Planning Board to Conduct Town-Wide Traffic Study

The met to discuss a new traffic study.

Elements of this study will be used in addressing zoning and transportation issues within the town center.

Other have already identified a steady increase in traffic volumes along the major north to south arteries throughout town and east to west crosstown routes. Members noted a number of locations where they have seen increased congestion and safety risks.

“The intent of this study is to assess current and projected travel demands and traffic patterns at three scales: regional (through traffic); town-wide (major traffic corridors); and town center,” said Planning Board member, Lance Grenzeback.

Planning Board Chairman, Drew Bottaro, expressed his concern with the increase in traffic around Winchester.

"Estimates that p.m. peak period travel in Winchester will increase from about 66,000 vehicle-miles of travel in 2007 to 85,000 vehicle miles of travel in 2030,” Bottaro said. "This number was 30 percent higher in just a few years. It's very important we recognize how vital this is moving forward.”

The new study will examine four major issues:

• Regional traffic demand and significant issues for current (2010) and projected (2020-2030) years. A number of developments in Winchester, such as the Winchester Hospital Expansion at 620 Washington Street, residential developments and commuter rail renovations, as well as those outside the boundaries of the town (the Route 93/95/128 interchange, Green Line Extension, etc.) would likely increase traffic volumes.

• Examining and assessing the major traffic corridors, such as Cambridge Street, Main Street, Washington Street, within Winchester for capacity, level of service, operations, safety, and neighborhood impact in order to recommend how to manage traffic and “calm” traffic, as well as how to balance the needs of everyone (pedestrian, bicyclist, motorist) who uses the road.

• Examining and assessing the traffic flow within the town center for capacity, level of service, operations, safety, and business impacts in light of the town's other major downtown area parking studies.

• Public meetings, a presentation and report to sum up and properly instruct the town and Board on the correct recommendations.

A motion was passed to move forward with the proposal draft requirements to applicable town offices for review and comment.

The completion of this study would result in the development of the master plan chapter for circulation and transportation, which would include analysis of data including, examination of capacity, level of service, operations, safety and traffic calming measures, and result in recommendations and actions that would better address projected increases in vehicle trips within the next 20 years.