Saugus bus stop slated for upgrades

SAUGUS – The bus stop on Walnut Street off of Route 1 in Saugus could be getting a lot safer, according to a letter from the Department of Transportation.Paul D. Stedman, the Acting District Highway Director for the DOT, states in a July 1 letter to selectmen that the DOT is committed to “addressing the necessary pedestrian upgrades including wheelchair ramps, crosswalk markings and appropriate signage” in the area.?The district anticipates a sidewalk maintenance contract to be active toward the end of this summer,” said Stedman in the letter. “As this location has been prioritized, the work should commence this construction season or early next construction season.”The stop sits off of a busy interchange next to the Walnut Place shopping center. Cars entering and exiting Route 1 speed up and down Walnut Street as a steady flow of traffic can be seen just about any hour of the day.To make matters worse, the only marking in the area is the one small bus stop sign posted on a telephone pole and without any place to sit, bus riders can regularly been seen sitting on a series of jagged rocks next to the sign.On Thursday, empty cans and bottles could be seen littered on the grass around the rocks.Selectmen raised concerns about this stop, which is for the 429 bus, at a meeting last month and also brought up the idea of installing a shelter as well.Stedman states in the letter that the request for a bus shelter has been forwarded to the Rail and Transit Division of the DOT.Selectmen Chairman Michael Serino said he?s been trying to improve safety around the bus stop for years and frequently receives complaints from neighbors in the area.?It?s been a long time,” said Serino. “That?s I think the second letter in the last couple of years regarding that so I appreciate what they want to do.”Serino said if plans fall through with the bus shelter, he may look into having students at the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School build one.?I believe they did the one in Cliftondale Square when Richard Cardillo was the manager,” said Serino. “That will be my backup plan.”Selectmen will discuss the issue at Tuesday?s meeting.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].