Plymouth officials unveil North Plymouth traffic study and mobility recommendations

The Plymouth Select Board convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss the findings of the Plymouth Center and North Plymouth Circulation and Mobility Study, presented by Nicole Rogers from GPI, the town's traffic consultant. The study, initiated by Precinct 3 and funded by a Town Meeting article approved in May 2023, aimed to address growing traffic concerns in the area, which has seen significant population and employment growth over the past decade.

Rogers outlined the study's objectives, which included analyzing existing traffic conditions, gathering community input, and identifying needs and opportunities for improvement. The study area encompasses North Plymouth and Plymouth Center, bounded by Aubrey Street to the south and Route 3 to the west. Key issues identified included speeding, pedestrian safety, and traffic flow, with speeding being a primary concern leading to safety hazards and property damage.

The study revealed that speeding-related collisions in Plymouth were nearly double the statewide average, prompting the need for immediate action. Over 60 potential projects were identified to enhance safety and mobility, including recommendations for speed management measures, improved pedestrian crossings, and better bike infrastructure.

Rogers emphasized the importance of community feedback, which was collected through public meetings and an online survey that garnered 225 responses. The survey highlighted speeding as the top concern, followed by road safety and unsafe pedestrian crossings.

The presentation concluded with a discussion of prioritized projects, including the implementation of a town-wide 25 mph speed limit in densely populated areas, which was met with support from board members. Other immediate actions discussed included improvements on Birch Avenue, Fremont Street, and Nelson Street, which could be executed with minimal cost.

Select Board members expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the study and the actionable recommendations it provided. They acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluation of traffic conditions and the importance of timely implementation of the proposed measures to enhance safety and mobility in Plymouth. The board plans to revisit the recommendations and prioritize projects for immediate action in the coming months.