Traffic Calming Efforts Successful in Downtown Hingham, with More Proposed

By Carol Meyer
Traffic calming measures that have been taken so far in the Downtown Hingham Business District have been a success, with more proposed, Town Engineer J.R. Frey told the Select Board recently.

"These efforts encompass all of the tools available at our disposal to effect a change in driver behavior and generally improve safety for all users of the right-of-way -- including informational signage, changes to the roadway cross section, and direct engagement by law enforcement to educate the public and enforce the law," Frey said. "These cumulative and ongoing [measures] have resulted in a substantial reduction in speed throughout the downtown corridor."
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The direct result is a reduction in the average speed of vehicles traveling on North Street entering the downtown area from 29 to 24 mph and a reduction in the 85th percentile speed from 32 to 28 mph.

Moving forward, the town will continue to evaluate additional measures to improve
pedestrian and intersection safety in downtown Hingham.

In the meantime, the Traffic Committee has reviewed the current downtown data and supports maintaining the current signage and enforcement efforts while continuing to collect data.

"The police department has also committed to a regular schedule of education and
enforcement efforts over the next several months to reinforce the changes [that have already been made]," Frey said.