New 4-Way Stop on Waverly?

This week's snowstorm has caused people to slow down and pay more attention while driving around town. And people have also noticed something differenton Waverly Road. So this week's "You Ask... Patch Answers" addresses the question: when did Waverly and Middlesex become a four-way stop?

The answer is: Very recently. That intersection has been the talk of the town for years. People driving down Waverly Road would have to stop there, but those driving on Middlesex wouldn't, and it would often lead to frustration and safety concerns.

At their recent meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve turning that intersection into a four-way stop. In support of the change, North Andover Police Chief Paul Gallagher wrote to Town Manager Andrew Maylor, "The intersection is the main route for children walking or traveling to Thomson School and commuter traffic to route 495."

But since Middlesex is narrow, the change also means more parking restrictions on that street near that intersection. The homes located there now have no parking in front if them.

Residents of those homes voiced concern about not having parking in front of their homes, but selectmen voted in favor of the change, for safety reasons. Selectmen will re-examine the matter in late fall.

You Ask … Patch Answers is an occasional column for locals looking for solutions to community problems, issues and those "only in North Andover" situations that you want solved. From the serious (How will cuts to government services affect me?); to the silly (who picked the furniture for the new Senior Center addition?); weve got you covered.

If you have a question about something in North Andover, send it to Bryan.McGonigle@patch.com to get an answer.

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