Bly work prompts new bus routes

SAUGUS – Drivers are not the only commuters finding the Belden Bly Bridge project problematic, as those taking public transportation have had to struggle with the relocation of bus stops.When the bridge project started shutting off Route 107 at Ballard Street, it altered bus routes, which meant relocating at least two bus stops.Former Selectman Michael Serino has remained the town’s liaison to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and he told the Selectmen Tuesday that he had planned to make a recommendation but the state moved the stops before he had a chance to.Massachusetts Highway Department representative Mark Jewell admitted Wednesday that he more or less took it upon himself to move the stops. Jewell said it was one of those little details he thought was overlooked, so he called the MBTA, which then moved the stops. One was placed at Eastern Avenue and Dudley, and another essentially on private property.Both locations were called ill-conceived by Serino, Selectman Michael Kelleher and a number of commuters.Serino recommended the stops be moved to Vitale Park and across the street in front of Eastern Tool. He also recommended removal of the stop on Ballard Street, but not everyone agreed on that plan.Caroline Fisher and Linda Meyers ride the bus every day. Fisher said she would prefer to pick up the bus at the Ballard Street stop rather than in front of Eastern Tool. She said if a storm was coming off the water, standing in front of Eastern Tool, located across the street from the open river, would be brutal. Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian suggested the MBTA could erect a shelter for the stop but Fisher doubted that the state would spend the money since it’s only a temporary change.Both Meyer and Fisher agreed the Vitale stop was a suitable location.”But I would absolutely prefer to go where the shelter is if you can’t move the shelter,” Fisher said.Fisher said the real problem with the Route 107 bus stop isn’t that the stop is dangerous, but getting to and from it can be. Fisher said the sidewalks often haven’t been cleared of snow, which can prove hazardous for walkers.”I came home during a snowstorm and there was no plowing, no one was clearing the sidewalks,” she said.Kelleher said it was already on his list to address that issue and he would see to it that the sidewalks remained clear for pedestrians.Serino suggested the board vote to keep bus stops at Eastern Tool and Ballard Street and relocate a stop in front of Vitale Park.”It’s not hurting anyone to keep the Ballard Street location,” he said.The board voted 5-0 on Serino’s recommendations Tuesday and Wednesday Jewell said he had no problem moving the stops, as it really wasn’t up to him anyway.Kelleher still took issue with Jewell moving them without approval of the board.”The Board of Selectmen take the votes and agree where the bus stops should go,” he said. “People don’t just walk into Saugus and start putting in signs.”