Fatal Hit-And-Run Prompts Changes At Somerville Intersection

SOMERVILLE, MA – In the wake of a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Somerville woman, the city has installed temporary safety measures to parts of Powder House Boulevard ahead of more significant traffic improvements in the area.

Allison Donovan, 40, was fatally struck at the intersection of Powder House Boulevard and Hardan Street Friday night. The road has been the focus of an ongoing infrastructure improvement project for the past two years, according to a city spokesperson.

Safety measures already installed include physical and painted sidewalk bump-outs, which shorten the distance required to cross the road, improved crosswalk markings, flashing stop and crosswalk signs, vertical reflective crosswalk markers and a flashing pedestrian-activated crosswalk sign at the intersection near Hardan Street.

Somerville police will be on-site during school pickup and drop-off hours, and drivers should expect an increased enforcement of speed limits, according to a city spokesperson. Variable message boards have been installed to reinforce speed limits and flex posts have been placed to reinforce the painted bump-outs and median at Hardan Street.

This spring, sidewalk bump-outs will be installed at North Street to slow traffic approaching from Route 16, and a bike lane will be put in place along the length of Powder House Boulevard, a city spokesperson said. Officials are also looking to accelerate the next phase of improvements, which would include speed bumps and traffic tables.

Police continue to search for the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. Investigators describe it as a newer model, full-size, black pickup truck, possibly a Ford F-150, with a black cover over the bed and front-end driver's side damage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerville Police Department at 617-625-1600 ext. 7250 or 7254. Tips may be left anonymously through text. Begin your text message with 617spd and send it to TIP411 (847411).

As the investigation progresses, city officials will schedule a community meeting to discuss the crash, the intersection, traffic calming and next steps. Anyone with questions they would like addressed at the meeting or proposed topics for discussion is encouraged to contact transportation@somervillema.gov.

See Also: Obituary: Allison Donovan, 40, Of Somerville

Former Melrose Principal Killed In Hit-And-Run

Photo by Mike Carraggi, Patch