During a recent government meeting, officials confirmed plans to conduct traffic counts in October, a crucial step in advancing the second phase of improvements to Clark Road. These enhancements will include the widening of the road, the addition of left turn lanes, and full signalization at the intersection of Mainstone Landmark Drive and Clark Road. Notably, the project will also implement a fully controlled pedestrian crossing, replacing the current flashing device.

The decision to conduct traffic counts in October is rooted in historical consultations with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Old Colony Planning Council, which took place 25 years ago. This timing is particularly significant as it accounts for school traffic patterns, not only from Pine Hill School but also from other educational institutions along Clark Road and Beaver Dam Road, which serve students heading to middle and high schools.

To ensure accuracy, the traffic counts will be adjusted for seasonal fluctuations. MassDOT has a counting device on Route 3 that monitors traffic year-round, allowing the traffic engineering firm Vanessa Associates to make necessary adjustments based on discrepancies between fall and summer traffic patterns. Officials noted that while skepticism exists regarding seasonal variations, past data has shown minimal discrepancies between traffic counts on Route 3 and those on Clark Road.

The upcoming traffic counts are a pivotal part of the planning process, and officials are optimistic that they will support the case for the proposed improvements to Clark Road.