By Thomas Grillo
LYNN — After more than a year of study on how to improve traffic along Route 107, the state has issued recommendations that will cost more than $26 million.
Among the suggestions in the draft study to the Lynn portion of the road include reduction of the lane width to 11 feet, the addition of left turn lanes, coordination of traffic signals, a new light at the Eastern Avenue intersection, north and southbound bicycle lanes, consolidation of bus stops that are ADA compliant and new sidewalks and crosswalks.
The 206-page survey commissioned by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is the result of a series of surveys and public meetings that began in June seeking improvements to the areas between Chestnut Street in Lynn and Boston Street in Salem.
“The problems we have on the Route 107 corridor are some of the worst in the commonwealth in terms of dangerous intersections, lack of public safety features for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists, so we are pleased the state conducted a comprehensive study,” said City Council President and state Rep. Daniel Cahill, who lives on Belleaire Avenue. “Obviously, the suggested price tag is significant and every year that goes by the cost most likely will rise.”
One of the biggest trouble spots is the intersection at Western Avenue at Stanwood Street and Eastern Avenue. Under the proposal, a southbound left turn lane would be installed to improve traffic flow and safety. The new traffic signal would significantly improve the level-of-service, the study said. Under the reconfiguration, the westbound approach to the road would be restricted to right-only and promises to improve the level-of-service especially at rush hour.
The study also recommends that the curb be extended at the end of the parking lane northbound approaching Eastern Avenue to create a so-called “gateway” effect and to reduce the pedestrian crossing. Bicycle lanes and bike boxes are also proposed at the intersection. A bike box is an intersection safety design to prevent bicycle and car collisions. It is a painted green space on the road with a white bicycle symbol inside. The box creates space between motor vehicles and the crosswalk that allows bicyclists to position themselves ahead of motor vehicle traffic at an intersection.
In terms of short-term transit improvements, the inbound and outbound MBTA bus stops at the intersection would be removed to improve traffic flow.
Not all of the recommendations have gone over well. For example, there is opposition to bike lanes because residents say the roadway is dangerous enough for cars and is especially unsafe for bicyclists. In addition, the elimination of some parking spaces along the roadway has also brought resistance from retailers and homeowners.
In order for full implementation of the study’s recommendations, lawmakers would have to float a transportation bond bill or attach the Lynn and Salem improvements to an existing bond bill, according to Cahill.
Cahill said he is exploring ways the city could take some of the low-cost suggestions from the study and implement them immediately.
“Other communities have put down temporary striping to see how traffic flow improves instead of permanent reconfiguration of intersections,” he said. “I’m very interested in doing that on Route 107.”
Earlier this year, local lawmakers proposed a measure that gives MassDOT up to $150,000 which can be used for infrastructure improvements and studies along Route 107.
“Now, it’s up to the state delegation and city officials to advocate for funds to mitigate the severe traffic issues in Lynn and Salem,” Cahill said.
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected].