Springfield consultants outline ideas for improving ‘X’ intersection in Forest Park

October 7, 2015

BETA landscape architects are working with Tighe and Bond to re-envision Springfield’s X District as a go-to place for food, entertainment, and a variety of retail uses. Converting the central area back to a pedestrian friendly streetscape will be key, along with accommodating increased bicycle traffic. Possible placemaking opportunities will give businesses the opportunity to expand onto widened sidewalks with outdoor cafes and restaurants. Streetscape designs are in the early stages and public input will be critical in shaping what the future vision might be.

The following was published on MassLive on October 7, 2015. The full article can be found here

SPRINGFIELD – An array of ideas and options to improve traffic flow at “the X” in Forest Park were shared with residents Tuesday evening.

City consultants talked about ways to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and bicycle access in area, referred to by some as having the reputation of the “meanest street” in the region.

Approximately 35 people attended the public meeting at Forest Park Middle School on Oakland Street to hear from city officials and consultants from Tighe & Bond of Westfield, to ask questions and offer their own opinions.

Consultants shared options aimed at easing the bottleneck at Sumner Avenue, Belmont Avenue and Dickinson Street by spreading out traffic lights now bunched at that intersection, creating alternate routes for traffic including construction of a new loop park road along Forest Park, and adding textured, well-marked crosswalks and special bicycle lanes, officials said.

“It’s important engaging the community on the potential redevelopment of the ‘X,’ because it is a part of the neighborhood,” said Laura A. Walsh, president of the Forest Park Civic Association. ‘”It’s the crossroads of the neighborhood really. Anything we can do to make it more pedestrian and user friendly is a step in the right direction.”

Following the completion of the study and further input, the improvements will be put out for design and the city would eventually seek construction funds from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, said Christopher Cignoli, the city’s director of public works.

“Nothing is carved in stone,” Cignoli said.

Under one proposal, there would be a new loop road that would extend from Oakland Street, crossing Sumner Avenue and then continuing to Dickinson Street along the edge of Forest Park, officials said. The plan would need to some taking of park land, subject to local and state approvals, officials said.

Under another option being considered, sections of Belmont Avenue near the X would be turned into one-way stretches east and west. Traffic going in the opposite direction would be steered to other streets further away from the intersection, officials said.

There are numerous plans for added crosswalks, benches, bicycle lanes, planters, “pocket parks” and trees, officials said.

The aim is “to direct traffic more efficiently through the “X” and to create “a more friendly environment” for pedestrians and bicyclists, said David L. Loring, vice-president with Tighe & Bond.

Ward 6 City Councilor Kenneth Shea said he has been on a neighborhood committee working with the consultants and believes public feedback is a critical component. The goal is creating better traffic flow and pedestrian safety, he said.

The consultants provided a full-screen presentation showing he design changes along with separate renderings for the public to see.