43
52
19
52
23
52
22
27
40
48
33
29
68
23
unk
17
25
32
64
34
unk
29
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
24
No Improper Driving
25
36
42
25
70
50
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
59
34
77
44
39
21
38
61
Physical Impairment
Inattention
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Driver Contributing Code
Intersection of Main Street and Park Avenue; Weymouth, MA
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010
30
Ages
Exiting gas station
Vehicle turning into MaryLou's parking
lot and hit a bicyclist
Bicyclist failed to stop for light and
under the influence of alcohol
Operator had been operating without a
driver's license
Failed to yield to right of way
Not in RMV system. Exiting
Blockbuster parking lot and hit the
right side of the baby stroller, the
vehicle fled the scene
Unknown vehicle fled the scene after
the accident
Turning into dunkin donuts parking lot
Vehicle traveled from SB left turn lane
straight through intersection and hit
another vehicle on NB left turn lane
Unknown vehicle fled the scene after
the accident
Exiting dunkin donuts parking lot onto
NB main street
Not in RMV system
Accident at 767 Main Street
Operator had been operating on a
suspended driver's license and OUI
Not in RMV system
Comments
Route 18 (Main Street) at Park Ave and Park Ave West
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH MONTH
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
15%
15%
12%
9%
3%
3%
J
F
M
6%
6%
A
M
9%
9%
6%
J
J
A
S
O
6%
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
20%
18%
18%
15%
15%
15%
15%
9%
10%
9%
5%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
38%
40%
25%
30%
20%
19%
9%
10%
0%
9%
0%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
53%
30%
3%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
3%
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe,
same
direction
1 of 2
7%
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
3%
Head on
0%
0%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
6/14/2011
Route 18 (Main Street) at Park Ave and Park Ave West
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
80%
Daylight
0%
3%
Dawn
Dusk
17%
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
77%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
0%
Other
0%
Unknown
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
93%
7%
Dry
0%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
Clear
0%
7%
Snow
17%
Rain
80%
60%
40%
20%
Cloudy
100%
Wet
0%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
30%
25%
25%
19%
20%
10%
11%
7%
11%
4%
0%
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
6/14/2011
4/6/10
5/9/10
6/10/10
6/24/10
7/3/10
10/16/10
12/24/10
Saturday
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Friday
Friday
Tuesday
Saturday
Monday
Tuesday
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Saturday
Saturday
9/19/09
9/22/09
10/9/09
10/20/09
11/5/09
11/21/09
11/27/09
11/27/09
12/8/09
12/26/09
3/1/10
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
45
Friday
Friday
Tuesday
Saturday
Friday
Thursday
6/26/09
6/26/09
7/14/09
8/22/09
9/4/09
9/10/09
17
18
19
20
21
22
Friday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Thursday
Wednesday
Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
2/18/09
4/6/09
6/21/09
6/23/09
13
14
15
16
10/21/10
Tuesday
Friday
2/10/09
2/13/09
11
12
11/10/10
12/1/10
12/15/10
12/21/10
Thursday
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
10/23/08
10/28/08
11/21/08
1/20/09
7
8
9
10
40
Saturday
Thursday
Sunday
Saturday
Wednesday
Friday
2/2/08
2/7/08
7/13/08
7/19/08
8/6/08
8/22/08
1
2
3
4
5
6
41
42
43
44
Crash Day
Crash
Date
7:39 AM
5:42 AM
6:12 PM
4:40 PM
5:18 PM
9:27 PM
8:06 PM
9:38 PM
6:52 PM
8:04 PM
3:21 PM
4:05 PM
7:22 PM
9:33 PM
5:48 PM
4:09 PM
8:33 AM
8:28 AM
9:31 PM
8:09 AM
2:51 PM
1:48 PM
1:37 PM
2:18 PM
5:26 PM
7:58 AM
12:06 PM
11:34 AM
5:24 PM
4:39 PM
10:41 AM
4:45 PM
1:48 PM
7:24 AM
2:03 PM
8:49 PM
1:31 PM
9:50 AM
4:00 PM
6:01 PM
7:11 PM
12:53 PM
10:26 AM
11:07 AM
Time of Day
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Unknown
Single Vehicle Crash
Angle
Rear-end
Head on
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Head on
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Head on
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Manner of Collision
Light Condition
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Weymouth Police Department
#
Crash Data Summary Table
Clear
Rain
Rain
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Rain
Cloudy
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Rain
Rain
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Weather
Condition
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Ice
