August 28, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
Following a number of discussions and soliciting community input, the select board this week voted in favor of installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) near the downtown post office crosswalk to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo reported that out of 70-75 responses to an inquiry by the town asking residents for their input about the best way to improve safety at that location, 35 supported the RRFB alternative as presented, while nine respondents were not in favor of this short-term solution.
Still others expressed a desire for some other alternative, such as the installation of speed bumps or cobblestones.
Town Engineer JR Frey explained that the RRFBs are activated by pedestrians approaching the crosswalk, causing the yellow and white warning lights to blink on both sides to alert motorists and to provide enough time for pedestrians to cross the street.
“This advisory signage is not a constant source of light,” he said, because the lights shut off in-between pedestrians pushing the button. “If there’s any sign that this measure isn’t sufficient, we will make the necessary adjustments.”
The assistant town engineer and Hingham police officers will monitor the situation during peak times to gauge the project’s success.
Board member Liz Klein thinks this is a good short-term solution and would like to work with the historical commission “to see what [else] we can do” in this historic part of town.
Chair Joseph Fisher said he remains concerned about traffic safety at this location because the flashing lights don’t help slow down traffic “when someone is trying to open the door of a parked vehicle and cars are whizzing by” but called this measure “a good beginning.”