Police: Inexperienced Tractor-Trailer Drivers Cause Bottlenecks at Roundabout
ADAMS, Mass. — Police Chief Richard Tarsa says the recent tractor-trailer incidents at the under-construction roundabout were caused by inexperienced drivers.
Resident Jeffrey Lefebvre brought up concerns to the Selectmen on Wednesday about the roundabout project and the numerous truck incidents that have occurred over the past few weeks.
Work on the $1.5 million roundabout resumed on April 4 after being delayed last fall because more extensive construction under the roadway had to be done. The project is being designed to ease traffic through the problematic intersection in advance of development at the Greylock Glen.
Tarsa said five trucks have edged up along the temporary jersey barriers and gotten stuck. He said the police have been monitoring the roundabout and found most of the accidents are caused by inexperienced truck drivers.
"For the most part traffic is flowing very smoothly and effectively. Some trailer trucks come through and you can tell they are seasoned drivers because they go through ... and maneuver it like it is no big deal at all," Tarsa said. "The inexperienced ones they get there they start to panic and they cut it too close."
The work area is surrounded by the concrete barriers, creating a circle and narrow roadways, particularly on the northbound side near 7-11 and Print Works Drive.
During the snowstorm earlier this week, some tractor-trailer trucks followed the tire paths in the roundabout. These marks were made by cars and mislead some of the bigger trucks causing problems, the police chief said.
Tarsa said the inexperienced drivers cause issues for the police because they have to shut down the roundabout and direct traffic.
Upon completion in June, the roundabout will have a slight taper on the island that will make it easier for the trailers to turn.
He said most local drivers have taken to the roundabout with no problem, but one out of every five drivers stops and looks around not knowing what to do.
Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco said drivers should treat the roundabout like any other construction project
"It's a tight fit now that it is under construction but it's just like any road that is under construction. We do have signs up there and blinking signs encouraging people to use caution," Mazzucco said. "I am sure it is difficult anytime a traffic pattern changes but ... roundabouts work everywhere else in the country, we should be able to figure it out."
Selectman Joseph Nowak said the jersey barriers will eventually move in more, freeing up more space. He said they have to be out farther out now so vehicles and equipment can get in and out of the island.
Tarsa said once the contractors lay the cement it will take nearly two weeks to cure. After that, the barriers will be removed.
Upon completion, the roundabout will have some 45 different markings and signs that will help clear up confusion.
Lefebvre said he was also concerned about the utility pole planned to be placed in the middle of the island.
The Selectmen all requested that the pole be removed for safety reasons and advocated placing utility lines underground but were told it would have been too expensive. The cost was given as $180,000 in 2014.
Mazzucco said he has had discussions about the pole with National Grid and the state Department of Transportation and the only other place the pole could be placed is on land owned by surrounding businesses.
"It all comes down to the abuttors. The only place we could move it is to one of the abuttors' properties and they have to consent to it," he said. "The abuttors at this point are concerned about the impact it may have on their business."
He said he will continue to push on the issue.
Tags: motor vehicle accident, roundabout, tractor trailer, traffic,
