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Motion 06.24.08 Light Synchronization

 

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

CITY HALL

375 MERRIMACK STREET

LOWELL, MA  01852

TELE: (978) 970-4000  FAX: (978) 970-4007

                     

Bernard F. Lynch

City Manager

 

 

TO:                  Mayor Edward “Bud” Caulfield

                                    And

                        Members of the Lowell City Council

 

FROM:            Bernard F. Lynch, City Manager

 

DATE:             August 22, 2008

 

SUBJECT:       MOTION OF 6/24/08 BY MAYOR EDWARD CAULFIELD

REQUEST THE MANAGER HAVE THE PROPER DEPARTMENT SYNCHRONIZE TRAFFIC LIGHTS THROUGHOUT CITY, BEGINNING AT THE LORD OVERPASS

 

In regards to the above-mentioned motion I have been in communication with the Division of Planning and Development.  I echo the desire of both the City Council and the DPD to realize the synchronization of traffic signals throughout the city for all the reasons detailed in the attached report.  However, clearly the infrastructure costs attached to such a comprehensive plan are prohibitive.  I fully support the DPD’s recommended strategy of continuing to identify opportunities to make incremental improvements to the coordination and synchronization of traffic signals where possible. 

 

The Hamilton Canal District in particular offers tremendous opportunity for a collaborative effort with the City and developer to improve the intersections and traffic signals impacted by the project.   As stated in the DPD report, as part of their state environmental permitting process, Trinity Financial and their traffic consultants have identified 25 signalized intersections which will be improved in conjunction with the ten-year project build-out.  These include the five signalized intersections that are part of the Lord Overpass area, the signals at Fletcher and Dutton Streets and along Thondike Street near the Lord Overpass ramps, as well as several additional locations Downtown.

 

Please take this opportunity to review the attached well-prepared report by the Department of Planning and Development and Traffic Engineer to address this issue.  Contact me with any questions or concerns.  Thank you.