Traffic committee launches Highland-Route 20 alternatives study with VHB

WESTON — April 13, 2022 — Weston Traffic and Sidewalk Committee advances Highland-Route 20 study and pushes pedestrian fixes at Route 117. Chair Jay Doyle confirmed at the April 13 meeting that DPW received the signed consultant agreement for VHB to perform an alternatives analysis of the Highland Street and Route 20 intersection, with a May Town Meeting warrant article to follow seeking design funds. Merriam Street resident Bill Fitzsimmons told members an informal survey by his wife found 11 of 12 drivers cutting through painted hatched areas at the rebuilt Route 117 intersection — "from a biker pedestrian point of view, it's become a very dangerous place" — and the committee agreed to revisit options with original designer Howard Stein Hudson. Lt. Kelly reported that Wellesley Street and Meadowbrook Road has become one of Weston's top crash locations over roughly three years. Members voted 3-0, with Olga Shulman abstaining, to approve March minutes, and skipped May for a June 1 next meeting because of Town Meeting conflicts.