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Road Surface
29
39
27
47
31
37
47
70
83
26
37
Unknown
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Unknown
Unknown
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
31
36
79
41
60
37
20
18
27
43
64
33
48
59
53
28
19
34
26
62
52
53
31
36
25
53
18
39
52
21
75
40
36
20
41
34
43
64
20
39
47
16
34
25
35
22
43
24
22
61
20
28
64
67
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Ages
26
24
30
45
31
53
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
27
47
53
18
48
51
27
44
28
63
25
35
29
17
19
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Driver Contributing Code
Intersection of Main Street, Route 58 and Pond Street; Weymouth, MA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2010
48
21
Vehicle collided with island and knocked
down a traffic sign
Vehicle failed to stop for red light
Both vehicle fled the scene after the
accident and approximately 30minutes later
one of the operator called 911
Crash located near 505 pond st
Operating without a driver's license
Exiting papa gino's parking lot
Operator stated his motorcycle stalled
which delayed his turn
Operator stated that another vehicle
exiting the bank causing him to swerve
and hit the trailer
Wet road may have been a factor
Not in RMV system, very poor lighting
on roadway and traffic sign missing on
center island and cause vehicle to hit
the center island curb
Slippery surface
Operator stated that she may have
mistook the gas pedal for the brake
pedal
Vehicle tried to cross pond st from
main st into factory paint
Comments
Intersection of Route 18 (Main Street) at Route 58 and Pond Street
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH MONTH
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
13%
13%
13%
13%
O
N
D
11%
9%
9%
7%
4%
2%
2%
J
F
2%
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
22%
25%
22%
20%
15%
10%
5%
18%
16%
11%
7%
4%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
40%
32%
30%
20%
23%
27%
16%
10%
0%
2%
0%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
50%
36%
40%
41%
30%
20%
10%
7%
5%
2%
7%
0%
2%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe,
same
direction
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
1 of 2
6/14/2011
Intersection of Route 18 (Main Street) at Route 58 and Pond Street
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
64%
36%
Daylight
0%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
61%
25%
14%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
0%
Snow
Rain
Cloudy
0%
Clear
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
64%
34%
Dry
Wet
28%
30%
0%
2%
Snow
Ice
0%
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
23%
17%
20%
10%
0%
10%
8%
9%
3%
1%
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
6/14/2011
Crash
Date
Crash Day
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Light Condition
1
2
3
4
12/7/08 Sunday
12:28 PM
Angle
Daylight
4/23/09 Thursday
12:14 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
5/16/09 Saturday
1:20 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
3/23/10 Tuesday
6:03 AM
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Weymouth Police Department
#
Crash Data Summary Table
Snow
Clear
Clear
Rain
Weather Condition
Wet
Dry
Dry
Wet
Road Surface
Driver Contributing Code
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Inattention
Inattention
Inattention
Intersection of Main Street and Trotter Road; Weymouth, MA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2010
70
58
34
70
70
26
37
46
Ages
Failed to stop for red light
Wet Slippery roadway may have been
a factor
Comments
Intersection of Route 18 (Main Street) at Trotter Road
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH MONTH
30%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
0%
J
F
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
J
J
A
S
O
N
0%
M
A
M
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
25%
25%
0%
0%
Monday
Tuesday
25%
Saturday
Sunday
0%
Wednesday
75%
80%
25%
Thursday
Friday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
60%
40%
25%
20%
0%
6-10AM
10-2PM
0%
0%
0%
0%
2-6PM
6-10PM
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
50%
25%
25%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
75%
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe,
same
direction
0%
0%
0%
0%
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
1 of 2
6/14/2011
Intersection of Route 18 (Main Street) at Trotter Road
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
75%
25%
Daylight
0%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
50%
25%
0%
0%
Unknown
0%
Other
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
Snow
Rain
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Cloudy
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
