Consultant: Minimal Traffic Impact From Woburn Mall Makeover

WOBURN, MA -- A 10-screen movie theater, 350 new apartments and a makeover of the Woburn Mall's retail spaces will generate fewer -- not more -- car trips according to a traffic study by the property owner. Edens LLC hired MDM Transportation Consultants to perform the traffic study as part of its special permit application to the city. The study claims that with mitigation efforts and a reconfiguration of the roads surrounding the property, the remade mall would see 270 fewer car trips on weekdays and 680 fewer trips on Saturdays.

The report estimates that, once complete, the mall would see approximately 1,694 total trips on weekdays and 1,984 trips on Saturdays.

"In summary, the proposed development does not result in any material change in operations at intersections within the study area compared to No-Build conditions," the report said. "Furthermore, improvements as outlined in...this report will enhance safety and operations for both pedestrians and vehicles at Site driveways."

Those improvements include widening the driveway near Market Basket to add turning lanes, new sidewalks and raised traffic islands.

City Council has already approved the zoning changes needed for the remake of the mall. This week it will begin consideration of the special permit application under those new rules, with a public hearing scheduled for later this month.

In July, an architectural firm hired by Woburn Mall owner Edens LLC offered a first glimpse of a proposed makeover of the property, which includes 400 apartments, an eight-screen movie theater and an open-air retail concept similar to those found in so-called lifestyle centers in Lynnfield, Dedham and Somerville. Hartford-based Amenta Emma Architects said Edens hopes to complete work on the makeover by November 2019.

Under the preliminary plan, T.J. Maxx and DSW Inc. would be relocated to newly-constructed buildings that are connected by pedestrian walkways and outdoor green spaces. The plan calls for 175,000 square feet of retail space. Edens purchased the property for $44 million in 2017.

Read the full traffic study.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).