The decision to mark the lanes is not the issue. That decision was made a long time ago. There are already existing painted lines, but they have faded so much that they are barely visible. Nor is it an issue of road regulation or erosion caused by paint. Massachusetts was recently introduced to the correct type of non-corrosive paint. Further, the type of driver who does not look beyond their hoods is precisely the reason public roads need clearly visible lane lines. If a driver can see there is an alternate lane, they will be more likely to use it rather hovering mindlessly in the middle of the road behind a car waiting to turn left, and blocking the route for vehicles coming from behind (including emergency vehicles). The idea that painted lines in the road inhibits people from being free thinkers is laughable. I have driven in Tijuana, Mexico where there are no lines in the roads and there are also no cars without dents. It is less safe on wide streets such as Mass Ave. Massachusetts roadways (including Arlington) would do well to join the rest of the country with better signage and clearly marked lanes rather than the recently spent millions of dollars on new mile markers (in the age of GPS).

The below comments are not listed in chronological order, so it may be confusing to readers. The cruxt is that Massachusetts Avenue is supposed to have painted lane markers to help guide traffic efficiently and safely. Over time, the existing lines have faded and disappeared. Until about a year ago, you could still see traces of the original lane lines in the street. However, they have all but disappeared now. I drive this road frequently and still see people roaming all over the road and creating a nuisance. Since there is an overhaul project still in the works, perhaps this will get fixed. In the meantime, it remains a sloppy drive down Mass. Ave from Arlington Center west through East Arlington toward Lexington. The entire stretch of busy roadway up to the Stop N Shop has no lane lines or very few visible lines at all. There are still a lot of drivers so busy on their cell phones, they need something visual to drive in a straight line.

I've lived three doors away from Mass Ave for 21 years. In that time, the road has not been repaved, nor have lane travel lanes been painted other than the center yellow lines. Frequently delivery trucks serving business need to double park - this way they are not legally blocking a travel lane. There is no rear truck access for most businesses and not enough parking to lose to loading zones. Marked bike lanes will just get parked in, so its better to have a wide outer travel lane for the few cyclists to share.

Mark introduces new issues about delivery trucks and bicycle lanes, which were not part of my original topic. The issue concerning commercial vehicles should be taken up with local law enforcement as far as enforcement versus non-enforcement, given the logistics. The bicycle lane topic has already been worked out separately by the town.
To my topic, since there ARE currently clear and distinct lane lines for FOUR lanes on Mass Ave at the intersection of 60, I suggest the lane lines follow through all the way down the road or, if not, there should be a sign just after the intersection saying "Single Lane Ahead."

I'm closing this because I'm moving out of town. Anyone else with interest can take it up.