Road Safety Audit - Welcome to MassDOT · ROAD SAFETY AUDIT . Route 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road . Town of Acton . March 4, 2015 . Prepared For: Massachusetts Department of Transportation

ROAD SAFETY AUDIT

Route 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road

Town of Acton

March 4, 2015

Prepared For: Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Prepared By: Tetra Tech, Inc.

One Grant Street Framingham, MA 01702

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc.

Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................. 1

Project Data ................................................................................................................................. 1

Project Location and Description .............................................................................................. 2

Audit Observations and Potential Safety Enhancements........................................................ 4

Summary of Road Safety Audit ............................................................................................... 15

List of Appendices

Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List Appendix C. Traffic and Crash Data Appendix D. RSA References

List of Figures

Figure 1. Locus Map .............................................................................................................................. 3

List of Tables

Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 2 Table 2. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary ............................................................................. 16


Background The MassDOT Highway Division obtains crash data from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) database and uses the data for many purposes. One of the primary purposes is to identify high crash locations at intersections throughout the Commonwealth. The crashes are grouped into clusters based on a crash cluster analysis method developed by their consultant, Geonetics. The information is presented in a GIS format which merges the crashes into clusters based on their location relative to each other. The software then calculates an Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) rating for all the clusters and ranks them. Based on this analysis methodology the intersection of Route 2, Taylor Road and Piper Road in the Town of Acton has been identified as a high crash location experiencing a total of 39 crashes (2010-2012) with an EPDO rating of 93. It is also on the Top 200 High Crash Intersection Report.

A Road Safety Audit was conducted at this location approximately nine years ago on September 29, 2006. At that time safety issues identified were related to travel speed, traffic signal equipment, cluttered signing, drainage at the southwest corner, over grown vegetation and a lack of pedestrian accommodations. Several of the audits recommendations were implemented including installation of illuminated signal ahead warning signs on Route 2, drainage improvements in the southwest corner of the intersection, updated pavement markings and installation of a YIELD sign at the eastbound right turn.

The Road Safety Audit (RSA) process is a way of evaluating the safety of an intersection using a multidisciplinary team of engineers, administrators and safety personnel to identify issues that may be corrected to improve safety. The Team may identify short-term, medium-term, and long-term improvements which can be implemented by the local jurisdiction, or MassDOT, through their normal maintenance process or a design/construction process.

Project Data The audit was conducted on Wednesday, March 4, 2015. The RSA agenda appears in Appendix A. Table 1 lists the audit team participants and their affiliation. The contact information for the audit team members is contained in Appendix B.

Data reviewed at the RSA included area maps, peak hour traffic volumes, speed limit regulations and detailed crash information and is contained in Appendix C. A brief summary of this data is provided below.

Traffic Volumes

Traffic volume counts obtained on November 19, 2014 indicate that Route 2 carries approximately 3,600 vehicles during peak hours of traffic.

Assuming approximately 10 percent of Route 2 traffic occurs during peak hours, the daily volume on Route 2 is estimated at approximately 36,000 vehicles per day.

Page 1

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members Audit Team Member Agency/Affiliation Kevin Chiang MassDOT Safety Alolade Campbell MassDOT District 3 Traffic Chenyuan Wang Central Transportation Planning Staff Michael Cook State Police Concord Chris Prehl Town of Acton Police Department James Cogan Town of Acton Police Department Robert Hart Town of Acton Fire Department Patrick Futterer Town of Acton Fire Department Corey York Town of Acton Engineering Department Robert Waite Town of Acton Highway Department Kevin Farrell Town of Acton Highway Department Nancy Doherty Tetra tech James Antonizick Tetra Tech

Crash Data

39 total crashes occurred over the 3 year period (2009-2011).

29 of the 39 crashes involved a vehicle traveling westbound on Route 2.

The most prevalent crash types are angle (46%) and rear-end (38%).

Approximately two-thirds of the crashes involved injuries.

The most common angle collision involved vehicles traveling on Route 2 westbound and Taylor Road southbound. Vehicles on Route 2 were typically at fault and were cited with Disregarding Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings.

Local police officials indicated that the most serious collisions involved vehicles traveling on Piper Road and westbound Route 2.

Project Location and Description The Route 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road signalized intersection, shown on Figure 1, is located in Acton, 2.25 miles west of the Concord Rotary (Route 2/Route 2A/Barretts Mill Road/Commonwealth Avenue) and 800 feet east of the Route 2/Route 111 interchange.

This is the only at-grade signalized crossing of Route 2 in Acton. The next signalized intersection on Route 2 is located approximately 20 miles to the west in Fitchburg.

Route 2 is a principal arterial traveling between Boston and the Massachusetts/New York state border. In the vicinity of its intersection with Taylor Road/Piper Road, Route 2 provides two travel lanes in each direction, a wide median and has a posted speed limit of 45 mph. Both Route 2 approaches widen to provide channelized left turn lanes.

Page 2

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. The Route 2 eastbound channelized right turn lane at Piper Road is under YIELD sign control. The Route 2 westbound channelized right turn onto Taylor Road is under YIELD sign control, although the YIELD sign is missing.

Taylor Road and Piper Road are Rural Minor Collectors under local jurisdiction. Each provides one travel lane per direction and has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Piper Road widens as it approaches Route 2 to provide a channelized right turn lane under YIELD sign control with a partial acceleration lane for vehicles turning onto Route 2.

