NAHANT ― Safety first: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced that it will be moving one of the town’s bus stops to the vicinity of Little Nahant Playground on Nahant Road and adding a crosswalk within the week.
“Moving the bus stop closer to the playground, where most activity occurs, will provide convenience and encourage pedestrians to use the crosswalk,” said Town Administrator Antonio Barletta.
In the past, there have been safety concerns among residents about having a playground with no crosswalk in sight of the area. Also located in the area is Doggie Beach, where people from many neighboring towns love to bring their furry friends for a beach day.
While Doggie Beach is a great spot for residents to bring their pets, there is currently no parking available onsite. The reconfiguration of the bus stop would allow residents easier access to the public beach.
The two additions on Nahant Road come courtesy of the MBTA’s Bus Stop Accessibility and Safety Improvements Program, which studies the safety of bus stops and bus accessibility among its other responsibilities.
After the MBTA studied the existing bus stop in the Nahant Road area, it worked with the town to improve pedestrian safety as well.
If there was a bus stop put in that area there would also have to be a required crosswalk, according to the MBTA.
Additionally, the existing bus stop, at the intersection of Little Nahant and Nahant roads, lacked both space for pedestrians and proper sightlines for vehicle operators, making it not the safest situation, the MBTA said.
Both the town and the MBTA believe that moving the bus stop down the road to the Little Nahant Playground and Doggie Beach, where there is more activity, would result in more use and safety.
“The new landing areas will increase safety for users of the bus and those waiting to cross,” Barletta said. “These improvements will improve rider accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
The project started on Monday and is projected to be finished by the end of the week.
