What is Up With the Lights in Saxonville?

Earlier this week, newly-installed lights in Saxonville began working.

But working is not what some motorists would call it.

Motorists complained of traffic backups and longer than normal commutes, because of the new traffic lights

Michael Mayo told Framingham Patch the lights are a ”disaster. ... Almost 20 minutes to get from Route 30 to Amy’s convenience store. That’s absurd,” wrote Mayo on Framingham Patch’s Facebook page.

“There was no need for those lights,” wrote Robert Lincoln on Framingham Patch’s Facebook page. “Now it’s back to a mess.”

“Traffic was backed up to Speen Street,” wrote Robyn Powell to Framingham DPW. ”It was absolutely horrible!”

“Took about 15 minutes to get out of A street right after the high school was let out,” wrote Michele Baker to Framingham DPW.

The contractor turned the lights on Monday, March 2.

Framingham Department of Public Works was quick to react to complaints from the neighborhood and motorists and sent out crews to observe the lights and traffic and started making adjustments to the lights as quick as Tuesday, March 3.

“During the peak traffic flow yesterday evening, it was apparent that the initial setup needed optimization. Morning traffic was affected as well so we will adjust the settings this afternoon based on our initial observations and place several observers out this evening. We expect we will continue with a couple iterations of adjustments and observations throughout this week,” posted Framingham Public Works on its social media sites.

The traffic lights were installed at School Street and at A Street in Saxonville. The lights were recommended as part of a Framingham Planning Board decision to approve a public housing project in the area, known as Danforth Green, as well as proposed re-development of the old Saxonville lumber yard by developer Tony Kwan. A traffic study recommended the need for the traffic lights.

“Concord Street backed up to A Street this morning. I am curious if the lights were put in anticipating the new building in the old lumber yard, but right now the light system is NOT working,” wrote Kathleen Boyce Hepp to Framingham DPW . “Would you consider blinking lights unless activated for cross walk or at high school dismissal?”

Town Engineer Eric Johnson said the lights and the no turn on red sign are there for “safety reasons.”

We have heard from residents. And we are working to make adjustments, said Johnson yesterday.

“We adjusted the lights on Tuesday afternoon and again on Wednesday,” said Johnson, who said crews went out during both the morning and evening peak commute hours.

For example, Johnson said the lights were adjusted for a longer green northbound on Concord to alleviate a backup.

Johnson said he would also look at adjusting the lights during the hours when Framingham High, Stapleton Elementary, and Cameron Middle schools are released for the afternoon.

He said the no turn on red was specifically installed due to pedestrian concerns.

“Safety is the #1 priority with these lights,” said Johnson. We will adjust, but safety will continue to be the focus.”

***

What do you think of the lights? Tell us in the comment section below.