Geometrically, the wide median creates two intersections: Route 2 westbound/Taylor Road and Route 2 eastbound/Piper Road. However, the two intersections operate together with a single traffic signal controller. The controller operates with an EB/WB through phase, then protected left turn phasing for Route 2 and permissive left turn phasing for the Piper Road and Taylor Road approaches.

Figure 1. Locus Map

Page 3


Audit Observations and Potential Safety Enhancements The RSA was conducted at Acton Town Hall. Due to weather conditions, a site visit was not possible. However, based on photographs of the site and the high level of familiarity of most team members with the intersection, the team was able to identify safety issues and potential safety enhancements. The following safety issues were identified:

1. Route 2 Vehicle Speeds

2. Intersection Geometry

3. Poor Sight Lines

4. Traffic Signal Operations

5. Intersection Signs and Pavement Markings

6. Pedestrian Facilities

7. Bicycle Accommodations

8. Route 111 Junction

The following section describes each of these issues in more detail and discusses the potential enhancements and safety improvements developed by the RSA team. Following this section is a summary table outlining the issue, the potential solution, timeframe and responsible agency.

Page 4

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #1 Route 2 Vehicle Speeds

Observations:

1. RSA audit members indicated that vehicles traveling west on Route 2 travel at high rates of speed. Officers Cook and Prehl indicate that travel speeds exceeding 60 mph in the 45 mph zone are quite typical.

2. In Concord, the segment of Route 2 westbound, between the rotary and the Acton/Concord town line, has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. At the town line the speed limit increases to 45 mph (approximately 1.6 miles east of the intersection). Speed limit signs are posted on both sides of westbound Route 2, approximately 600 feet in advance of the intersection. This sign may suggest that free-flow conditions exist.

3. Police officials also indicated that speeding violations are frequently over turned in court by court officials. When court officials are shown photographs of the Route 2 segment between the Concord Rotary and Taylor Road/Piper Road by the defendant, court officials appear to feel that travel speeds exceeding 45 mph are appropriate and rule against the issuing police officer.

4. It was noted in the 2006 Road Safety Audit that the 85th percentile speed (measured in 2003) was 61 mph.

Potential Safety Enhancements:

The RSA team provided numerous suggestions for enforcing the current speed limit on Route 2.

1. Install reduced speed ahead signs if appropriate, and review existing speed signs.

2. Increase police enforcement of speed regulations.

3. Provide locations along the north side of Route 2 for police vehicles to park for enforcement.

4. Educate court officials regarding high crash rates at intersection and the importance of regulating speed on Route 2.

5. Implement traffic calming measure where appropriate. Suggested calming measures included:

a. Consider installing transverse rumble strips on westbound Route 2, similar to those installed at toll plazas.

b. Redesigning the intersection as a roundabout.

Page 5

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #2 Intersection Geometry

Observations:

The wide center median, coupled with permissive signal phasing for the Taylor Road/Piper Road approaches encourages motorist to run the red light so not to be caught in the median area.

Town officials mentioned that school buses are stored at the Adesa site located on the south side of Route 2, east of the intersection. When the school buses leave the Conant School (located on Taylor Road, just north of the intersection), they travel south on Taylor Road and turn left onto Route 2 eastbound. Often the buses are stacked within the median while waiting for a gap in Piper Road northbound traffic in which to turn left.


Several options for improving the intersections geometry were discussed. Options ranged from simple imrovements to the existing geometry to reconfiguration of the entire intersection.

1. Redesign and reconstruct the signalized intersection. Review intersection geometry and the ability to provide short dedicated left turn lanes on the center median roadway.

2. Several options for turn restrictions were discussed. In each case, the impact to location roadways/town-wide circulation would need to be evaluated. Options discussed included:

a. Prohibit all left turns at the intersection. In effect, close the opening in the Route 2 median island.

b. Prohibit left turns from Route 2 onto Taylor Road/Piper Road.

c. Prohibit a left turn from Taylor Road onto Route 2.

3. As potential long term solutions consider:

a. Grade-separating the intersection and provide a single point diamond interchange.

b. Providing fly over ramps to accommodate vehicles turning left from the minor street approaches onto Route 2.

Page 6

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #3 Poor Sight Lines

Observations:

RSA participants reported that sight lines to the intersection from the west are poor. There is a major horizontal curve approaching the intersection. Also, the bridge abutments of the Route 111 overpass restrict sight lines approaching the signal. Within the median are a number of trees which obstruct sight lines to the intersection.


It was suggested that tree removal in the median both before and after the bridge would improve sight lines to the intersection.

Route 2 EB Sight Line Obstructions

Route 111

Page 7

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #4 Traffic Signal Operations

Observations:

1. The signal equipment is older and does not appear to meet MUTCD standards. Signal indications are on mast arms and post mounted. The post mounted indications are difficult to see and are not recommended for high speed approaches such as Route 2.

2. The intersection is heavily signed and the signs may be distracting the motorists eye from the traffic signal indications. This is particularly problematic in the westbound direction.

3. The green diagrammatic guide sign for Exit 43 (Route 111 west), located just west of the intersection, is in the line of sight of the signal head mounted on the mast arm. Additionally, the blue Tourist Oriented Directional sign (Exit 43) located in advance of the intersection, in the westbound direction, partially obstructs the sight line to the signal indications.

