Malden receives $127K to address speeding and pedestrian safety concerns

Advocate Staff Report

  The City of Malden has received $127K from the Shared Streets & Spaces Program of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to replace antiquated school safety equipment, improve city communications and collect speed data.

  The City will use $85K to install two new flashing school zone signs at the Beebe School and five new flashing school zone signs at the Ferryway School. The existing signs at these schools are in poor condition compared to those at Malden’s four other K-8 public schools. These devices are important toward reducing vehicle speeds, increasing the visibility of students and reducing the risk of pedestrian crashes. Replacing the existing school zone flashing signs with up-to-date equipment will not only help calm traffic where students travel the most, but it will address a gap in Malden’s school safety infrastructure. The new equipment will alert drivers of the school zone 20 mph speed limit with flashing lights and show their speed when entering the school zones.

  “Student safety is a priority for our community,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This award and the flashing school zone signs we will be able to purchase with it will help protect young people and make the roads safer for some of our most vulnerable users. Malden looks forward to continuing this important work in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.”

  Malden will also use $42K to purchase two trailer-mounted message signs equipped with speed radar technology. This equipment will be used for a variety of communications purposes, including but not limited to alerting residents of upcoming roadway projects, announcing important civic messages or providing wayfinding during events. The trailers are also equipped with speed radar technology so that the City can simultaneously monitor speeds and inform traffic calming plans.

  The City of Malden is excited to work with MassDOT to implement these two projects. For more information, you can contact John Alessi, Transportation Planner, Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development: jalessi@cityofmalden.org or 781-324-5720 Ext. 5740.