Road Safety Update Nov 2023

Hi friends, 

In our Fall Newsletter, we promised a separate update on road safety. Voila!

Road Safety Update 

1. Flex Posts

2. This Thursday: 4 Proposals About Albemarle/Crafts

3. Back-in Striping in Effect NOW at Albemarle

4. FOA Magnets and You

FLEX POSTS

All flex posts have been removed from the intersection of Albemarle and Crafts. 

Within 24 hours of removal this weekend, debris from a vehicle was scattered in the road, suggesting an accident. 

We know first-hand that those flex posts created so much safety for cyclists and pedestrians. We wrote to Newton City Council about it in August, applauding their installation. We’re worried about increased safety risk with their removal. Be cautious!

FOUR PROPOSALS THIS THURSDAY

Speaking of, this Thursday 11/16 at 7pm, the Newton Traffic Council will convene and discuss multiple proposals for Albemarle road. All four are listed below. Some have been suggested by FOA members. Thank you for using your voice and participating in thinking through solutions for this area.

Agenda and zoom info is below:

https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/113698/638351171225084976

A little context for the RRFB proposal, which we enthusiastically support – signalization is still scheduled for that intersection in 2026. But these pedestrian flashers would be more permanent than flex posts and are badly needed in that area. (More info: What is an RRFB?)

TC58-23

ADRIAN AYALA, CITY TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, requesting to add a RRFB to the intersection of Crafts Street at Albemarle Road

TC58 -22

JASON SOBEL, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS, requesting to permanently close the northbound block of Albemarle Road to vehicular traffic, in both directions, between Crafts Street and North Street, except for bicycles. This portion of Albemarle Road has been closed since September 2020 as part of an on-going Traffic Council trial. (Wards 2 & 3) [11/22/22 @

12:05 PM]

HELD 5-0 on 12/15/22. Trial will continue to be held.

TC17-23

MATTHEW MAZER, 24 Maynard Street, requesting consideration of a trial to close Albemarle Road, southbound at North Street between North Street (Newtonville) and Maynard Street. (Wards 2 & 3) [04/12/23 @ 12:11 PM]

TC26-23

JESSE COREY, 64 Oak Cliff Road, on behalf of neighborhood residents, requesting the following changes for the block of Albemarle Road between North Street and Crafts Street (western leg): Convert to a 2-way traffic circulation pattern; add a “Do Not Enter” restriction at the intersection of Albemarle Road at Crafts Street; add a “right turn only” restriction from Albemarle Road Southbound onto Crafts Street; and add a stop sign at the intersection of Albemarle Road at North Street. (Wards 2 & 3) [05/24/23 @ 4:23 PM]

BACK-IN PARKING

Most of the striping is in and the back-in parking trial has started. Work crews will be out for additional pavement markings in the coming days.

When we started Friends of Albemarle, we realized that, at times, safety for park users would need to be prioritized over convenience, and this project is an example of that commitment. While some people will find it to be an adjustment, it is safer for everyone to have drivers backing into their spaces rather than backing out into the active road where cyclists and pedestrians are, as well as other cars in motion and students crossing. 

What about speed humps and flex posts? This part of the trial will be delayed until the spring due to snow removal needs. 

From the City of Newton:

What’s changing?

• New bike lanes on the side of Albemarle alongside Cheesecake Brook

• New crosswalks on Albemarle and at the intersections with Watertown

Street and Crafts Street

• We are changing from head-in to back-in angle parking on the

northbound side of Albemarle between Watertown and Crafts.

• Bicycles will be allowed in both directions on the northbound side of

Albemarle south of Watertown Street

• In 2024, the city will install speed cushions and flex posts on Albemarle

Why are we doing this?

• Safety! This is a heavily used area with many conflict points and

hundreds of school age children using Albemarle. We need to slow cars down, and

establish clear paths for cycling and walking.

• Back-in or head-out parking gives drivers a clear view when exiting a parking space.

You can practice at Auburndale Cove, and watch the Mayor’s video linked HERE.

What about the intersection of Crafts and Albemarle?

• Design of this project is underway, and we expect that the intersection will be signalized in a couple of years.

Learn more about this pilot at NewtonMA.gov/Albemarle or contact Josh Ostroff, Director of Transportation Planning, jostroff@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1481.

CAR MAGNETS

Nothing makes us happier than seeing a beautiful FOA car magnet in the wild! Please buy one today and show your Albemarle pride. 

Honors system – Just leave $5 per magnet in the side porch at 29 North St. and take one today!