4. Solar glare is a problem in the afternoon.

5. The signal indications facing the center median approaches are visible to vehicles stopped on Piper and Taylor Road. The signal head indications are either not optically programmable or are not programed correctly.

6. One of the signal heads facing the Piper Road through lane has shifted and appears to be facing the channelized right turn lane under YIELD sign control.

7. Yellow and red clearance intervals may not be designed properly for the actual travel speeds on Route 2 (60+ mph). It was noted by police officials that long yellow clearance intervals encourage speeding through an intersection.

8. A weave maneuver occurs when vehicles enter Route 2 westbound from Taylor Road and exit within 900 feet onto the Route 111 off-ramp. As a right turn on red is permitted from Taylor Road these vehicles are both accelerating into Route 2 traffic and weaving within 900 feet.

9. One third of collisions occurred at dusk or in the dark. The lack of street lighting may be contributing to these collisions.


1. Reconstruct the traffic control signal including mounting all signals overhead on mast arms to improve visibility from all directions, video bicycle detection and possibly adaptive signal control technology.

2. To increase visibility and mitigate solar glare, install back plates with yellow retroflective borders on signal heads facing Route 2.

Signal masked by guide sign

Piper Road signal head

Intersection at night - Looking west

Page 8


3. Review and calculate proper signal clearance intervals. Proper clearance intervals (Yellow, Red) take into account the intersection width and approach speeds allow for the safe passage of vehicles during the change interval. Police officials suggested shorter yellow intervals with a longer all-red interval.

4. Consider modifying the existing permissive phasing for the Taylor Road and Piper Road approaches with split phasing.

5. Consider a No Turn on Red restriction for southbound Taylor Road.

6. Install street lighting.

7. Consider dilemma zone detectors to mitigate red-light running.

8. Install optically programmable signal heads on the far side of the northbound and southbound approaches within the center median roadway.

Page 9

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #5 Intersection Signs and Pavement Markings

Observations:

1. The intersection has a cluttered appearance which detracts from the traffic signal. This is attributed to both the existing signage and signal equipment.

2. A variable message sign (STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD) is located on Route 2 eastbound, approximately 1,500 feet west of

the intersection and in advance of a horizontal curve. The sign is activated by a video detection camera located approximately 900 feet downstream from the sign. RSA participants indicated that they have never seen the sign illuminated, raising the question of whether the sign is malfunctioning or eastbound vehicle queues are not long enough to be detected by the video camera. According to signal plans provided by MassDOT, the detection zone for the variable message sign

covers a 200 foot segment of Route 2, approximately 600 to 800 feet from the intersection.

3. On the westbound approach a cantilever mounted signal ahead warning sign with wig-wag flashing beacons is located approximately 1,200 feet east of the intersection. The flashing beacons are not operational.

4. As noted in Safety Issue #4, the green diagrammatic guide sign for Exit 43 (Route 111 west) is in the same line of sight as the signal head mounted on the mast arm facing Route 2. This sign may deter westbound motorists from focusing on the traffic signal indication.

5. Also, as noted in Safety Issue #4, the blue Tourist Oriented Directional sign (Exit 43) located in advance of the intersection in the westbound direction partially obstructs the sight line to the intersection signals.

6. A YIELD sign is not present at the channelized right turn from westbound Route 2 onto Taylor Road.

Route 2: Looking East

Variable message sign


1. Review all signs within the intersection for compliance with MUTCD. Remove superfluous signs.

2. Repair the wig-wag flashing beacon on the Route 2 westbound.

3. Replace the wig-wag flashing beacon with a variable message sign that indicates RED SIGNAL AHEAD.

4. Verify the variable message sign on eastbound Route 2 is operational. Repair if necessary.

5. Re-evaluate the location of the variable message sign. Conduct queuing analysis during peak hours, and review stopping sight distance.

Page 10


6. Consider moving the detection zone for the variable message sign closer to the intersection so it is activated more frequently or alternatively, consider replacing the variable message sign with a sign that indicates RED SIGNAL AHEAD based on the signal indications at the intersection in the eastbound direction.

7. Consider relocating/redesigning the green Exit 43 diagrammatic sign to a location possibly east of the intersection.

8. Relocate the Exit 43 Tourist Oriented Directional sign so not to obstruct sight lines to the intersection.

9. Maintain Stop lines and pavement markings on all roadways.

Page 11

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #6 Pedestrian Facilities

Observations:

Although no pedestrian crashes were reported at this intersection, pedestrian accommodations are minimal. Bituminous sidewalk is provided along the easterly side of Piper Road and along the south side of Route 2, west of Piper Road. Local officials indicated that the sidewalks are used at lunch time by occupants of an office park on Piper Road to reach the Roche Bros plaza located on Route 111. The sidewalks are in poor condition.

The intersections single crosswalk is located on Piper Road approximately 50 feet south of the point where vehicles turning right from Route 2 enter Piper Road. Warning signs or overhead lighting are not provided at the crosswalk. The transition from the sidewalk to the crosswalk does not meet current design standards for pedestrian accommodations and ADA accessibility.

Town officials indicated that additional pedestrian accommodations were not wanted for the intersection, but that the existing Piper Road crosswalk should be enhanced to improve safety.


1. Reconstruct the sidewalk and add ADA compliant accessible ramps at the crosswalk.

2. Install advanced pedestrian warning signs on Piper Road and on the Route 2 eastbound channelized right turn lane leading to the Piper Road crosswalk.