25%
Clear
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
50%
Dry
50%
Wet
0%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand,
Water
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
38%
40%
25%
30%
20%
10%
13%
13%
13%
0%
0%
0%
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
6/14/2011
Wednesday
Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
Saturday
Friday
Tuesday
6/17/09
7/6/09
8/2/09
8/11/09
9/19/09
10/30/09
12/8/09
Monday
Saturday
Thursday
Tuesday
Monday
Thursday
Sunday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Thursday
Monday
10 1/18/10
11 2/6/10
12 3/4/10
13 3/9/10
14 3/29/10
15 7/8/10
16 9/19/10
17 10/2/10
18 11/12/10
19 11/27/10
20 12/9/10
21 12/27/10
7:07 AM
5:46 PM
5:00 PM
6:05 PM
10:29 AM
3:31 PM
5:21 PM
7:49 PM
10:58 AM
3:53 PM
12:46 PM
11:55 AM
3:52 PM
3:13 PM
11:57 AM
3:58 PM
10:06 PM
9:26 PM
6:08 PM
3:43 PM
1:53 PM
Time of Day
Angle
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Angle
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Rear-end
Angle
Head on
Rear-end
Angle
Manner of Collision
Rear-end
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Light Condition
22 12/27/10
Monday
6:41 PM
Sideswipe, opposite direction
Dark - lighted roadway
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Weymouth Police Department
Tuesday
9 12/15/09
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Crash Day
Monday
# Crash Date
1 6/1/09
Crash Data Summary Table
Snow
Blowing Sand,
Snow
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Rain
Clear
Clear
Rain
Snow
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing Rain
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Rain
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Weather
Condition
Clear
Ice
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Ice
Dry
Snow
Snow
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Road
Surface
Dry
Failed to yield to right of way
Inattention
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings
Other improper action
Failed to yield to right of way
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, nonmotorist in roadway, etc.
Distracted
Driving too fast for conditions
Made an improper turn
No Improper Driving
Driver Contributing Code
Inattention
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Unknown
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
Made an improper turn
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Intersection of Main Street and Columbian Street; Weymouth, MA
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2010
58
49
67
48
28
39
30
41
36
55
51
30
50
52
85
64
19
42
19
16
18
25
19
20
unk
59
26
51
32
33
35
21
37
37
32
33
58
32
49
27
24
77
80
Ages
64
67
27
Vehicle failed to stop for red light
Vehicle failed to stop for red light
Vehicle fled the scene after the
accident
Vehicle failed to pull right/stop for
emergency vehicle
Vehicle failed to stop for red light
Operator stated that his foot slipped
off the brake onto the gas pedal
Operator traveled too fast for road
conditions and lost control
Failed to yield right of way
Vehicle travel on the wrong side of the
road
Comments
Intersection of Route 18 at Columbian Street
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH MONTH
23%
25%
20%
14%
15%
10%
5%
5%
9%
9%
9%
9%
9%
9%
J
J
A
S
O
N
5%
0%
0%
A
M
0%
J
F
M
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
27%
18%
18%
14%
9%
9%
5%
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
41%
27%
23%
5%
5%
6-10AM
10-2PM
2-6PM
6-10PM
0%
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
36%
40%
36%
30%
20%
14%
9%
10%
5%
0%
0%
0%
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe,
same
direction
1 of 2
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
Head on
6/15/2011
Intersection of Route 18 at Columbian Street
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
64%
36%
Daylight
0%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
n
U
nk
no
w
er
O
th
w
no
0%
e
in
g
sa
C
ro
,S
og
m
,S
Bl
ow
Fo
g
,s
m
ss
wi
n
ok
e
ai
n
R
g
ez
in
Fr
e
ai
l,
0%
Sl
ee
t,
H
5%
0%
ds
0%
nd
5%
ow
Sn
C
R
lo
u
ai
n
r
le
a
9%
Se
ve
r
14%
dy
14%
C
0%
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
55%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
80%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
68%
60%
40%
20%
9%
14%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Sand,
mud, dirt,
oil, gravel
Water
(standing,
moving)
Slush
Other
Unknown
0%
Dry
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Wet
Snow
Ice
CRASH DRIVER AGES
27%
18%
18%
11%
11%
9%
2%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
70-79
4%
80+
6/15/2011
5/3/08
5/21/08
8/1/08
8/26/08
Crash
Date
Crash Day
Saturday
Wednesday
Friday
Tuesday
3:13 PM
1:58 PM
