Public meeting planned for Columbian Square traffic and pedestrian safety study

Weymouth, MA – Mayor Robert Hedlund announced today that the Town will host a public meeting to discuss the study plans for vehicle and pedestrian safety improvements in Columbian Square. The meeting will be facilitated by Green International Affiliates of Westford, with assistance from the Town’s Planning and Community Development Department.

The public meeting will take place Thursday, June 8th at 6:30 pm in Friendship Hall at the Old South Union Church (25 Columbian Street). There will be a brief presentation, followed by public comment and questions.

“The last traffic study of Columbian Square was completed nearly 10 years ago,” said Mayor Robert Hedlund. “Since then, development in and around the square has changed, and more research has been done on different methods for improving vehicle and pedestrian safety. This study will review current traffic conditions, collect up-to-date data, and ask whether previous proposals for improvements still make sense or are there other alternatives to consider.”

A conceptual design report for improvements to Columbian Square was previously prepared by the Cecil Group of Boston in 2008. Proposed improvements included constructing a signalized intersection, extending sidewalks, creating new public space, and generally making the square safer for vehicles and pedestrians.

In June of 2016, the Weymouth Town Council appropriated $20,000 in Union Point mitigation funds to hire an engineering firm to review and update the Cecil Group’s report. Additional funding has been provided by South Shore Hospital.  

The project’s scope will include an on-the-ground traffic review conducted by Green International Affiliates, resulting in updated recommendations to optimize traffic operations, pedestrian mobility, and overall safety in Columbian Square. The June 8th meeting will provide details on the process of studying traffic and safety in the square. Recommendations will be presented at a future public meeting after the study is complete. The Town has specified that any recommendations should reflect community concerns about traffic flow, walking conditions, vehicle and pedestrian safety, emergency vehicle accommodations, and on-street parking to serve the square’s businesses.   

“This is a great opportunity for all residents with thoughts on the future of Columbian Square to register their opinions in the most appropriate forum,” said Robert Luongo, Director of Planning and Community Development.

Correction: Due to a staff reporting error, this Announcement was released on June 1, 2017, with an incorrect date of "July of 2017" for the appropriation of Union Point mitigation funds by the Weymouth Town Council. The appropriation actually occurred in June of 2016.