Campaign to Replace the Acton Rd (RT 27) Street Crossing Light Signals
The current street crossing signals at the intersection of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and Acton Rd (RT 27) are in need of replacement. Installed when the trail was built back in 2009, using first generation technology, the warning system has never been particularly effective. The lights are virtually impossible to see and the system has had a history of needing battery replacements and other repairs.
The BFRT Acton Rd street crossing is one of the more dangerous intersections that trail users have to navigate. As the trail bisects Acton Rd in the middle of an S curve, sight lines for both trail users and motorists are inadequate. Additionally, Acton Rd's speed limit of 35 mph on this section of road leaves very little time for motorists to react to people already in the trail crossing.
Over the years there have been several near misses at the intersection, but this summer an actual collision between a cyclist and motorist was reported to Westford town staff. Fortunately, no one was injured. As the trail user numbers increase, and with the next phase of the trail slated to constructed in the next two years, this intersection will see increased traffic on the rail trail.
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