Relative to traffic and safety improvements on Route 101 Amherst, Bedford, and Milford.
Impact
The enactment of SB259 is poised to impact state traffic safety laws by ensuring that the DOT prioritizes specific safety measures along this critical roadway. The bill's focus on gateway treatments and traffic calming strategies reflects an ongoing recognition of the importance of improving safety on roads known for higher accident rates. Given that this segment of Route 101 has demonstrated a pattern of severe crashes, the bill represents a proactive approach by the state to address these public safety concerns through systematic planning and resource allocation.
Summary
Senate Bill 259 (SB259) addresses traffic and safety improvements on Route 101, specifically focusing on the segment from Amherst to the intersection with Route 101A in Milford. The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) include a plan for addressing severe chronic crashes in the state's ten-year transportation improvement plan (TYP). The provisions laid out in SB259 emphasize both physical and psychological traffic calming measures, which are intended to enhance safety for all road users in this area.
Contention
While SB259 aims to enhance road safety, it may also raise discussions regarding the allocation of transportation funds and priorities within the TYP. Some stakeholders in the community may question whether the funding and attention directed towards Route 101 could detract from other crucial transportation needs elsewhere in the state. Additionally, the reliance on federal funding to support these improvements – with specific mentions of an 80% federal coverage and turnpike toll credits for the remaining costs – highlights the ongoing dependencies on external funding streams for state project execution.