9/13/2010
Subject: Re: traffic problem

Dear Mayor Warren,

I am writing to you to ask if a certain traffic situation can be studied and possibly modified. I first approached the traffic department about two years and even completed a city “form" explaining the situation in detail. I never heard back nor has anything further been done. My esteemed alderman, Scott Lennon, even made contact within the traffic department on my behalf. It pertains to the Newton Corner rotary. In particular, it relates to the exit ramp east bound on the Mass. Turnpike in the evening. Several years ago when Centre Street was being worked on, the traffic light cycle at Church and Centre Streets was modified. Unfortunately, it has had a big impact on cars heading east on the Turnpike during evening rush hour.

Now, traffic coming over the bridge on the rotary around Crowne Plaza toward Centre Street (coming from the Watertown side of the Turnpike toward Newton Centre) is stopped and blocks cars coming off the ramp of the Turnpike. As a result, the Turnpike eastbound backs up for several miles, often to Route 128. It makes for a long ride inbound on the Turnpike as a result. I have been "stuck in traffic" for up to 40 minutes to go the four miles from Route
128 to Newton Corner. In addition, the Turnpike becomes more dangerous as many cars try to "sneak in" to the queue and, therefore, blocking more lanes on the Turnpike. I realize the volume of traffic around the rotary is a difficult situation. But certain things could be done to minimize the impact. I addressed those in the city document two years ago and would be willing to discuss them again. They include…

- changing the light cycle at Church and Centre traffic light during rush hour to push more traffic. The green light cycle should extend further for Centre Street traffic. It may make Church Street traffic wait one light cycle, however, they would have a 2-3 minute wait versus up to a 40 minute wait for Turnpike traffic. Making the light cycle longer only during evening rush hour (5pm-7pm) should help greatly. - change the left turn signal for north bound Centre traffic to a lesser time. It lasts up to 13 seconds which is too long given only three cars can line up in the left turn lane. At most, six seconds is needed.

- have an officer control the light cycle (this was done at one time many years ago). I realize with staffing and budgets, this is probably not plausible but perhaps during heavy rush hour periods if observed by the police.
- have an officer direct traffic off the turnpike ...an officer is placed at this location during BC football games to assist cars exiting the Turnpike. Again, probably would not feasible every night but if police observe the traffic backing up then they would perform this duty as needed.
- control the pedestrian lights around the entire rotary
- allow right on red for Church Street traffic or change the lane designations for Church Street

Based on the length of this email, you can sense I have a great amount of frustration about this issue. I am sure many other Newton residents who travel the Turnpike share the same frustration. Being a Newton Corner resident for 14 years, I deal with this problem constantly and I know the current system can be improved. I am hoping you can assist in some way.

Please feel free to contact me.

Respectfully,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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6/3/2012

Subject: Re: traffic problem

Dear Mayor Warren,
I am sending the email I sent almost two years ago to urge some type of action for a problem that has existed for several years. It pertains to traffic issues at the Newton Corner rotary. Details are in my previous email. 

This past Friday, what should take no more than 10 minutes took almost 30 minutes to go eastbound from Route 128 to the Newton Corner exit. Though this extreme delay doesn't happen every day, it occurs enough to frustrate the hundreds of turnpike drivers who must deal quite too often.

You had forwarded the original email to your chief of staff requesting further review. In addition, it has been four years since I first approached the traffic engineering department by completing a form asking for a review. Sadly, nothing has been done. You ask for suggestions on your web page, yet results have lacked on this issue.

I would be happy to meet with someone to further discuss this issue and possible ideas.

Sincerely,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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5/20/2014

Subject: Re: traffic problem

Good evening Mayor Warren,
I wanted to follow up on emails/inquiries first sent almost four years ago (see below) In pertains the rotary traffic in Newton Corner, especially during rush hour exiting from the ramp eastbound. Last week, I encountered yet another delay and often deal with this situation. I also hear the traffic report on the radio and it states the traffic is backed up from 128 to exit 17 eastbound. (4 miles). You had previously forwarded my email to your former chief of staff. He did reach out to me but no solution was forthcoming.

It is unfortunate that action has not been taken. The city has the means to remedy such problems. I look at the road work performed on Route 9 in front of Wegmans/Chestnut Hill Mall and the changes in the traffic patttern. I question why such a solution can't happen in Newton Corner. It is easy to become cynical because of inaction. I hope that this issue will become a priority soon.

