Traffic study proposal sought

HUDSON – The Board of Selectmen took the first step Tuesday in looking at two busy intersections in town.

The board agreed to have the Community Development Office seek proposals for a traffic study of the intersection of Central and Chase streets and Central and Library streets.

Such a study has not been approved yet.

It would most likely focus on the two intersections and the impact any changes, such as adding stop lights, would have on traffic in the area.

“I consider this an examination of the problem out there, and the best way to solve it,” Selectman Ken Massey said.

If the town considered putting a stoplight at one or both intersection, it would have to consider the impact on Lowell, Central, Chase and Library streets, Fire Chief Shawn Murray said.

One of the issues may be whether to consider making Chase and Library streets one way, Murray told the board.

It might be counterproductive to have stoplights at both intersections, he said.

Some of the traffic issues in the area are cars backing up on Central Street to Library Street and the difficulty of turning onto Central Street, said Murray, who is a member of the Highway Safety Committee.

“A lot of traffic is coming through those intersections making it difficult to turn,” he said.

Traffic remains an ongoing issue in town. Recently, the board discussed whether to connect Webster Street to two-way traffic from Ferry Street.

After several residents on Webster Street voiced concerns about the plan, saying it would create safety hazards on the street, the board voted not to move forward with the proposal.