Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn announced that he has met in recent weeks and months with fellow South Boston elected officials, representatives from the Boston Transportation Department, Boston Police Department, transportation and pedestrian safety advocacy groups, community leaders, and members of neighborhood associations regarding Vision Zero – the goal of no serious or fatal crashes in Boston. Flynn conveyed that the safety of all on our roads – pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists – is a top priority for the city.
Flynn acknowledged there is much work to be done, but cited infrastructure improvements to areas like Farragut Road & East Broadway with stop signs placed in the middle of the road, as well as a loading zone to be implemented at F St & West Broadway to deter delivery trucks from double parking, as positive steps the city has taken. In addition, the city is currently looking at suitable locations for Rapid Flash Beacons to assist pedestrians crossing the street.
Following serious and fatal crashes in South Boston last year, Flynn recommended a 12 point South Boston Safe Streets Plan that included a study of high-traffic areas, a 20 mph speed limit or 20 mph zones, speed humps and raised crosswalks, 4 way stop signs at relevant locations, speed feedback signs, rapid flash beacons, curb extensions, road diets, increased enforcement, delineators in the road, and loading zones for delivery trucks on Broadway.
In recent months, Flynn held a hearing with Councilor Baker on a 20-mph speed limit, 20 mph speed limit zones and traffic calming. He also joined Councilor Flaherty in holding a hearing on the South Boston Waterfront and Seaport Strategic Plan and highlighted that public safety must be the primary focus.
“Vision Zero and the safety of all on our roads is a top priority for our city,” said Flynn. “We have a lot of work to do, but Farragut Road feels safer today and I believe that a loading zone for delivery trucks- instead of double-parking on a two-way bus route- will make West Broadway safer as well. We need to continue to work together on a combination of infrastructure improvements, enforcement from Boston Police, and slower speeds to achieve Vision Zero.”
For more information or to provide suggestions, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or ed.flynn@boston.gov.
