MassDOT To Review Pedestrian Safety on Route 9

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) informed Framingham State University President Timothy Flanagan it will review pedestrian safety, along Route 9, between Temple and Prospect streets, said Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin.

MassDOT has pledged "to work with University, the Town and others to develop a plan for safer pedestrian crossings over Route 9," Halpin told Framingham Selectmen Tuesday night.

MassDOT's decision was in reaction to a letter sent to the Commonwealth by University President Flanagan following the

Despite warnings from campus police and university officials, students have continued to try to cross Route 9 at Maynard and Worcester roads, where there is an opening along the busy highway for emergency vehicles from one of the Framingham Fire Stations.

There is an elevated crosswalk close to campus, near the intersection of Edgell and Worcester roads, but students don't always use it.

But Maynard Road is not the only intersection along Route 9 in Framingham, where pedestrians have been struck. Framingham Police records show between 2010 and now more than two dozens pedestrians have been struck between Temple and Prospect streets on Route 9.

We are "coordinating efforts for pedestrian safety improvements," Halpin told Selectmen. "To prevent a tragedy from happening again."

There are crosswalks along Route 9 at Temple, Prospect and near the Wal-Mart, but individuals  continue to attempt to get across hthe busy multi-lane hihay, at times even ejumping the jersey barriers.

Route 9 - along with the Mass Pike - is a popular route between Boston and Worcester. Speed limits along the state highway range from 40 to 50 miles per hour.