HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-08-14 Route 128-93 Interchange Advisory Committee Minutes Ad Hoe Advisory Committee RECEIVED
on the Route 128/1-93 Interchange TOWN CLERK
August 14, 2002 77ppFE:CCFDING, MASS.
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Police Station Community Room, *' Z&Pl 3trA ct 08
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, members Jim McDonald,
Jeff Everson, Audrey Doyle, Bill Webster, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the
following list of interested parties: Ed Callahan
Chairman George Hines reviewed the membership on the Committee and talked about his work
as a Project Manager at the MBTA. He disclosed that he manages a consultant contract with
Edwards and Kelcey, the same firm who is doing the feasibility study for this project. He
reiterated that his first allegiance with regard to the Route 128/1-93 Interchange is to the Town of
Reading in its entirety. He did note that the Town of Reading had asked for improvements to
this intersection a number of years ago and was told that no improvements were possible.
Jeff Everson noted that he has experience in the technology areas particularly in areas of
intelligent transportation and incident management.
Selection of Vice Chair
Chairman George Hines asked for nominations for the position of Vice Chair in order to Chair
these meetings in the event that he is absent.
On motion by W hat ded b e_ _2 the position of
---�-----,-«—y124v ff Fverson was nominat d t th
Vice Chair The motion-Wm approved by a vote of 4-0-1.with Everson h r
Review of Charge to the Committee
The Committee reviewed the charge to the committee as outlined in the policy establishing the
Committee. Chairman George Hines noted that he felt liaison and communication with
PRESERVE and THAG should be through their members on this committee. Audrey Doyle
from PRESERVE and Bill Webster from THAG indicated that they would ask their members to
respect this "chain of command."
Ed Callahan, a resident of 48 Ash Hill Road, was present at the meeting. He asked if we can
"stop it." Discussion ensued as to whether or not it was in the best interest of the Town to stop
any improvement to the interchange of Route 128/1-93. There was discussion on cut through
traffic created by problems on the interstate highway system.
Audrey Doyle asked what the affect would be if some of the roads like South Street are cut off.
Some residents on South Street might see this as a positive. Others on abutting streets may see it
as a negative. If the project is developed in a way that would require such action, this is an issue
that we would have to deal with.
Review Stams of Rrgue t for Qociuoent6 from Mass Highway epartme
The Town Manager reviewed his discussion with Mass Highway officials on Friday, August 9,
L2002. A copy of the notes of the meeting were attached. A suggestion was made that for the
Ad Hoc Advi ory Committee on the Route 128/1-93 Int hange Page
September meetings, Mass Highway should show any of their proposals on maps that have lot
line bases on them and are color coded such as the April 25, 2002 that was presented to THAG.
This can be overlayed over an up-to-date aerial photo.
Mass Highway should also be asked again for technical information on the safety data including
accident history on an annual basis.
The following items will also be requested of MHD for the meeting to be held in each of the 3
affected communities:
♦ Plans that show the impact of any proposed interchange construction on homes (lot line base
map)
♦ Information as to the ramp connecting southbound I-95 to northbound I-93 — is the ramp to
be elevated?And if so, at what height?
♦ What are the goals of accident reduction?
♦ What change will the new design have on congestioOn?
♦ What noise abatement efforts will be included in the project?
♦ What kind and size of buffer is proposed?
Bill Webster will make copies of whatever information is available from THAG.
Jeff Everson noted that he could make a copy of the Lincoln, Nebraska process. Although the
project was different, the process seemed to be a reasonable one.
(' Discussion of Work Program for the Committee
` The group speculated on how they could identify the impacts of highway projects on real estate
values and assessments. The question was raised as to whether, on the latest plans that we've
seen, the ramp from southbound 128 to northbound 93 was elevated at grade or below grade.
There was discussion about noise barriers and any information on the affect on the noise barriers.
There also was discussion on the impacts of lighting -- either through lighting being moved
closer to residences or installed higher in the air. The question was raised as to whether or not
South Street could be retained even if relocated.
The committee agreed that their next meeting would be on the 28th of August. By that time,
potentially PRESERVE would have meet with Mass Highway, and we would have copies of the
Edwards and Kelcey contract and the large scale map that we were promised by Mass Highway.
(Since that time, the meeting has been rescheduled for August 29th.)
Being no other business, on motion by Everson seconded by McDonald, the Ad Hoc Advisory
Committee on the Route 128/I-93 Interchange voted to adjourn their meeting of August 14, 2002
at approximately 9:30 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
Wctf.D s ed,
Peter I. Hechenbleikner
Secretary