New Traffic Light, Raised Crosswalks on Pittsfield's West Street
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The traffic light at the intersection of lower and upper West Streets is now active, and there are a few raised crosswalks on the corridor.
Directing those traveling from West Street or from College Way, it became active last week after a required 30-day period of flashing red and green lights.
Drivers are asked to proceed slowly and use caution in this area as everyone adjusts to the new traffic signal and other changes.
Running between Backman Avenue and College Way, the project implements safety measures for pedestrians and motorists on a street that saw two pedestrian fatalities in 2023. The Department of Public Services and Utilities held community meetings on this proposal in 2023 and 2024, and adjusted plans based on the input received.
The corridor connects the downtown to Berkshire Community College, elementary schools, medical facilities, residential neighborhoods, Pittsfield State Forest, and other resources.
New infrastructure includes lighting, sidewalk improvements, and raised crosswalks, Rapid Flashing Beacons at key crosswalks, a traffic signal at the intersection, repaving and adjusted lanes, and bicycle accommodations.
The project was led by the City of Pittsfield with a combination of state and local support; a total of $3 million in local funds and $ $435,000 from the state. This covered design, construction, and construction management, and contingency.
Work kicked off in late August of 2025, and now there are bike lanes, flashing crosswalk signs, raised crosswalks near Dewey Avenue, Dorothy Amos Park, and St. Mark’s Catholic Church, and the traffic signal.
Per Massachusetts Department of Transportation requirements, the traffic light must flash red and yellow lights for 30 days.
This area has seen a couple of pedestrian fatalities in the last few years: In January 2023, Shaloon Milord was struck and killed while crossing in front of Dorothy Amos Park, and in October 2023, Shane Cassavant was struck and killed farther up the street while doing roadwork.
In 2024, the city received a $235,000 boost from the state's Shared Streets and Spaces Program for the effort, and the City Council authorized a $2 million capital borrowing for the streetscape improvements on the corridor.
The program is a MassDOT grant initiative for municipalities to implement safety, public health, and revitalization improvements on public infrastructure.
Tags: road safety, traffic light, traffic safety,