3. Install pedestrian crossing signs at the crosswalk.

4. Consider installation of pedestrian crossing signs with RRFBs (Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons) to increase awareness of the crosswalk area.

5. Consider illuminating the crosswalk.

Piper Road Sidewalk

Piper Road Crosswalk

Page 12

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #7 Bicycle Accommodations

Observations:

There are no bicycle accommodations at the intersection. Town officials indicated that cyclists do use the intersection to travel across Route 2. An officer mentioned that a bicyclist had a crash involving a catch basin grate.


1. Provide bicycle accommodation per MassDOTs new Healthy Transportation Initiative Policy. Enhancements may include wider shoulders or dedicated bike lanes on the Tayor Road and Piper Road approaches as well as video bicycle detection and bike route signs & pavement markings (shared lane markings, for example) to alert drivers to the presence of the bikeway.

2. Check all catch basins grates to ensure they are oriented properly so not to trap bicycle tires.

Page 13

Road Safety AuditRoute 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road Prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. Safety Issue #8 Route 111 Junction

Observations:

A weaving maneuver occurs on eastbound Route 2 between the Route 111 on-ramp merge and the intersection at Taylor Road/Piper Road. Vehicles entering Route 2 from Route 111, intending to proceed north on Taylor Road, must cross two travel lanes in approximately 700 feet. Town officials indicate that this can be a difficult maneuver for motorists.

Team members also indicated that the merge from Route 111 onto Route 2 eastbound is difficult due to angle of the intersection and the lack of an adequate acceleration lane.

Potential Safety Enhancements: 1. Illuminate the Route 111 merge by restoring the existing

overhead lighting fixtures.

2. Consider replacing the existing YIELD sign with a STOP sign at the merge. (A STOP sign may limit the ability of a merging vehicle to adequately accelerate onto Route 2.)

3. Enhance gore area pavement marking treatments.

4. Evaluate the existing acceleration lane and upgrade to current standards as required.

Route 111 on-ramp and weaving segment

Page 14


Summary of Road Safety Audit Table 2 below summarizes the issues identified in the previous section and includes the potential safety payoff, approximate cost, a time frame for completion and the responsible agency.

Safety payoff estimates are subjective and may be based on the relative percent of crashes that may be reduced by the enhancement based on known and documented crash reduction factors, if available, or estimated crash reduction based on a stated source [for example, low (71%)]. The time frame is categorized as short-term (3 years). The costs are categorized as low ($50,001).

Page 15

Table 2. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary Safety Issue Potential Safety Enhancement Safety Payoff Time Frame Cost Responsible Agency

1. Route 2 Vehicle Speeds

Install reduced speed ahead signs, if appropriate and review all existing speed signs.

Medium Short-term Low MassDOT

Increase police enforcement of speed regulations. Medium Short-term Low Acton and State Police

Provide locations along the north side of Route 2 for police vehicles to park for enforcement.

Medium Medium-term High MassDOT

Educate court officials on the importance of regulating speed on Route 2.

Low Short-term Low Acton and State Police

Consider installing transverse rumble strips on westbound Route 2 to alert drivers approaching the intersection.

Medium Medium-term Medium MassDOT

Consider replacing signal control with a roundabout. Low Long-term High MassDOT

2. Intersection Geometry

Redesign and reconstruct the signalized intersection. Review intersection geometry and the ability to provide short dedicated left turn lanes on the center median roadway.

High Long-term High MassDOT

Prohibit all left turns at the intersection. In effect, close the opening in the Route 2 median island.

High Medium-term Medium MassDOT

Prohibit left turns from Route 2 onto Taylor Road/Piper Road. Low Medium-term Medium MassDOT

Safety Issue Potential Safety Enhancement Safety Payoff Time Frame Cost Responsible Agency

2. Intersection Geometry (cont.)

Prohibit left turns from Taylor Road. High Medium-term Medium MassDOT Grade-separate the intersection and provide a single point diamond interchange.


Provide fly over ramps to accommodate vehicles turning left from the minor street approaches onto Route 2.


3. Poor Sight Lines Remove trees in Route 2 median, west of intersection. Low Short-term Medium MassDOT

4. Traffic Signal Operations

Reconstruct the traffic control signal, including mounting all signals overhead on mast arms to improve visibility from all directions, video bicycle detection and possibly adaptive signal control technology.


Install back plates with yellow retroflective borders on signal heads facing Route 2.

High Short-term High MassDOT

Review and calculate proper signal clearance intervals. Medium Short-term Low MassDOT

Replace the existing permissive phasing for the Taylor Road and Piper Road approaches with split phasing.

High Short-term Medium MassDOT

Consider a No Turn on Red restriction for right turns for southbound Taylor Road.


Install street lighting. Medium Long-term High MassDOT/ Town of Acton


4. Traffic Signal Operations (cont.)

Consider dilemma zone detectors on Route 2 Medium Medium-term High MassDOT

Install optically programmable signal heads on the far side of the northbound and southbound approaches within the median roadway.


5. Intersection Signs and Pavement Markings

Review all signs in intersection for compliance with MUTCD. Remove superfluous signs.


Repair the wig-wag flashing beacon on the Route 2 westbound. Low Short-term Low MassDOT

Replace the wig-way flashing beacons with a variable message sign that indicates RED SIGNAL AHEAD.


