Transportation Planning
Route 116 Safety Improvements In Sunderland
Safety improvements for Route 116 in Sunderland will upgrade crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian visibility.
Project Overview
Following the tragic death in December 2004 of a pedestrian crossing Route 116 in front of the 7-11 Plaza in Sunderland, the FRCOG worked in collaboration with the Town of Sunderland and MassHIghway District 2 to identify measures that would be implemented between Old Amherst Road and Clark Mountain Road to improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety. Extensive analyses of crashes was completed as well traffic and pedestrian data collection. The final design includes replacing the four current marked crosswalks with one clearly marked crossing that includes in-pavement pedestrian activated lights; sidewalks along both sides of the roadway; and the addition of exclusive left turn lanes at Old Amherst Road and Squire Village Drive.
Current Activities
As of December 2005, the safety improvements were under construction.
Future Plans
It is anticipated that the area will be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented improvements.