Traffic Committee Votes Against Red, White and Blue Centerline

After several meetings and discussion, the Hingham Traffic Committee have recommended that the double solid line on Main Street remain yellow.

The committee, which includes , , and Planning Board representatives,  voted Wednesday night to not paint the Main Street centerline red, white, and blue because it may pose a safety risk to drivers.  The committee believes that if someone crosses the centerline and causes an accident,

“There is a genuine and strong concern that the red, white and blue lines will pose an unreasonable risk to the safety of the public in light to the fact that generally accepted design standards that exist in this country call for a standardized color of yellow, which is standard throughout the country,” Traffic Sgt. Steven Dearth wrote in a letter to the selectman on Thursday.  “The isolated presence of the red, white and blue lines, while benign in its intent, has the real potential for causing accidents that yellow dividing lines painted on the roadway are intended to prevent.”

Many Hingham residents have suggested that the centerline from the Dependable Cleaners in Hingham Center to the Square be painted these patriotic colors year-round.  In the past the Main Street centerline was painted red, white and blue only on the Fourth of July.

On Monday, the Board of Selectmen will review the recommendation from the traffic committee and discuss the issue. The public is invited to the meeting which is scheduled to start at 10:00.