Verify that the variable message sign on eastbound Route 2 is operational. Repair if necessary.

Low Short-term Low MassDOT

Reevaluate the location of the variable message sign. Conduct queuing analysis during peak hours and review stopping sight distance.

Medium Medium-term Low MassDOT

Move the detection zone for the variable message sign closer to the intersection so it is activated more frequently.

Low Short-term Low MassDOT

Replace the Variable Message Sign with one that indicates RED SIGNAL AHEAD.

Medium Short-term Medium MassDOT

Consider relocating/redesigning the green Exit 43 diagrammatic sign to a location possibly east of the intersection.



5. Intersection Signs and Pavement Markings (Cont.)

Relocate the Tourist Oriented Directional sign (Exit 43) so not to obstruct sight lines to the intersection.


Maintain Stop lines and pavement markings on all roadways. Low Short-term Low MassDOT

6. Pedestrian Facilities

Reconstruct the sidewalk and add accessible ramps. Medium Long-term High MassDOT

Install pedestrian advanced warning signs on Piper Road and on the Route 2 eastbound channelized right turn lane leading to the Piper Road crosswalk.

Medium Short-term Low MassDOT/ Town of Acton

Install RRFBs (Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons) to increase awareness of the crosswalk area.

Medium Medium-term Medium Town of Acton

Illuminate the crosswalk. Low Medium-term Medium Town of Acton

7. Bicycle Accommodations

Provide bicycle accommodation such as wider shoulders or dedicated bike lanes on the Taylor Road and Piper Road as well as video bicycle detection and bike route signs & pavement markings.

High Medium-term High MassDOT/ Town of Acton/

Check all catch basins grates to ensure they are oriented properly so not to trap bicycle tires.

High Short-term Low MassDOT/ Town of Acton/

8. Route 111 Junction

Illuminate the Route 111 merge area by restoring the existing overhead lighting fixtures

Medium Short-term Medium MassDOT

Enhance gore area pavement marking treatments. Low Medium-term Low MassDOT

Evaluate the existing acceleration lane and upgrade to current standards as required.

Medium Long-term Medium MassDOT

Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda

Road Safety Audit

For the Intersection of: Route 2/Piper Road/Taylor Road

Meeting Location: Acton Town Hall, Room 204 472 Main St., Acton, MA 01720

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 10:00 AM 12:15 PM

Type of meeting: High Crash Location Road Safety Audit

Attendees: Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team

Please bring: Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!

10:00 AM Welcome and Introductions

Meet at Town Hall

10:10 AM Review of Site Specific Material

Crash, Speed & Volume Summaries provided in advance

Existing Geometries and Conditions

10:40 AM Visit the Site (Weather permitting)

Drive to Intersection of Route 2/Piper Rd./Taylor Rd.(bring vest, hardhat, etc.)

Park at 45 Discovery Way

As a group, identify areas for improvement

11:30 AM Post Visit Discussion / Completion of RSA

Meet back at Town Hall

Discuss observations and finalize findings

Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations

12:15 PM Adjourn

Instructions for Participants:

Before attending the RSA, participants are encouraged to drive through the intersection and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List with a focus on safety.

All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participantsare encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the synergy that develops and respect for others opinions are key elements to thesuccess 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.

nancy.dohertyCross-out

Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List

Audit Team Member Agency/Affiliation E-mail Phone

Kevin Chiang MassDOT Safety [email protected] 978-368-9626

Alolade Campbell MassDOT District 3 Traffic [email protected] 508-929-3887

Chenyuan Wang Central Transportation Planning Staff [email protected] 857-702-3698

Michael Cook State Police Concord [email protected] 978-929-4100

Chris Prehl Town of Acton Police Department [email protected] 978-929-7530

James Cogan Town of Acton Police Department [email protected] 978-929-7518

Robert Hart Town of Acton Fire Department [email protected] 978-844-6721

Patrick Futterer Town of Acton Fire Department [email protected] 978-844-7042

Corey York Town of Acton Engineering Department [email protected] 978-929-7740

Robert Waite Town of Acton Highway Department [email protected] 978-929-7641

Kevin Farrell Town of Acton Highway Department [email protected] 978-621-9093

Nancy Doherty Tetra Tech [email protected] 508-903-2008

James Antonizick Tetra Tech [email protected] 978-903-2406

Appendix C. Detailed Traffic & Crash Data

40 _,11 1101 --+ 55 """l

T r 00-.:!'

M o.. ..... c.c

! ~ 1125 --+

60 """l T r in N

Q Q Q

~ ~ ~ 0:: 0:: 0:: 0:: 0:: 0:: 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

-.:!' ............ N C.C CON It) c.c ...........-.:!'en L 10 +- 1087 L 35 +- 1523 L 11 +- 2140

~58 J ! +- 1488 ~39 J ! +- 2129 ~40

62 _,11 1911 --+ T r2092 --+ 181 """l .......... 1156 --+

00 ..... C7lM -.:l'M ..... ..... N

Morning Peak Hour (7:45AM) Midday Peak Hour (2:00PM) Afternoon Peak Hour (4:00PM)

J !

