Traffic and Sidewalk Committee picks Viles Street crossing option for refinement

WESTON -- January 31, 2024, Weston advances Viles Street crosswalk redesign and lands long-sought DCR meeting on Norumbega Road. The Traffic and Sidewalk Committee on Jan. 31 reviewed three VHB-designed alternatives for the Route 117 at Viles Street pedestrian crossing, where a pedestrian was struck roughly two years ago. Town Engineer Jason LaVoy favored a perpendicular crossing on the east side of the intersection but the committee asked VHB to refine it to avoid removing trees, a mailbox and landing at a resident's stone steps, and to evaluate a rectangular rapid flashing beacon. Capt. Michael Kelly said he did not expect more collisions under the new layout, calling enhanced lighting a question worth answering. Separately, LaVoy reported MassDOT has accepted the Wellesley Street sidewalk extension into the Route 20 TIP project and likely moved construction from FY 2026 to FY 2025. Recreation Coordinator Lauren Bens said a Feb. 26 meeting with DCR, sought for "a year and a half", will cover Norumbega Road parking, sidewalk access and a possible one-way conversion.