Dover Road Neighborhood Traffic Calming

BETA was retained by the Town of Westwood to assess existing traffic conditions within the High Rock Street, Dover Road, Conant Road, Country Lane, Sunset Road, and Lorraine Road neighborhoods. A neighborhood traffic calming study was undertaken to address safety concerns stemming from a significant vehicular cut-through route within these residential neighborhoods. The technical study also addressed the significant number of measured travel speeds in excess of posted speed limits along Dover Road and other neighborhood roadways.

BETA worked closely with the Town and neighborhood residents during the three year process. Neighborhood group meetings were held at every step of the process and e-mail communication was constant. Based on resident concerns regarding neighborhood safety and the collected traffic data, a Traffic Calming and Safety Improvement Plan was developed. Ten speed humps, two raised intersections, and other treatments, such as textured surfaces and strategically placed islands, were installed.

A post construction study was performed to compare changes in before and after vehicle speeds and volumes. As expected, the data revealed that traffic volumes and speeds decreased as a result of the implemented traffic calming measures.