Weston committee weighs signals and roundabout for dangerous Route 20 crossing

WESTON — November 16, 2022 — Weston's Traffic and Sidewalk Committee reviewed three redesign options for the crash-prone Route 20 and Highland Street intersection, where consulting firm VHB documented 59 collisions between 2015 and 2017. VHB engineer Laura presented findings showing that 17 percent of those crashes involved personal injury, with the most dangerous movements concentrated on westbound Boston Post Road and the Highland Street crossings of Route 20 in both directions. A two-signal configuration — with equipment at both the Highland Street and Boston Post Road approaches operating as a coordinated single signal — was identified as the option with the best safety benefit, though committee Chair Jay Doyle said a preference for "simple and effective" solutions and concern about community acceptance of two physical signal installations should shape the next submission. The project is currently targeted for TIP funding in 2028 or 2029. Highland Meadows resident Bruce Pastor urged an immediate low-cost interim fix, saying, "There may be a shortcut if you can just do something quick and simple." New member Linda Nelson, a cyclist and daily walker on the corridor, pressed for explicit pedestrian and bicycle accommodations under any option that closes the north leg of Highland Street.