N OM ..... It)

! ~

+- 1077

Road Safety Audit

Rte. 2/Rte. 111 &Taylor Rd./Piper Rd.[itITETRA TECH

0 Acton, Massachusetts One Grant Street Not To Scale Framingham, MA 01701-9005 508.903.2000 Existing 2014 Peak Hour www.tetratech.com

Acton 11 /19/2014 TMC Traffic Volumes

P:/4522114001 /Assign No 8 RSA Acton/SupportDocs/Graphics/Existing 2014 Peak Hour Traffic Volumes

http:www.tetratech.com

Acton, MA Massachusetts Avenue (Rt2/Rt 111) and Taylor Road/Piper Road

TIME PERIOD ANALYZED: 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2011

SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS: Acton Police Department

Massachusetts Avenue (Rt 2/Rt 111 Westbound)

Massachusetts Avenue (Rt 2/Rt 111 Eastbound) Pi

per R

oad

Taylo

r Roa

d

5

19

17 1014

15 2

28 314

16 29

30

12 23 24 27

208

9 26 1 18

7

25

39

3 35

11 36

13 21 38

37

22

33

6 34

32

Crash Data Summary Table Massachusetts Avenue(Route 2/Route 111) at Taylor Road/Piper Road, Acton, MA

January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011

Crash

No. Crash Date Crash Day Crash Time

Manner of

Collision

Ambient

Light

Weather

Condition

Road

Surface

Condition

Driver Contributing

Code

Age

(D1)

Age

(D2)

Age

(D3) Comments

1 20-Feb-2009 Friday 6:45 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Not Reported 28 31

Veh 1 slowed down due to solar glare and upcoming traffic light. Veh 2 rear-ended Veh 1.

2 30-Apr-2009 Thursday 9:25 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Not Reported Dry Not Reported 50 18

Veh 2 was looking down to the floor, did not notice the red light ahead and ran the red light when he hit Veh 1. Operator 2 cited for failure to stop at a red light.

3 20-May-2009 Wednesday 3:45 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Not Reported 29 29

Veh 1 slowed down and Veh 2 rear ended Veh 1. Operator 2 got a written warning for failure to use care in stopping.

4 23-Jun-2009 Tuesday 10:21 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Not Reported 22 28

Veh 1, traveling on Rte. 2 WB ran the red light hitting Veh 2, which was passing through the intersection. Operator 1 cited for failure to stop. Fatique may have been a contributing factor.

5 26-Aug-2009 Wednesday 2:06 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Not Reported 23 46

Veh 1, traveling WB on Rte. 2, was distracted and ran a red light hitting Veh 2. Operator 1 cited for failure to stop at a red light.

6 29-Aug-2009 Saturday 2:20 AM Single vehicle crash

Dark roadway not lighted Rain Wet Not Reported 20

Driver lost control and hit a tree . The operator was arrested and cited for DUI and marked lanes violation.

7 09-Oct-2009 Friday 6:32 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Not Reported 53 58

Veh 2 stopped abruptly when the light turned yellow. Veh 1 rear-ended Veh 2 and pushed Veh 2 150 ft. Operator 1 cited for following too close, failure to use care in stopping and speeds greater than reasonable.

8 29-Dec-2009 Tuesday 12:31 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry

Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings 20 Unknown

Veh 1, traveling WB on Rte. 2, ran a red light and hit Veh 2. Operator 1 was cited for failure to stop at a red light.

9 12-Jan-2010 Tuesday 11:44 PM Not reported

Dark roadway not lighted Clear Dry

Operating vehicle in erratic, reckless, careless, negligent or aggressive manner 20 49

Veh 1 was traveling EB on Rte. 2 at a high speed, lost control and hit the left guardrail 1st. Spinning out of control, Veh 1 then crashed into the right side guardrail. During the crash, parts of veh 1 struck a second vehicle.

10 22-Feb-2010 Monday 1:40 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry

Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings 56 75

Veh 1, traveling WB on Rte. 2, ran a red light and hit Veh 2. Operator 1 was cited for red light violation and no license in possession.

11 06-Mar-2010 Saturday 7:50 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry

Operating vehicle in erratic, reckless, careless, negligent or aggressive manner 36 45

Veh 1 stopped at the red light and Veh 2 rear-ended Veh 1. Operator 2 was cited for failure to use certain care in stopping.

12 11-May-2010 Tuesday 10:35 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry

Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings 24 Unknown 61

Veh 3 was stopped at the red light on Taylor Rd (SB). When the light turned green, he proceeded to cross the intersection when Veh 1, towing Veh 2 and traveling WB on Rt2, ran the red light. Veh 3 hit Veh 1 first, then spinning out and hitting Veh 2 after. Operator 1 was cited for failure to stop.

13 16-May-2010 Sunday 11:05 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 51 38

Veh 1 was traveling on Rte.2 WB at a high speed, failed to slow down or stop and rear-ended Veh 2. Operator 1 was cited for failure to use care in stopping, failure to stop for a red light, and warning for speed greater than reasonable.

14 18-Jun-2010 Friday 6:50 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry

Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings 54 Unknown

Veh 2 was travelling SB on Taylor Rd and was taking a right onto Rte. 2 WB when struck by Veh 1. Veh 1 rolled twice and then flipped over the guardrail, landing on the grassy median. Veh 1 says he didn't see the red light and was cited for failure to stop.

