Officials say roundabout is the only answer in East Templeton
News staff photo by REBECCA LEONARD The five-way intersection in East Templeton may see the installation of a rotary once the Board of Selectmen send an official letter to the Massachusetts Highway Department explaining what they would like to have done. Emergency responders are called numerous times a year to the intersection.
Rebecca Leonard
News Correspondent
TEMPLETON — The five-way intersection in East Templeton where Route 101, Route 2A, and North and South Main streets join might be getting a makeover.
“That intersection has been troublesome since I’ve been here. Basically it’s a nightmare,” stated Police Chief Michael Bennett.
The plan presented to selectmen is to have a rotary installed accessing all five roads to control the traffic flow.
According to Mr. Bennett, he was informed by Highway Superintendent Bud Chase that the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission was going to put in a rotary 10 years ago but for unknown reasons it didn’t go forward.
Michael Zisk, of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, advised Mr. Bennett that the Board of Selectmen should write an official letter to the Massachusetts Highway Department.
“Being that we are the last community in (District 2), we often get put on the back burner and that is why he suggested an official letter from (selectmen),” said Mr. Bennett.
Mr. Chase explained that the reason for the letter falls under the state and town sharing where the rotary would be.
“The state should step up and … design the rotary using their own engineers so that the town doesn’t have to use our own funds,” stated Mr. Chase.
According to Mr. Chase, the Planning Commission estimated it would cost about $1 million to complete the project. If the state does not support the funds needed for the project, the town would need to find enough money to hire an engineer and design the plan itself.
Many people who drive through the intersection who aren’t familiar with the roads are unsure of which streets have to stop and which have the right of way.
“I see it almost weekly – if you’re not from the area and you come up on that intersection you have no clue what to do,” said Mr. Bennett.
Mr. Bennett also assures that the intersection is frequently responded to by emergency personnel.
Other options were discussed, including removing Route 101’s entrance into the intersection. The idea was turned down due to traffic from larger trucks.
Selectmen agreed that a letter would be written and sent to the state’s highway department.
“A roundabout would be the only fix for the area,” said Mr. Chase.
how about LIGHTS??? I'm sure they cost less than a rotary!! we had them before, and if I remember right one stopped working, so rather than fix it we just took them all down.
ReplyDeleteLast I knew the plans were in Jeff Ritter's office. I think it was a drawing done by Montachusett Regional Planning Commission and let me tell you it will be a huge improvment, long time coming. Bud should ask Holly where they went. The roundabout should look like the one near Burbank Hospital, good looking and a life saver. Large trucks use roundabouts all of the time, as a matter of fact they use the one near Burbank and the one off RT.2 , to get to Rt.70. If this is a chance to improve that intersection we should grab it, and not let go. Bev.
ReplyDeletebev i go thru that roundabout by Burbank twice a week all summer and i do like it but that one only has 4 roads coming into it i don't know how you would get 5 roads into it with out taking land !! why not lights ???
ReplyDeleteRoute 101, route 2A, south and north main streets. Seems like 4 roads
ReplyDeleteJeff, it's five not 4. Bud had it correct.
ReplyDeletePlease post comments under your own name.