April 14, 2023 |City of Lynn, City Services, From the Mayor, News, Transportation

City to use cannabis funds to improve traffic signals

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The City will use approximately $200,000 in cannabis host community agreement funds to improve traffic signals at intersections located in proximity to retail cannabis stores.

The traffic signals were identified as part of an inventory that identified deficiencies, aging infrastructure, and short- and long-term needs from an operational and safety perspective, according to City Planner Aaron Clausen.

“Using these funds gives us the opportunity to implement short-term, low-cost improvements that will improve safety and signal operations at each location,” Clausen said.

The improvements will include replacing old equipment and updating signal timing to reflect current traffic patterns and decrease congestion in those areas, Clausen said. Damaged signal equipment will be replaced, LED lighting will be installed, and pedestrian signals will be replaced and upgraded to countdown signalization as part of the project.

Intersections where traffic signals will be updated include: Western Avenue and Chestnut Street, Maple Street and Chestnut, Western and Mall Street, Western and Center, Western and Spencer, Western and Summer, Western and Albion and Chestnut and Adams. Each of these locations were identified in the traffic signal inventory as priority need for signal repair and upgrade, and they are located within a half-mile of at least one cannabis facility.

“Improving traffic flow benefits everyone who travels these areas. This is one way in which the City is putting to good use funding derived from the cannabis establishments.”

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson

Clausen said a more extensive improvement project is underway for the intersection of Summer and South streets. Cannabis mitigation funds will be used for the initial design phase of that project to include a full reconstruction of the intersection and new signal equipment. The design approach will modernize antiquated signal equipment, improve safety at one of the most challenging intersections in the City, and optimize traffic operations for all roadway users.

Also planned is the Broad Street Corridor project, in which traffic signal upgrades will take place at seven intersections from Broad and Silsbee to Lewis and Autumn streets. The City has applied for additional funding through the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Community Connections program.

“That would have a huge impact on the flow of traffic and improve safety and efficiency for all modes of transportation along the Broad and Lewis street corridor,” Clausen said.

“We are tremendously happy to get some much-needed help in our ward with the total upgrade to the traffic lights at South and Summer streets,” said Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan. “This will make the area safer for everyone in the South and Summer neighborhoods.”

The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor Nicholson’s office.