8:10 AM
8:02 PM
Time of Day
Manner of Collision
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dark - lighted roadway
Light Condition
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
9/27/08 Saturday
6:58 AM
Angle
Daylight
10/1/08 Wednesday
10:37 AM
Angle
Daylight
10/16/08 Thursday
2:11 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
3/21/09 Saturday
2:02 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
3/23/09 Monday
11:55 AM
Angle
Daylight
5/16/09 Saturday
4:12 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
5/31/09 Sunday
12:51 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
6/25/09 Thursday
12:00 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
7/27/09 Monday
12:22 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
8/28/09 Friday
3:44 PM
Angle
Daylight
11/8/09 Sunday
2:45 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
11/25/09 Wednesday
4:58 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
12/30/09 Wednesday
3:06 PM
Angle
Daylight
1/1/10
Friday
7:14 PM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
1/20/10 Wednesday
3:25 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
3/10/10 Wednesday
7:43 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
4/11/10 Sunday
12:56 AM
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway
4/11/10 Sunday
3:12 PM
Angle
Daylight
5/11/10 Tuesday
11:09 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
9/11/10 Saturday
2:02 PM
Rear-end
Daylight
9/15/10 Wednesday
4:46 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
12/1/10 Wednesday
9:22 AM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Weymouth Police Department
#
1
2
3
4
Crash Data Summary Table
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Rain
Clear
Cloudy
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Weather
Condition
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Road Surface
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
Other improper action
Other improper action
No Improper Driving
Physical Impairment
Inattention
Failed to yield to right of way
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
No Improper Driving
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
Failed to yield to right of way
Distracted
Inattention
Followed too closely
Distracted
Driver Contributing Code
Inattention
Followed too closely
Made an improper turn
Followed too closely
Intersection of Main Street and Pleasant Street; Weymouth, MA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2010
50
62
49
43
72
29
20
45
53
48
44
25
42
43
49
35
38
42
34
33
37
27
54
34
39
34
unk
22
61
47
50
30
42
23
45
unk
20
51
26
47
44
31
31
82
23
74
69
18
Ages
37
41
29
47
45
OUI
Turning into walgreens
Crash located near 987 main St
Followed too close
Followed too close
Unknown vehicle fled the scene after
the accident
OUI
Comments
Intersection of Route 18 at Pleasant and Pond Streets
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH MONTH
25%
19%
20%
15%
10%
12%
12%
8%
12%
8%
5%
4%
4%
J
J
8%
8%
8%
O
N
D
0%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
A
S
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
40%
31%
30%
19%
20%
10%
8%
8%
Monday
Tuesday
12%
8%
15%
0%
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
46%
27%
15%
8%
6-10AM
10-2PM
65%
2-6PM
4%
6-10PM
0%
10-2AM
2-6AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
27%
8%
0%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe,
same
direction
1 of 2
0%
0%
0%
0%
Sideswipe,
opposite
direction
Head on
Rear to
Rear
Unknown
6/15/2011
Intersection of Route 18 at Pleasant and Pond Streets
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
85%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Daylight
0%
0%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark ­
Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark ­
Roadway
not lighted
Dark ­
unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
69%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
15%
27%
n
U
nk
no
w
er
O
th
w
no
,s
Bl
ow
e
Se
ve
r
0%
in
g
sa
C
ro
,S
og
m
,S
Fo
g
0%
nd
m
ss
wi
n
ai
n
R
g
ez
in
Fr
e
ai
l,
0%
Sl
ee
t,
H
0%
ds
0%
ok
e
0%
ow
0%
Sn
ai
n
R
lo
u
C
C
le
a
r
dy
4%
100%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
85%
80%
60%
40%
15%
20%
0%
0%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
0%
Dry
Wet
CRASH DRIVER AGES
40%
33%
30%
20%
20%
10%
Water
Sand,
mud, dirt, (standing,
oil, gravel moving)
24%
10%
2%
6%
4%
2%
0%
15-20
21-29
30-39
40-49
2 of 2
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
6/15/2011
Road Safety Audit
Route 18, Weymouth
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix D. Additional Information Department of Planning and
Community Development
Town of Weymouth
Massachusetts
James F. Clarke, Jr.
