WINTER/BEDFORD STREET INSTERSECTION, BRIDGEWATER
Town of Bridgewater
The Town of Bridgewater identified the Bedford Street/Winter Street intersection as a highaccident location within the community, with substantial numbers of angle crashes. Additionally, peak-hour congestion worsened as the community's population rapidly grew. The Route 18/28 corridor serves as the gateway into Bridgewater for students of Bridgewater State College, the largest state college in Massachusetts. Unrestricted access to the commercial property at this key intersection, just north of the MCI Bridgewater correctional facility, further complicated operations and safety.
The Town contracted HSH to design improvements to solve these worsening safety, congestion, and access issues. HSH staff developed a functional design report and conceptual plan to remedy these conditions. In order to expedite the process, the report was reviewed directly with the Town, the Old Colony Planning Council, and MassDOT staff. As the final plans developed, HSH successfully advanced the funding for construction in fiscal year 2008, when the project was completed.
The context-sensitive design addressed existing deficiencies and provided flexibility to respond to traffic growth. Key design features included:
- Fully actuated traffic control signal;
- Protected left-turn lanes and traffic phases;
- Exclusive pedestrian signal phase;
- Bicycle detection;
- Revised intersection geometry for improved safety and operations;
- New sidewalks, drainage, pavement and pavement markings; and
- Design performed within the existing right-of-way.
The design improved operations by providing a traffic signal at Winter Street, where vehicles experienced significant delay waiting for a gap in Bedford Street traffic. Installation of the signal also enhanced safety for all users. Prior to installation, drivers and bicyclists were forced to accept smaller gaps in Bedford Street traffic because of high traffic volumes. Such conditions frequently lead to angle accidents. Safety for pedestrians was also improved through installation of an exclusive pedestrian phase and crosswalks. HSH's design addressed the safety and operational needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles, while allowing flexibility to modify the traffic signal to accommodate the needs of the growing community.
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