“Changes target crash-prone pinch point to improve traffic flow and emergency vehicle access“
Select Board members voted at their last meeting to remove four parking spaces along Woburn Street near Brande Court, citing ongoing safety concerns and documented traffic issues in the area.
The amendments, approved following a public hearing, target a stretch of roadway identified by town staff as a persistent pinch point, where narrow conditions have contributed to vehicle conflicts and limited access for emergency responders.
Lieutenant Christopher Jones, speaking on behalf of town traffic safety staff, told the board that the area has seen multiple accidents over recent years, including incidents involving parked vehicles being struck and conflicts between passing cars. The constrained roadway has also posed challenges for larger emergency vehicles navigating the corridor.
The proposal, developed in coordination with town traffic safety staff and reviewed by relevant committees, aims to improve sightlines and ease congestion by eliminating a small cluster of parking spaces near the entrance to Brande Court.
Under the changes, four spaces along the south side of Woburn Street will be converted to a no-parking zone, extending an existing restriction already in place along much of the roadway.
Officials indicated the goal is to reduce confusion for drivers forced to yield in tight conditions and to lower the risk of side-swipe collisions and other roadway hazards.
Limited Impact on Parking Supply
Town staff said the removal was designed to balance safety improvements with the need to preserve available parking, particularly for nearby businesses and employees.
While acknowledging that parking demand remains a concern in the area, officials said the selected location represented the most critical point for intervention.
Recusal and Vote
Select Board member Christopher Haley recused himself from the discussion and vote due to his status as an abutter to the area.
The remaining members voted unanimously to approve the amendments, with a final tally of 4–0–0.
