Committee approves heavy vehicle exclusion for Lincoln and Pleasant Streets

The Traffic Safety Committee of Northborough, Massachusetts convened on April 8, 2025, to address key issues regarding traffic safety in the town. The meeting focused on several agenda items, including a proposed heavy vehicle exclusion on Lincoln and Pleasant Streets.

The session began with a discussion about reaching out to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) regarding their timeline for a municipal bridge program. Committee members acknowledged the uncertainty of receiving a response but agreed it was worth inquiring.

The primary focus of the meeting was the recommendation from the consulting firm Weston and Sampson to implement a heavy vehicle exclusion on Lincoln and Pleasant Streets. This recommendation was based on previous assessments indicating that both roadways are eligible for such an exclusion, particularly due to the presence of two schools along the route.

Committee members debated whether to vote on the recommendation immediately or postpone it to allow for further review of the documentation. After discussing the importance of the exclusion for the safety of local residents and schoolchildren, a motion was made to recommend the heavy vehicle exclusion to the select board. The motion received unanimous support from all committee members present.

Following the vote, the committee chair offered to assist in presenting the recommendation to the select board, ensuring that the proposal would be communicated effectively.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments. One resident, Lisa Miceli, expressed gratitude for the committee's efforts and acknowledged the hard work put into improving traffic safety in the community.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing traffic safety measures in Northborough, particularly in areas with significant pedestrian activity. The next steps will involve presenting the heavy vehicle exclusion recommendation to the select board for further action.