Recommendations Consideration should be given to the realignment of Route 140 to create a four-way intersection with Route 123. Two options for consideration include: a realignment of Mansfield Avenue through Library Square in a southerly direction; or a realignment of Taunton Avenue through the church parking area in a northerly direction. Because the realignment through Library Square would infringe on the heart of the Norton Center Historic District, and was met with great opposition from the public and town officials alike during the public process it is recommended that the realignment though the church parking lot be considered as the sole option. Figure 13 - Proposed Realignment of Route 123 & Route 140 Realignment of this intersection would include the need for additional/extended storage lanes. Ideally, the northbound approach would consist of three lanes (an exclusive left-turn lane, a thru lane and a right-turn lane) to accommodate the heavy volumes of turning vehicles. The westbound, eastbound, and southbound left-turn lanes would need to be extended to 150 feet. If these improvements were to be implemented today, the intersection would operate at a LOS C with motorists experiencing a maximum of 22 seconds of delay, a significant improvement over present conditions. (Please see Figure 13 on the previous page.) Future traffic growth projections only worsen the existing at this intersection. Vehicles will continue to experience excessive delays well beyond the existing conditions of over 2 minutes of delay per vehicle. The previously mentioned realignment of this intersection and capacity changes will alleviate delay well into the future. In 2040, the intersection is forecasted to operate at LOS D with motorists experiencing 46 seconds of delay. Regardless of improvements, the addition of Signal Pre-Emption equipment should be incorporated into the signal system. This equipment provides a temporary right-of-way for emergency vehicles to travel quickly and safely through the intersection. In addition, the pedestrian signal timing for the Route 140 northbound approach should be upgraded to meet current standards as outlined by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). There is a need for improvements at the pedestrian crosswalk at the northern terminus of Howard Street. The most pressing need is to repair the pedestrian signal. Future improvements for enhanced visibility should also consider removing/relocating the utility box and pole blocking pedestrian sight lines and the installation of pedestrian signage.
Recommendations Consideration should be given to the realignment of Route 140 to create a four-way intersection with Route 123. Two options for consideration include: a realignment of Mansfield Avenue through Library Square in a southerly direction; or a realignment of Taunton Avenue through the church parking area in a northerly direction. Because the realignment through Library Square would infringe on the heart of the Norton Center Historic District, and was met with great opposition from the public and town officials alike during the public process it is recommended that the realignment though the church parking lot be considered as the sole option. Figure 13 - Proposed Realignment of Route 123 & Route 140 Realignment of this intersection would include the need for additional/extended storage lanes. Ideally, the northbound approach would consist of three lanes (an exclusive left-turn lane, a thru lane and a right-turn lane) to accommodate the heavy volumes of turning vehicles. The westbound, eastbound, and southbound left-turn lanes would need to be extended to 150 feet. If these improvements were to be implemented today, the intersection would operate at a LOS C with motorists experiencing a maximum of 22 seconds of delay, a significant improvement over present conditions. (Please see Figure 13 on the previous page.) Future traffic growth projections only worsen the existing at this intersection. Vehicles will continue to experience excessive delays well beyond the existing conditions of over 2 minutes of delay per vehicle. The previously mentioned realignment of this intersection and capacity changes will alleviate delay well into the future. In 2040, the intersection is forecasted to operate at LOS D with motorists experiencing 46 seconds of delay. Regardless of improvements, the addition of Signal Pre-Emption equipment should be incorporated into the signal system. This equipment provides a temporary right-of-way for emergency vehicles to travel quickly and safely through the intersection. In addition, the pedestrian signal timing for the Route 140 northbound approach should be upgraded to meet current standards as outlined by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). There is a need for improvements at the pedestrian crosswalk at the northern terminus of Howard Street. The most pressing need is to repair the pedestrian signal. Future improvements for enhanced visibility should also consider removing/relocating the utility box and pole blocking pedestrian sight lines and the installation of pedestrian signage.