Director of Planning and
Community Development
email:
jclarke@weymouth.ma.us
(781) 340-5015
(781) 335-3283 fax
Susan M. Kay
Mayor
75 Middle Street
Weymouth, MA 02189
www.weymouth.ma.us
June 7, 2011
Mr. Raj Kulen
District 6 Traffic Engineer
Massachusetts DOT
185 Kneeland Street
Boston, MA 02111
Subject: Route 18/Pleasant Shops Drive
Weymouth, MA
Dear Mr. Kulen:
In 2006 the intersection of Route 18/Pond Street/Pleasant Street was reconstructed, including all four of
the intersection approaches. Route 18 to the south was widened to five lanes, three northbound approach
lanes and two southbound departure lanes. Approximately 220 feet south of the signalized intersection is
an unsignalized Route 18/Pleasant Shops drive. This is the second busiest unsignalized intersection in
Weymouth, and it has averaged over 1.35 crashes/month, for a crash rate of 1.5 crashes/MVE. The
reason why I’m bringing this subject to your attention is that in over 60% of the crashes there is the
following distinctive pattern:
Northbound, there are two through lanes and one right-turn lane. The two northbound lanes carry more
vehicles per lane and move during one of the three signal phases, while the northbound right-turn lane
moves during two of the signal phases and has very short queues. Generally, the two through lanes stack
up past the Pleasant Shops drive while the right-turn lane moves unimpeded.
Southbound vehicles, making a left turn into the driveway, have to cross three lanes. In the through lane
queue, a gap is often created for southbound left-turning vehicles, and northbound drivers in the through
lanes often wave these drivers to proceed. The crashes always involve drivers in the northbound rightturn lane which bypasses the queue, and southbound left-turners who are not visible to northbound drivers
in the third lane.1 In 60% of the intersection crashes, there is a collision between a southbound vehicle
and a northbound vehicle in the curb lane (i.e., right turn lane).
The solution is straight-forward: we must warn the northbound drivers of the potential conflict. I suggest
that a warning sign be placed over the curb lane depicting the potential conflict. Enclosed is a sketch
showing the W2-1X sign and its placement. The sign could be located on a utility pole (as shown),
1
Attached is a collision diagram illustrating this pattern
suspended from a “mastarm”. The arm needs to be only 10 feet long, and a typical street lamp arm could,
possibly, be used for this purpose.
There may be other signs or forms of mitigation that could address this problem. The Town of
Weymouth would welcome any idea that you think would be effective and easier to implement. At the
end of June, MassDOT will be performing a Road Safety Audit for several high-crash intersections along
the Route 18 Widening Project (PINFO#601630). Perhaps you may want to recommend that this
intersection be included in their assignment.
Your kind attention in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Georgy Bezkorovainy, P.E.
Traffic Engineer
Cc. Susan M. Kay, Mayor
Encl.