Dear Editor,
As long time residents of Salem Street, we appreciate the opportunity to express our concerns regarding the proposed traffic modifications to accommodate the increased traffic volume expected from the new consolidated K-5 school project.
VOLUME. Salem Street, from the Tewksbury line to Middlesex Avenue is a relatively narrow, windy road with a posted speed limit of 30 mph, narrow sidewalks and as noted in your reports, already has “significant congestion “. It crosses two sets of active train lines, with crossing gates that have occasionally malfunctioned. In the very detailed, but narrowly focused, 748 page Nitsch Engineering report, the future 5 year conservative estimates of approximately 1,000 cars (total in both directions), during morning and evening rush hours, has already been met as documented in the 3/24 and 4/1/26 traffic study reported in 79 page 6/22/26 VA memo. Of note, the morning rush hour was measured from 8am to 10am and the evening from 2:30 to 4:30. This was a very narrow time frame. Traffic is heard from 5 am till 9 pm.
SPEED. While posted for 30 mph, if you do the limit , someone is tailgating or has happened on multiple occasions, passing on this narrow road.
SAFETY. The reports focus on the last 5 years only, and details primarily rear end crashes. This is very misleading and I strongly urge a more thorough, and historical review of crash data of the entire Salem Street corridor. Indeed, we specifically remember years ago a horrendous head on crash which included a police vehicle at the Salem and Cunningham intersection. We also ran to help a young girl who was hit on her bike at that intersection and suffered a broken pelvis. We were disappointed that only ‘line of sight’ improvements were planning for this intersection. It is currently very difficult to make a left turn onto Salem street from Cunningham . What will the future hold with the increased volume.
IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT. The 748 page report includes traffic impact studies of 4 recent major developments, which interestingly enough all conclude “there will be no impact “. But cumulatively, there indeed must be an impact! Also, there is no mention of current high density housing along this impacted area, specifically the Avalon Oaks/ Willows apartments. Salem Street has also become a major cut through from the major developments in Tewksbury, especially the new Treehouse Brewery.
In summary, Salem Street from the Tewksbury line to Middlesex Avenue is currently a very congested roadway with high traffic volume often with excessive speed. The Cunningham/ Salem intersection is especially problematic. Any true traffic improvement would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue.
Mary and Wayne Aruda
EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was sent to the Town Engineer and was re-published here per the writers’ wishes.
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