Our View: A Misguided Decision

 From the very first issue of the Chatham Shopper News, the precursor to The Cape Cod Chronicle, dated Dec. 1, 1965:

 It’s been more than 60 years since those improvements were made, and while the volume of traffic at the five-corner intersection has increased by an immeasurable amount since then, no further upgrades have been made to what we were told was “our most troublesome and dangerous spot” way back in 1965.

 Last week, the Chatham Select Board voted to reject a $5 million state project to make safety improvements at the intersection. This was a misguided decision based on fear mongering and deliberate dismissal of the location’s safety problems. The board should immediately reconsider its vote and work with the state to develop a compromise design for the sorely-needed upgrades.

 The plans presented at a state-sponsored design hearing June 24 left turning lanes on the Route 28 approaches to the intersection, upgrading sidewalks and crosswalks and adding pedestrian signals, and installing a mast arm to hold traffic signals. The intersection would be slightly widened and multi-purpose lanes added for bicyclists. 

 The main objections to the plans, which were initiated by the town more than a decade ago, were that it would “urbanize” the intersection, which would not be in keeping with the town’s historical character. Select board members were critical of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which has authority over Route 28 and thus the intersection, for failing to maintain it, allowing sidewalks and traffic signals to deteriorate. Rather than a full-scale makeover of the intersection, they called on the state to do its job and make necessary repairs, especially to pedestrian infrastructure.

 But of course, that’s basically what the plan, developed by consultants paid by the town, aimed to do. It was designed to make up for the years of neglect — by both the state and town, since two of the three roads to feed into the intersection are town owned — and to meet current standards for intersections. It’s a miracle that there have been no serious accidents there, involving vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists, although there have been numerous minor incidents. The board’s decision leaves the town open for liability should there be a major accident; indeed, it’s surprising that accessibility advocates haven’t sued over the deplorable conditions of the sidewalks and crosswalks, which lack standard ramps or even street markings.

 Yes, the traffic light mast and pedestrian crossing signals will change the appearance of the intersection, sometimes considered the “gateway” to downtown Chatham. But the addition of turning lanes regulated by traffic signals (currently there are no designated turning lanes and no left turn only signals) will create a smoother flow of traffic and likely reduce backups, which are common during the summer months.

 Since the town funded the design, it can make changes to it, and the state is likely to be amenable to some, such as reducing or eliminating the multi-purpose lanes, which seemed to be a problem for some. That might reduce the need for widening and perhaps retain some of that rural feel some claim would be otherwise lost. We don’t agree, of course; the improvements will make the intersection more functional, safer, and better looking. Giving up $5 million in state and federal funding with the hope that the state will make some changes is unrealistic; the rejection will likely send the intersection to the bottom of MassDOT priority list. Many of those who complained about the project also regularly rail against town spending. If the select board’s decision stands, we expect them to support town funding for the improvements that will undoubtedly be needed at the intersection at some point.