Respectfully,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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11/4/20
Subject: Re: traffic problem

Good afternoon Mayor Warren,

I read recently in the Newton Tab that the city is spending several million dollars to upgrade traffic lights to improve traffic flow throughout Newton. I do hope that finally a solution to Newton Corner (Mass Turnpike/Centre Street/ Church Street) PM rush hour backup will be determined. I first addressed this issue over five years ago by submitting a form with the transportation department. I have followed up with you starting in September 2010. Instead of me reviewing the problem again, I let you review my previous emails.

I have more than willing to meet with whomever on the site to discuss this further but no one has taken me up on it. I do hope that is a high priority in the 2015 traffic mediation program.

Sincerely,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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4/3/18
Subject: Re: traffic problem

Dear Mayor Fuller,

First, I wish to congratulate you on your election and wish you success in your new position. I am writing about the Newton Corner traffic issue outlined below. I first wrote to Mayor Warren in 2010 and periodically followed up with very little reply from the Mayor's office. I believe I received one call from the Chief of Staff and there was a brief conversation.

Selectman Lennon did contact me several times but indicated there wasn't much in terms of plans to change anything. Unfortunately, this problem is only getting worse, even on weekends. You can look on any traffic website now during the evening rush hour and see the Turnpike traffic eastbound backed up to Route 128 (a 40 minute ride sometimes). In addition, newer problems on north side of the rotary (Centre and Pearl Streets) are now a big inconvenience.

It has been almost eight years with no attempt to fix a safety and quality of life issue. As mentioned below, I have been very open to meeting someone to talk further about the issue and work on solutions. I hope you will take the initiative to do something. I would welcome an opportunity to speak with you.
Sincerely,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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4/4/2018
Subject: Re: traffic problem

Hi X,
Thank you so much for writing to the Mayor regarding your concerns about the safety of roads in Newton Corner.
I am forwarding your email to David Koses and Jason Sobel who head up traffic and transportation improvements in Newton.

Very respectfully,
“Y”, Executive Aide

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4/17/2018
Subject: Re: traffic problem

Hello “Y”,

Should I expect a call from either David or Jason?

“X” Newton Corner resident

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4/26/2018
Subject: Re: traffic problem

Dear “Y”,
It is disappointing and frustrating for me not to hear from anyone regarding my recent emails. Especially, since I first approached this topic in 2008 when I completed a city form requesting review. As traffic becomes worse because of more cars present on the road, no effort for a remedy by the city is evident.

I have offered multiple times to meet with someone to discuss this situation with no response. What will it take for someone to take action? I can see why people can become cynical about the government that is supposed to work for them.

I have copied City Council President Laredo along with Councilors Greenberg, Leary and Ciccone for any input they may offer.

Sincerely,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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4/26/2018
Subject: Re: traffic problem

Dear ”Y”,

To highlight the issue, I have copied and pasted the traffic report for the Mass Turnpike from Newton Corner to Route 128 (4 miles.)

You will see the east bound traffic is a solid red line (stop and go traffic) while the west bound traffic has a slow area (orange) near Newton Corner and red as cars approach Route 128. You would expect it to be the opposite as commuters are heading westbound out of Boston.

“X” Newton Corner resident

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4/27/18
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

“X”
I have read through your comments, and appreciate the input regarding operations at Newton Corner. Preliminary design funding for improvements to Newton Corner has been set aside in the city’s FY2022 budget. Larger-scale improvements including signal infrastructure replacement and road geometry changes will be reviewed as a part of that activity.

In the meantime, there may be small adjustments that can be made to address some of the deficiencies you noted. We can review the signal timing at the Centre/Church intersection, and adjust as appropriate to better accommodate Centre Street vehicle volumes during AM and PM peak periods. Additionally we can review the treatment at the end of the eastbound ramp. Currently this is stop-controlled, which is required given the existing lane configuration. 

This effort would need to be in coordination with MassDOT as they maintain jurisdiction of the ramp.

“Z” Deputy Director

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5/7/2018
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

“X”
After an observation period last week, I had the opportunity today to make adjustments to the timing for the signal at Church/Centre. The northbound Centre left, and Church Street phases have been shortened. More time has been allocated to Centre Street. Additionally time-of-day plans were installed in attempts to accommodate greater vehicle volumes during AM and PM peak times. Additional observations will be required in the coming weeks to determine the effect of the changes.

