I don't think this signal causes any backup. Usually the backups happen at Winthrop St. and back up to here. 16 has generous time compared to anyone trying to get out from Auburn St.

Westbound traffic is not a big issue at this point.

"Westbound traffic is not a big issue at this point" this statement isn't consistent with reality.

Put in the context of how eastbound traffic backs up, westbound is a pretty minor inconvenience. I live two blocks from here and use this intersection daily, so I'm pretty up on the reality.

so you're saying nothing could be done to improve the situation? Not even time the lights so they require less stops? It took me over an hour yesterday to go from Everett to Concord, most of that spent on this section of RT16, that averages to less than 20mph, that's acceptable to you? it's the year 2017 and I can't drive my car faster than the horse it replaced over 100 years ago.

I see the snark in the original post ("I don't know just a crazy idea") but those frequent stops allow Auburn St. to function for cars (that back up on both sides of 16) and pedestrians. They also subdue the high speed over the limit at which drivers feel entitled to take the S-curve here. Try crossing 16 frequently in front of the Whole Foods when the signal turns. Keep count of the number of people that run the light because they're going too fast to realize there's a protected signalized crosswalk crossing their right of way. You learn not to even trust the light to hold drivers back.

Drivers are probably running the red lights because it takes so long to get from one end of town to the other it's frustrating, I don't endorse that, but I do understand those that are frustrated

The problem is that 16 here is not designed as a major arterial. Until folks decide to surrender a lot of park land (unlikely) that isn't going to change. The throughput of 16 has to be balanced against the throughput of cross traffic.

I don't think you should expect to get through here faster. There's a limit to the number of cars an old city can allow through quickly. Next time reduce traffic on 16 by taking another route.

another route would be optimal, but RT16 is one of the few major east west thoroughfares in the metro area. This is Massachusetts and many roads are like RT16 and were not built to accommodate a large volume of cars, unfortunately this means we're stuck with it like it or not, and we need to be smarter about traffic, with Fewer signal lights, that would mean limiting cars to take a right turn only, then reverse direction at a traffic circle; this would make a huge difference in traffic flow. I was being snarky when I mentioned a "crazy idea" but quite frankly I find the idea that lights are deliberately timed to consume more of my, and everyone else's time inconsiderate and insulting.

I have to say, the horse comment was awesome LOL. and probably true in many cases along this route.
Forwarded to Traffic Division.

Captain Clemente - Medford Police Department assigned this issue to SGT Charles Hartnett

I bike this way daily and can confirm the number of people who blow through the red light and also block the crosswalk (i.e. "lock the box") with their cars so people can't exit Auburn St. Sad!

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