Swampscott to create Safe Routes to School

SWAMPSCOTT – Town employees are revamping some intersections in town in an effort to make it safer for students to walk to school.Stanley Elementary School received a $270,000 state Safe Routes to School grant to pay for the project.Kim Ryan, who was the safety chairman for the Stanley School PTA, helped write the grant application.”This has been in the works for three years,” Ryan said. “It started when I noticed how dangerous it really is for our kids to walk to school. We’re encouraging our kids to walk to school but not providing them with safe routes. I’ve seen so many near accidents.”PTA President Stephanie Greenfield said the PTA is pleased the project is moving forward.”The changes will make for better walkability for students and lessen traffic congestion,” Greenfield said.Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta said the first phase of the project will address Orchard Road, Orchard Circle, Whitman Road and Neighborhood Road.”The reconfiguration will make improved pedestrian crossings,” Cresta said. “We’re going to put in bump-outs at several of the intersections so when pedestrians cross the street the distance they have to walk is shorter.”Cresta said bump-outs are designed to prevent vehicles from cutting corners, which slows traffic.Bump-outs will be placed at Orchard Road and Whitman Road, Neighborhood Road and Ochard Circle and and Orchard Circle and Orchard Road.Cresta said improvements to the intersection of Humphrey and Salem (streets) will be made in the second phase of the project.”Some of the things being done are enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of Humphrey and Salem (streets),” he said. “Plans include building a landscaped pedestrian island with a concrete sidewalk in the middle of it.”Cresta said even though the selectmen have approved the project, he expects it will be at least a year before the work actually gets under way.”The town has to secure some right of way easements,” Cresta said. “The easements would allow us to access private property to do the work.”