Per our conversation last week, I have also requested the yield sign at Washington Street/ Thornton Street be replaced.

It will take some time to address the other items you pointed out during our meeting but I believe the signal at Church/Centre was the item paramount on the list.

Regards,
“Z” Deputy Directorg

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5/18/2018
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

Good morning “Z”,

I recently met with Council President Laredo to discuss the traffic issues and spoke of your quick responsiveness and plan of action.
You mentioned during our site meeting about having to work with the MA DOT (or other departments) to look at the issue of the Turnpike ramps (on both sides of the rotary). As indicated before, I would be happy to collaborate with you to further evaluate possible actions. I think we should engage Senator Creem and Representative Khan to help facilitate a solution.

The state completed work on Route 128 southbound at Trapelo Road in Waltham. They expanded the exit ramp by allowing two cars to be side by side on the exit ramp and extended the ramp onto Route 128. Even the westbound side of the exit 17 ramp at Newton Corner offers two lanes of traffic as you approach the Washington Street/ Centre Street intersection. I can see these as examples of possible solutions.

Sincerely,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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5/21/2018
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

“X”
Thank you for the feedback. The city’s Transportation Division will develop conceptual signage and striping plans internally before approaching the state. These will take some time to develop, but will target coordination with MassDOT this summer.
Regards,
“Z

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4/16/2019
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

Hello “Z”
I wanted to follow up to see what is happening with the east side of the turnpike/bridge painting work as discussed last spring.

1. I asked about having "do not block intersection" signage and the large X in the intersection so people coming
over the turnpike bridge heading toward Watertown do not block the drivers coming off the turnpike westbound.
2. I suggested making 2 lanes at the light for drivers wanting to get on the turnpike westboud from Watertown (just at the curve past Jefferson Street). Some people form 2 lanes anyway so why not make it official.
3. Look at the light sequence as Pearl and Galen...it still backs up so people on Pearl wanting to turn right to get on the turnpike don't have room because cars on Galen (from Watertown) block the intersection.

On the west side of the hotel, you did modify the light sequence at Church Street so cars don't back up all the way back to the turnpike exit (east bound). It has helped but still it backs up and even earlier...at least twice in the last 10 days the traffic back up 1/4 mile on the turnpike eastbound before 3:30. I would like to see the light sequence improve more during the afternoon commute.
I can talk with you further about these on the phone or meet again. Spending 30 minutes on site as we did last year will show the problems and simple solutions. Given it has been almost a year and about eight years since I first brought concerns, I do hope clear action is to begin soon.

Sincerely,
“X” Newton Corner resident

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4/25/2019
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

Dear “Z”,

I am following up my email from last week in regards to the status of any work to be performed brought up last year. In addition, I attached a picture of the traffic from Google maps at 5:25pm. As often is the case, the east bound traffic backs up from exit 17 to at least Route 128 (over 4 mile backup in "red"). It is worse going east bound than west bound.

“X” Newton Corner resident

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5/8/2019
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

Hello Mr.”X”,
I’d like to give you an update on where things stand. Over the past year, the City has engaged in a discussion with MassDOT regarding Newton Corner, and as a result, MassDOT has initiated a project to address traffic and safety concerns at Newton Corner.

MassDOT has committed to fund both the evaluation and design of this project, and our current understanding is that this will be a TIP funded project for construction (state and/or federal money). The MassDOT project includes construction of improvements to roadway and intersection geometry, and replacement of the traffic signal equipment (with better signal coordination). As the state has made a significant commitment to this area, I am hesitant to make changes to the traffic signal timing or changes in lane configuration that could potentially have ripple effects and unintended consequences elsewhere on the roadway network with Newton Corner. That said, we can schedule additional of “do no block” the intersection striping and signage this summer, as that could have some minor safety and operational improvements without potential unintended consequences.
Thanks,
“A” Director

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5/9/2019
Subject: Re: traffic problem Newton Corner

Thanks so much for the update, “A”. That’s good news.
Has the state given the city a time table?re there preliminary designs or plans?
And will there be public hearings about this?

City Councilor Ward 1gg
COVID