New Braintree Committee Has Eye on Traffic

Originally published Dec. 9, 2016

BRAINTREE, MA — Between Route 3 and the South Shore Plaza, it's no secret that Braintree has a traffic problem but a new committee created by the Town Council hopes to help residents deal with traffic-related issues.

Tuesday night, the Braintree councilors approved the Traffic and Safety Committee which will consists of the chairs of the Public Safety, Rules and Ordinances, and Public Works Committees. The new group would be used to assist residents with a swift remedy to their traffic issues, councilors said.

“I think we’ve all been contacted by our constituents who have traffic concerns and issues,” Councilor Thomas Bowes said

Councilor Michael Owens, whose Fifth District includes parts of Route 3 and the Union Street rotary, said he also receives a high volume of traffic complaints.

“It’s my believe that Braintree is a traffic town because of our geographical position. We all know why but it’s a very busy town,” Owens said. “We have to look at better ways to manage traffic in Braintree. It's the number one complaint I receive whether it’s congestion or traffic safety."

Owens added that he believes the town needs a traffic safety coordinator that would be responsible for handling traffic requests and contacting the necessary departments.

The new committee does not replace the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, a group made up of the town engineer, police chief, and fire chief.

Image: file photo