Due to numerous inquiries and concerns regarding the newly
installed West Street traffic signals, the Town would like to take this opportunity to
update residents and potential commuters. Please note that the new signals are in
an interim condition and are not at their final configuration. Currently, the signals
are on straight-timing cycles which allow each direction of traffic a green light
regardless of whether there is a vehicle present. When the signals become fully
operational cameras will be used to detect vehicles, increasing the efficiency of the
lights and reducing wait times.
Since the West Street project remains under the control of MassDOT, the Town
has not yet accepted the project as complete. The Town continues working
diligently with MassDOT to complete the project and resolve all remaining issues,
including final signal configurations.
Some residents have also expressed concern over the new geometry of the West
St., Willow St. and Summer Ave. intersection. Please be assured that after
numerous traffic studies, analysis, and multiple public meetings, independent
traffic consultants and engineers designed this intersection in the interest of safety
and traffic calming.
The Town understands that with any changes there will always be an adjustment
period. We would like to thank all of you for your patience and concerns.

What is the possibility of removing the lights all together and reverting back to the temporary configuration (stop signs at the end of Summer, Willow, and right before West)? I have driven Summer Ave to West St. and on to Industrial Way every morning and evening for the past three years and so far the only configuration that seemed to work well was the three stop signs and no light. Since the lights went active it has become more difficult to pull out of Summer Ave (because drivers on Willow do not have to stop anymore) and worse still is the amount of traffic that backs up on West St. This route used to be a breeze, but lately I've seen traffic backed up on West St. to the 93 overpass.

The lights are terrible. Put whatever lipstick you want on the design and all the consultants, etc., but it is terrible. The residents of West St. have been through a lot, including everyone who uses the road. The design at Willow is ridiculous. And not having the lights on demand by blaming the state is not acceptable.If they cannot work to 100%, then put them on flash. I sat waiting for the light near Barrows the other day, all alone. Nobody in sight. Stupid.

The video detection has been installed and functioning properly for the past couple months on all of the West Street signals. The Town will continue to moniter, along with MassDOT until the project is official completed and closed out. Thank you.