The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee met to discuss various safety issues. The first to speak was Police Chief Dennis King, who gave an update on the new markings and signs that will be installed at the Village and Glover schools.
“It’s good to report that we were able to complete the Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines grant by the June 30 deadline,” King said.
Marblehead was given a $10,000 grant by the state Department of Transportation to improve signage and markings on Village and Maple streets.
Next, Chair Gary Hebert and King discussed Beach Street safety concerns.
The Beach Street evaluation is a process that the town has taken to improve areas of Beach Street, King said.
The committee is looking at resident input, designs, sidewalks, and markings to determine improvements. The speed limit is currently set at 25 mph and a speed-feedback sign has been put in place. The committee surveyed the road over July 4 weekend.
“Volume of cars is up, but speed is down,” Hebert said.
“Speed-feedback signs are very effective. The data supports speeds are down,” King added.
The committee voted to take no further action with regard to Beach Street at this time.
Finally, the committee reviewed mid-year townwide crash data. The evidence showed that most crashes happen at Pleasant Street and Smith and Baldwin streets, as well as at Atlantic Avenue.
“From January to June 8, there have been 76 crashes, eight involving personal injuries,” Hebert said.
On the whole, the town’s crash data appeared to be favorable compared to towns with similar traffic volume and size.
It was also announced that there will be an open meeting at Abbot Hall on Tuesday, July 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to learn about and discuss bike plans. A consultant will be on hand and maps will be provided, as well as a survey. The committee is looking for resident feedback. Residents can find the survey online at marblehead.org