15 30-Jun-2010 Wednesday 1:35 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Not Reported Unknown Unknown


16 06-Jul-2010 Tuesday 11:10 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Not Reported Unknown Unknown

Veh 1, traveling WB on Rte. 2, ran the red light and struck Veh 2. Operator 1 was cited for running a red a light.

17 29-Jul-2010 Thursday 4:50 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention Unknown Unknown

Veh 2, traveling WB on Rte. 2, ran the red light and struck Veh 1. Operator 2 said he did not see the light and was not able to stop before striking Veh 1.



Crash


Manner of

Collision

Ambient

Light

Weather

Condition

Road

Surface

Condition

Driver Contributing

Code

Age

(D1)

Age

(D2)

Age

(D3) Comments

18 06-Aug-2010 Friday 5:05 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 59 50

Veh 2 slowed down to attempt to shift and Veh 1 was unable to stop in time and rear-ended Veh 2. Operator 1 received a written warning.

19 21-Sep-2010 Tuesday 8:56 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 40 62

Veh 2, traveling WB on Rte. 2, was crossing through the intersection with green light when Veh 1, travelling SB on Taylor Rd, attempted to turn right. Veh 2 was unable to take evasive action in time and struck Veh 1. Operator 1 was cited for failure to stop.

20 29-Sep-2010 Wednesday 9:10 AM Angle Daylight Clear/Clear Dry Inattention 50 Unknown

Veh 1 was traveling WB on Rte. 2 and was blinded by sun glare when the light was yellow. Veh 1 struck Veh 2 who was traveling SB on Taylor Rd with a green light.

21 10-Dec-2010 Friday 4:30 PM Rear-end Dusk Clear Dry Followed too closely 27 28 27

Veh 1 stops for traffic, Veh 2 fails to stop and rear-ends Veh 1. Then Veh 3 fails to stop and rear ends Veh 2, causing Veh 2 to rear-end Veh 1 again. Operator 2 was citated for following too closely and Veh 3 was citated for the same and for speeding.

22 26-Jan-2011 Wednesday 3:47 PM Rear-end Dusk Snow Wet Unknown Unknown Unknown

Vehicle 1 was stopped at Piper Rd at Rte. 2W, waiting for a gap to turn left. A vehicle from opposite direction signaled her to proceed. As Veh 1 proceeded to turn left, the opposite vehicle changed his mind and went. Veh 1 stopped abruptly and Veh 2 rear-ended Veh 1.

23 28-Jan-2011 Friday 1:50 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry



24 09-Feb-2011 Wednesday 7:40 AM Angle Daylight Clear/Clear Dry

Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings Unknown Unknown

Veh 2, traveling WB on Rte. 2, ran a red light and hit Veh 1. Operator 2 was cited for red light violation and failure to use care when stopping.

25 20-Feb-2011 Sunday 2:35 PM

Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 24 32

Veh 2 was traveling EB on Rte. 2 and Veh 1 was merging from Rte. 111. Veh 1 cut-off Veh 2. Veh 2 changed to the left lane erratically to avoid collision. Then Veh 2 passed Veh 1 from the left lane and then changed lanes again to the right lane and "break-checked" Veh 1. Veh 1 then changed lanes again to the left lane, tried to pass Veh 2 and swerved to the right and sideswiped Veh 2. Operator 1 was cited for failure to yield the right of way, unsafe passing, and fail to stay in marked lanes.

26 14-Mar-2011 Monday 8:58 AM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy/ Cloudy Dry Inattention Unknown Unknown Unknown

Veh 1 stops for traffic, Veh 2 also stops behind Veh 1. Veh 3 failed to stop and rear-ended Veh 2 causing Veh 2 to rear-end Veh 1. Operator 3 was cited for fail to use caution when stopping.

27 27-May-2011 Friday 9:26 PM Angle



Veh 2 traveling WB when Veh 1 traveling SB on Taylor Rd ran the red light. Operator 1 was cited for failure to stop at signal.

28 29-Jul-2011 Friday 10:55 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry


Veh 2 traveling NB on Piper Rd was crossing the intersection with Rte. 2 WB when Veh 1 traveling WB on Rte. 2 did not see the light and ran the red light striking Veh 2 on the side. Operator 1 was cited for red light violation and impeded operation.

29 18-Oct-2011 Tuesday 5:08 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry

Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings 38 58 54

Veh 1 traveling WB on Rte. 2 ran the red light at the intersection with Taylor Rd and struck Veh 2 who was crossing the intersection, traveling SB. Then Veh 2 spun around striking Veh 3, traveling NB, on the driver's side.

30 11-Nov-2011 Friday 5:10 PM Angle


Made an improper turn 34 46

Veh 2, traveling NB on Piper Rd attempted to make a left turn onto Rte. 2W and struck Veh 1 who was traveling SB on Taylor Rd.

31 19-Nov-2011 Saturday 7:46 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry


Veh 2 was traveling NB on Piper Rd when Veh 1, traveling WB on Rte. 2, ran the red light and struck Veh 2. Operator 1 was cited for fail to stop at a red light.

32 25-Nov-2011 Friday 11:35 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 41 73

Vehicles 1, 2, and 3 were traveling WB on Rte. 2 approaching the intersection with Taylor Rd. Veh 3 stopped. Veh 1 stopped behind Veh 3. Veh 2 failed to stop rear-ending Veh 1 causing Veh 1 to rear-end Veh 3 as well.

