If you have travelled on Central Street lately you may have noticed the nearly complete installation of changes to the road layout to better accommodate cyclists and to help encourage reduced vehicle speeds.  These changes are part of a pilot program to improve safety for cyclists and all other users of the road. The project is still underway as the signage and the entire scope of planned paint markings have not been installed yet. Below is an overview of the project and a link to the plans.

Overview:

The Town of Acton is working on a pilot program through our Complete Street initiative in response to challenges along Central Street. Our Complete Streets policy focuses on developing a connected, integrated public infrastructure that serves all street users. The 2.2 mile section of Central Street between Main and Elm Streets connects South Acton to the West Acton Town Center. Along those 2.2 miles, the street rises and falls with the terrain, making it difficult for people riding bikes uphill to travel at a comfortable speed with faster-moving vehicles. Previously, no bicycle facilities were provided along Central Street. This project adds bike lanes in the uphill sections of the street, also called “climbing lanes,” to provide people biking in the travel lanes with a dedicated space to climb the hills. The travel lanes in the downhill direction will have shared lane markings to reinforce the shared nature of the lanes to drivers. The bike symbols and signage are expected to be completed soon.

Complete Streets are designed and operated to provide safety and accessibility for all the users of our streets, trails and transit systems, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, commercial vehicles, and emergency vehicles and for people of all ages and of all abilities. Complete Streets principles contribute toward the safety, health, economic viability, and quality of life in a community by providing accessible and efficient connections between home, school, work, recreation and retail destinations. Complete Streets can also reduce the Town’s carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable built environment. The purpose of the Town of Acton’s Complete Streets Policy, therefore, is to accommodate all street users by creating a street network that meets the needs of individuals utilizing a variety of transportation modes.

For more information, please visit out Complete Street page (https://www.acton-ma.gov/582/Complete-Streets-Program )

Any questions or comments may be sent to the Town Manager’s Office manager@actonma.gov