Infamous Medford Intersection To See Safety Improvements

MEDFORD, MA — A Medford intersection that has seen its fair share of traffic and safety issues will see short-term improvements while officials work toward installing multiple sets of traffic lights. At a Community Police Meeting Wednesday, city officials and residents discussed potential solutions for the Main Street and South Street intersection.

Mayor Stephanie M. Burke said Thursday the intersection covers multiple jurisdictions and the city is working with the state to secure $1 million to $5 million in funding to install several sets of working traffic lights.

In the meantime, different short-term safety solutions will be piloted, including reversing the flow of traffic by making South Street a one-way street in the opposite direction, Burke said. The proposal would keep traffic on South Street flowing in the same direction from, Walnut to the Main Street intersection, while reversing the flow from Walnut Street to Winthrop Street.

Officials believe this would reduce the amount of traffic that enters the intersection. The Medford Police Department, Highway Department and city engineers will meet quickly to examine the proposal, according to Burke.

Officials will look to address residual issues such as making South Street at Main Street a right turn only and looking at the side streets to see if reversing one will benefit residents traveling to and from home.