dangerous intersection

[desiringsubject.livejournal.com]

So, there was Yet Another bad car accident on the corner of Powder House Blvd and Packard Ave yesterday. Including a baby in a carseat in the car that ended up on the lawn of 125 Powder House. This intersection, I believe, is too dangerous to have a blinky light any longer. People routinely cruise down Powder House at 45 mph or more and cannot stop for pedestrians or turning cars.

To whom does one write a letter about this? I really feel that a real, three light traffic light is finally called for there, at least so that one can push the button for a walk. Even a blinky light like they have on Rt. 16 so that you *can* push the button for a walk would be an improvement, but wouldn't solve the issue of people turning off or onto Packard, which people do pretty frequently.

Thoughts, dslj?

Comments

[somervilleguy.livejournal.com]

Having lived in this area for along time (about 40 years) and having used that intersection almost daily particularly when I attended PHCS I always hoped for a fully functional light there. About twenty years ago I asked my then alderman about it and was told that I wasn’t the first person to ask and the answer was (as it always is) too much money for a light and a four way stop would be too disruptive to traffic and the neighbors didn’t want it. Maybe community support has changed in that time and maybe a four way stop wouldn’t be opposed? Try asking Bob Trane via email and see if you get a response please post it here.
My personal preference would a pressure switch that only activated after a car on Packard triggered it and of course one of those light pole buttons for pedestrians.

About 10-15 years ago a pedestrian was killed while crossing in the cross walk at night and from the story I read was thrown up in the air and landed on the hood of a car coming in the other direction. That car happened to be a police car. I think that driver was charged but it’s been so long I can’t recall the details.

[srakkt.livejournal.com]

FWIW, I remember that accident. At the time I was living just over the Medford line.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine who is a civil engineer tried to convince the city (and his firm) to hire him to fix that (and other Powderhouse) intersections. He worked at it for like 2 years.

[m00n.livejournal.com]

What was his proposal?