33 04-Dec-2011 Sunday 7:15 PM Single vehicle crash

Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry

Failure to keep in proper lane or run-off the road 25

Veh 1 was traveling EB on Rte. 2 approaching the intersection of Piper Rd when it ran off the road onto the grassy median and hitting and destroying: a warning sign, a one-way sign, a DO NOT ENTER sign, and the traffic signal pole. The operator was cited for marked lanes violation and speeding.

34 26-Dec-2011 Monday 6:00 AM Single vehicle crash

Dark roadway not lighted Clear Dry Fatigued / Asleep 49

A vehicle was traveling WB on Rte. 2 when it suddenly swerved to the right, running off the road and hitting a tree. Operator says he does not know what heppened.



Crash


Manner of

Collision

Ambient

Light

Weather

Condition

Road

Surface

Condition

Driver Contributing

Code

Age

(D1)

Age

(D2)

Age

(D3) Comments

35 13-Jan-2009 Tuesday 11:12 PM Rear-end

Dark roadway not lighted Clear Wet Inattention Unknown Unknown

Vehs 1 and 2 were traveling WB on Rt 2, near Taylor Rd. Operator 1 got distracted and rear-ended Veh 2.

36 09-Aug-2010 Monday 5:15 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 25 55 21

Vehs 1, 2, and 3 were traveling WB on Rte. 2. Vehs 1 and 2 stopped for the traffic light. Veh 3 failed to stop rear-ending Veh 2, who then rear-ended Veh 1. Operator 3 received a verbal warning for failure to use care in stopping.

37 06-Dec-2010 Monday 6:36 PM Rear-end

Dark roadway not lighted Clear Dry Followed too closely 62 22 51

Vehs 1, 2, and 3 were traveling WB on Rte. 2. Vehs 2 and 3 stopped for the traffic light. Veh 1 failed to stop rear-ending Veh 2, who then rear-ended Veh 3. Operator 1 was cited for failure to use care in stopping.

38 19-Aug-2011 Friday 5:40 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 54 28

Vehs 1 and 2 were traveling WB on Rte. 2, near Taylor Rd. Operator 2 did not stop in time and rear-ended Veh 1.

39 10-Sep-2011 Saturday 10:20 AM Rear-end Daylight Not Reported Dry Unknown Unknown

Vehs 1 and 2 were traveling SB on Piper Road, past Route 2, by a T intersection. Veh 1 rear-ended Veh 2.

Source: Acton Police Department Reports provided by MassDOT

Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts

Massachusetts Avenue (Rt. 2/Rt. 111) at Piper Road / Taylor Road

CRASH MONTH

13% 14% 13%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

10% 10% 10%

8% 8% 8% 8%

5% 5%

2%

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

21%

13% 15%

10% 8%

5%

CRASH DAY OF THE WEEK

28%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30%

Sunday

15% 15%

10% 10%

8% 8% 8%

5%

0%

3%

0%

CRASH TIME OF DAY

20% 18%

15%

10%

5%

0% 6AM- 8AM- 10AM- 12PM- 2PM- 4PM- 6PM- 8PM- 10PM- 12AM8AM 10AM 12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM 8PM 10PM 12AM 2AM

2AM- 4AM4AM 6AM

38%

7% 3% 3% 3%

CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION

46%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

50%

Angle Single Vehicle Rear-end Head-on Sideswipe Not Reported Crash

Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts

Massachusetts Avenue (Rt. 2/Rt. 111) at Piper Road / Taylor Road

CRASH LIGHT CONDITION 67% 70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% Daylight Dusk Dark - Dark

Lighted Not Lighted Roadway Roadway

18%

5% 10%

CRASH WEATHER CONDITION

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

82%

7% 5% 3% 3%

Clear Cloudy Rain Snow Not Reported

CRASH ROAD SURFACE

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

87%

13%

Dry Wet

CRASH DRIVER AGES

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

26%

21%

13% 15%

10% 8%

5% 2%

0%

15-20 21-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ Unknown

Appendix D. Road Safety Audit References

Road Safety Audit References

Massachusetts Traffic Safety Toolbox, Massachusetts Highway Department, www.mhd.state.ma.us/safetytoolbox.

Road Safety Audits, A Synthesis of Highway Practice. NCHRP Synthesis 336. Transportation Research Board, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, 2004.

Road Safety Audits. Institute of Transportation Engineers and U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, www.roadwaysafetyaudits.org.

FHWA Road Safety Audit Guidelines. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 2006.

Road Safety Audit, 2nd edition. Austroads, 2000.

Road Safety Audits. ITE Technical Council Committee 4S-7. Institute of Transportation Engineers, February 1995.

FHWA Signalized Intersections: Informational Guide. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, publication FHWA-HRT-04-091, 2004.

Manual on UniformTraffic Control Devices (MUTCD), U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 2009.

http:www.roadwaysafetyaudits.orgwww.mhd.state.ma.us/safetytoolbox

FINAL RSA Report 03.30.2015Structure BookmarksTable of Contents

Appendix A RSA Meeting AgendaAppendix B RSA Audit Team Contact ListAppendix C Detailed Traffic & Crash DataAppendix D Road Safety Audit References

Documents

Road Safety Audit - Welcome to MassDOT · ROAD SAFETY AUDIT . Route 2/Taylor Road/Piper Road . Town of Acton . March 4, 2015 . Prepared For: Massachusetts Department of Transportation