Reasons to support project
TAC has been an active participant in the project since its inception, and has voted unanimously for it in the past. The overwhelming majority of TAC’s current membership continues to be very strong and enthusiastic supporters of the proposed Project for these reasons:
* Improves safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers
* Provides a more orderly and safer flow of traffic
* Reduces pedestrian crossing distances—a critical safety enhancement
* Provides dedicated bicycle lanes to safely separate riders from all motor vehicles
* Optimizes traffic operations at signalized intersections
* Provides additional turn lanes where needed
* Enhances the business district with planters, street furniture, sidewalk lighting, etc.
* Maintains existing parking
* Enhances transit amenities
The required state transportation mandates (e.g., pedestrian accommodations and a strong preference for separate bike lanes on busy streets) are both reasonable and fair. They are a recognition that future travel and safety needs will continue to evolve. The failure to address those changes by encouraging walking, biking and public transportation will only lead to more traffic congestion than we currently contend with.
Key consideration: pedestrian safety
Addressing the most important consideration — pedestrian safety, as consistently expressed by residents — TAC believes that it is inherently safer for pedestrians to cross only three travel lanes rather than four. New and newly-marked crosswalks, refuge islands, and curb extensions have been designed to further enhance their safety. Improved visibility creates a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers.
The eastbound and westbound bike lanes recognize the continuing increase in cyclists. These designated lanes will provide both casual and serious bike riders improved and safer experiences rather than the haphazard conditions they, drivers, and pedestrians must all contend with under the current Mass Avenue configurations.
Inviting additional bike traffic along the Corridor brings more potential customers to the local businesses without creating additional parking concerns.
2 clearly designated eastbound lanes add safety
Drivers traveling on the two clearly designated eastbound lanes will no longer have to contend with the existing disorganized and informal travel patterns — thereby providing additional safety for all users. Upgraded signals will increase efficiency and improve traffic flow through the Corridor’s intersections.
The addition of well-designed amenities, landscaping improvements, and infrastructure enhancements contemplated by the project will make the East Arlington neighborhood and business district a more attractive and welcoming venue.
We support the project’s conclusion that one westbound travel lane with the dedicated bike lane is an appropriate design in view of current and projected traffic demands.
Complete agreement among all the traffic professionals that one and only one westbound lane is needed has been consistent from the outset. The occasional and short-lived westbound traffic delay during the evening rush hour does not merit a specifically designated second lane.
The project’s wider westbound lane allows ample space for vehicles to maneuver around other vehicles either turning or unloading. Furthermore, a four-lane design would fail to meet the State’s and Town’s safety goals by precluding proper accommodation for all users.
To suggest otherwise, as opponents contend, would clearly be at the expense of pedestrians and cyclists (for whom state law requires reasonable accommodations), as well as drivers. This would compromise the balance of priorities for Arlington’s “main street” — not the least of which are safety and mobility for all modes of transportation.
It bears noting that three-lane roadways have already been successfully implemented in other neighboring communities.
The approval of the project by Arlington’s police and fire officials is powerful evidence that emergency vehicle travel along the Corridor will not be adversely affected by the redesign (and is likely improved). This important factor cannot be overlooked or disregarded.
At this point the project has been thoroughly evaluated and approved at multiple stages by a majority of interested parties and citizens. Dozens of meetings and hearings have afforded all participants sufficient opportunities to voice their concerns. The many significant safety and aesthetic benefits far outweigh the narrower concerns about occasional traffic tie-ups of limited scope and duration.
Full prohect funding an opportunity
The full funding of this nearly $7-million project by the state and federal governments is an opportunity Arlington simply cannot afford to let pass. There is no guarantee of future funding. The continuing deterioration of Mass. Ave. will only make inevitable repairs and improvements more expensive. Who pays then?
Failure to move forward on this project at this time will represent not only an unjustifiable and irretrievable loss of millions of dollars in funding, but a complete disregard of the democratic policy-making process that facilitated this effort from the beginning.
On behalf of the community we serve, Arlington’s TAC urges town residents to vote “NO” on the upcoming ballot question (April 6), which asks for four travel lanes on Mass. Ave.
The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress
– Charles Kettering
This viewpoint was published Monday, March 18, 2013.
