The Newton Traffic Issue

By Kimberly Reiss

NEWTON –Rush hour in Newton can be a nightmare.  Now town officials are trying to relieve the stress.

 

“We have been discussing different measures to take for each street,” said Clint Shuckel, traffic engineer.  “We really want to try and calm the traffic for the citizens of Newton.”

They city officials plan to introduce curb extensions, sidewalks, signal improvements, and in some streets raised crosswalks. 

They also are considering adding traffic lights at certain problematic intersections. 

At the intersection of Lowell Avenue, Crafts Street, and Watertown Street there have been many crashes over the years.  City officials have been discussion what should be done.

“It is a problem,” said David Koss, transportation planner.  “What we need there is something with a little more long range.  It’s just a crazy street and a crazy intersection.”  

Newton’s new Comprehensive City Plan explains Newton’s traffic problems.

According to the comprehensive plan, auto registration in the past five years in Newton has grown about 14 percent, while population grew only 1.5 percent.  By 2000, three-quarters of our households already had two or more cars available to them, and only 7 percent had none.”

At the February 28th traffic council meeting, neighbors argued about whether the traffic light should be removed at Wolcott and Lexington streets.  Neighbors like Ken Goldberg think the traffic light should be removed.  Others, like Judy O’Neil are opposed to that plan, she worried that removing the light will make it difficult to get out of her driveway.

“The traffic light was originally supposed to be placed a block away at the Auburndale Avenue. Intersection,” Alderman Jay Harney said.  “But at the last minute the light was moved to Wolcott St.  I think the light would serve citizens better at Auburndale.” 

Moving a traffic light will cost the city an estimated $50,000.  A completely new signal will cost $150,000.  

“We want to try and bring this problem under control,” Schuckel said, “and most of all make Newton a better and more efficient place for its citizens.”