Op-ed: The Future of Route 138

By Emilio E. Mauro, Jr.

The Master Plan Steering Committee, of which I am a member, is currently working on a vision for our town, which includes transportation matters. In this guest column, I will share my personal views for the future of State Route 138 (SR-138).

The traffic on SR-138 and the uncontrolled traffic flow have become problematic at best. SR-138 has one lane in each direction of travel, which makes passing turning vehicles or entering the road from the many side streets and parking lots difficult. Traffic regularly travels at 40-50 miles per hour in off-peak times, making entrance to the road challenging, while gridlock in rush hours sometimes creates impatient and aggressive driving that prevents easy traffic flow and risks accidents. Without much traffic control except for a few traffic lights at significant intersections in town, there are many sections of SR-138 that seem unsafe. SR-138 is in need of some form of upgrade throughout its Canton corridor.

SR-138 is hostile to intermodal transportation. In Canton, the roadway has no sidewalks for pedestrian use for most of its length. Much of the road has a de facto bicycle lane, but it is not safe for cycling due to vehicles entering the shoulder lane to pass turning cars. Further, much of SR-138 has no public transportation south of the Washington Street intersection; perhaps a second route could be developed. A redesign of SR-138 to make it safer for all would be helpful.

Another major role for SR-138 is as a commercial and business zone. The presence of a vibrant business/commercial zone also helps the town maintain a strong revenue stream through levy. The current traffic conditions are a threat to economic development on the corridor as traffic flow problems might discourage the use of businesses there or could hurt efforts to increase commercial development along the route due to lack of adequate transportation infrastructure.

SR-138 often looks neglected and, in some sections, seems to be poorly lit at night. Often, the state does not immediately make repairs, which endangers travelers along the route. The town of Canton should be allowed more effective communication with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to ensure timely road care while also having a strong role in guiding future improvements of the route.

Efforts to beautify SR-138 through better landscape design and layout would make it a more desirable location for businesses, residents, and patrons. This process should secure the input and support of abutting residents and businesses. Authorities and business owners could also work together to improve the route through encouraging beautification improvements on abutting private properties.

While the thoughts above only reflect my opinions, the committee would very much like to hear from all members of the Canton community regarding SR-138 and any other concerns about planning the future of our town. Please send your comments to Town Planner Laura Smead at lsmead@town.canton.ma.us, and visit the Master Plan Update website at www.cantonmasterplan.com to see how you can participate. Here you can also read my full piece on SR-138 on our blog.

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Posted by Guest on Oct 4 2018. Filed under Featured Content, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.