Infamous Arlington Intersection Changing

The Mass. Ave. intersection with Jason and Mill streets is getting upgraded courtesy of CVS.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved Monday a list of changes recommended by the Transportation Advisory Committee.

The changes, which will “significantly improve overall safety and operations,” according to the committee, will cost about $42,000. However, CVS is footing the bill, as the pharmacy was required to put $50,000 toward improving the intersection as part of its special permit with the town to build its nearby store at 833 Mass. Ave.

The town already spent the other $8,000 on the intersection on a system that automatically turns the light green when emergency vehicles are approaching to clear out any traffic jams.

The changes

The biggest change may be that Jason and Mill streets will no longer have green lights at the same time. The change will make it easier for vehicles to turn left out of Jason and Mill streets.

To make up for this added time, there will no longer be a designated “Walk” phase (with all traffic stopped for walkers) – if Mass. Ave. has green lights, for instance, “Walk” signs will also be illuminated across Jason and Mill streets (pedestrians will get three-second head starts).

On Mill Street, an exclusive left-turn-only lane and a shared through/right-turn lane will be marked. On Jason Street, an exclusive right turn lane and a shared through/left-turn lane will be marked – the island on Jason Street will be narrowed to accommodate this change.

Pedestrian countdown timers and audible alerts will also be added to “Walk” signs, and a yellow left-turn-only light will be added after the green one heading east on Mass. Ave.

The money will also be used for a new “signal controller” to accommodate these changes.

 What do you think of these changes? Did the town get it right? Let us know by posting a comment below.