Why is this project happening?
Residents of the Greenlodge Street area submitted a Traffic Calming Request form to the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) in December 2020 who completed a traffic study to analyze speeds and volume, as authorized by the Select Board. This project is the result of TAC recommendations and has been funded via Town Meeting vote (Spring 2022 Annual Town Meeting) and through State grants.
How are residents in the area of the project being notified of this work? What about those who are directly impacted by the roadway improvements and new sidewalks?
Town staff hand delivered letters to direct abutters along Greenlodge Street within the project limits in May 2023 prior to the start of the work to provide advance notice of the mobilization of equipment, project details, and to provide an anticipated schedule of work. The letter also included a URL to view the project plans on the Engineering Department website.
Upon completion, what will this area look like?
Upon completion, a new 5-foot wide asphalt sidewalk with granite curbing will be installed on the easterly side of Greenlodge Street, from Sprague Street to Briarwood Lane. This sidewalk will include new concrete access ramps at each side street intersection. Additional improvements to the existing intersections and crosswalks are summarized below:
Intersections
The existing intersection at Greenlodge Street and Colwell Drive (north) will be adjusted to create a proper T-intersection, improving safety for all road users and to mitigate current speeds. The existing intersection at Greenlodge Street and Fox Meadow Lane will also be adjusted in an attempt to slow motorists down trying to take a right turn off of Greenlodge Street and onto Fox Meadow Lane.
Crosswalks
The two existing crosswalks that run across Greenlodge Street at Colwell Drive (north) and at Smith Circle will be removed due to poor sight distance for pedestrians trying to cross the road at these locations. A new crosswalk will be installed directly in front of the Greenlodge School that will provide improved sight distance and will include a pair of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) that can be activated with the push of the button to alert motorists that a pedestrian would like to cross the street. A sample photo of a crosswalk with a RRFB is inserted below:
Caption: Stock photo of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at a crosswalk from FHWA
When will this project end?
The anticipated completion date for this project is early September 2023, around the time school starts.
How were the project limits determined and why does the project not include the rest of Greenlodge Street?
The Town was only able to secure a limited budget for this project and prioritized the most important section. The Town will continue to identify other sources of funding to potentially finish the sidewalk along the easterly side of Greenlodge in the future.
I am concerned that because Greenlodge Street will be made narrower in an effort to discourage speeding and improve safety, parents/guardians will not be able to drop off/pick up their kids as they currently do. Will parents/guardians still have the ability to drop off/pick up their kids along Greenlodge Street ?
Yes, parents/guardians will still have the ability to drop off/pick up their kids as they currently do. This project will not remove the drop-off/pick-up lane along Greenlodge Street. Upon completion, there will be a dedicated lane, approximately 8 feet wide, along the school side of Greenlodge Street that runs from Stoughton Road to Smith Circle. This dedicated lane will be approximately 1200 feet in length and will provide more dedicated space than is currently available for drop off/pick up.
Will there still be parking available for people to park when attending events at the Greenlodge School?
Yes, the newly defined drop-off/pick-up area along the school side of Greenlodge Street will be available for parking during events at the Greenlodge School or adjacent fields.
What improvements are being made to the two existing crosswalks?
The two existing crosswalks will be removed because their current locations do not provide adequate line of sight for those crossing Greenlodge Street and for the drivers on the roadway. The new location coupled with the flashing beacon will draw more attention to the crosswalk, raising awareness for both pedestrians and drivers. The main crosswalk will be located directly in front of the Greenlodge School and will have Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons that can be activated with the push of a button. The Crossing Guard should be able to park on school grounds to perform their duties at the new crosswalk.
Will snow removal activities along these roadways be impacted by these roadway improvements and new sidewalks?
The Town of Dedham DPW crews will continue to plow these roadways as they already do. The new roadway widths and sidewalks do not present a challenge and will provide a consistent end for equipment to follow.
Will these roadway improvements have an impact on emergency response vehicles?
These improvements should have no negative impact to emergency response. To facilitate this, a “No Parking” restriction is being implemented for the following areas:
- Easterly side of Greenlodge Street: From Sprague Street to Briarwood Lane
- Westerly side of Greenlodge Street: From Sprague Street to Stoughton Road and from Smith Circle to Fox Meadow Lane
I still have questions about this project. Who can I speak to?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Director of Engineering at 781-751-9350 or via email at jmammone@dedham-ma.gov
Where can I find more information about this project?
Please visit the Town’s website to review a summary of the project, FAQs, an overall project history and timeline, and to view a copy of the project plans. an FAQ page about the project.
