The Town of Needham held a community discussion on December 16, 2024, focusing on the design and safety concerns surrounding Marked Tree Road. Residents expressed significant worries about speeding and heavy truck traffic, which they believe pose risks to pedestrians, especially children.

During the meeting, community members reported observing vehicles traveling at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour on Marked Tree Road. They urged the town to consider implementing physical measures such as speed bumps and raised intersections to enhance safety. One resident highlighted the need for these changes, noting the presence of young children in the area and the inadequacy of existing traffic calming measures.

Concerns were also raised about the impact of heavy trucks using Marked Tree Road as a shortcut. A resident recounted efforts made in 2019 to petition against truck traffic, citing a previous traffic study that concluded there was insufficient truck usage to warrant restrictions. However, residents argued that the road's infrastructure is not designed to handle the weight of large vehicles, leading to further deterioration.

The discussion included calls for improved traffic management at critical intersections, particularly at the junction of Central Avenue and Great Plains. Residents pointed out that the lack of a left turn from Great Plains onto Central Avenue forces trucks onto Marked Tree Road, exacerbating safety issues. Suggestions included the installation of stop signs and traffic lights to improve visibility and reduce speed.

Town officials acknowledged the community's concerns and indicated that they are in the process of designing improvements for the Central Avenue and Great Plains intersection, with plans to evaluate traffic patterns and safety measures on Marked Tree Road. The town's capital request for fiscal year 2027 includes funding for these projects, which aim to address the pressing safety issues raised by residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's desire for immediate action to enhance road safety and manage traffic effectively on Marked Tree Road, reflecting a broader concern for pedestrian safety and infrastructure integrity in Needham.