Town of Dedham
Home MenuLowder Street Neighborhood Comprehensive Traffic Study
Final Report Now Available
Through the collaborative efforts of the Transportation Advisory Committee, Planning Board, and Town Staff, a comprehensive traffic study was completed on behalf of the Town using funding from a Planned Residential Development (PRD) project in response ongoing traffic concerns in the Lowder Street neighborhood, including issues with cut-through traffic, speeding, and high volumes during peak hours.
The comprehensive study was completed in 2023 and 2024 by Tighe & Bond, who performed data analysis, onsite traffic counts, and helped the Town host community engagement events that revealed the traffic problems are primarily linked to pick-up and drop-off times at the two nearby schools, and limited access points to get into and out of the neighborhood. It is important to note that the report does not indicate significant speeding within the neighborhood but does identify that evening cut-through traffic along Village Avenue, Chestnut Street, and Bullard Street are motorists attempting to avoid driving through Dedham Square.
The final report provides several recommendations, such as improving signage and exploring public-private partnerships with local schools. Within the report are some proposed changes that would require further funding and study to assess potential impacts, as well as in-depth analysis and recommendations for future action.