Medford Approves Temporary Changes At Notorious Intersection

MEDFORD, MA — The Traffic Commission approved a series of temporary changes at the intersection of Main and South Streets at its meeting Jan. 19. Officials stressed the importance of providing some relief while the city and MassDOT weigh more permanent changes, which could take up to 2-3 years.

Improvements include repainting lane markings on both streets and placing temporary barricades to define new turn restrictions. This will create the following new traffic patterns:

• On South Street: Vehicles may turn left or right onto Main Street but will be restricted from traveling straight onto I-93.
• On Main Street Northbound (toward Medford Square): Lane markings will better define one "straight" lane and one "right turn" lane to I-93.
• On Main Street Southbound (toward Somerville/Boston): Left turns to I-93 will be restricted.

MassDOT last year identified the intersection as one of the top 200 crash locations in the state. The intersection spans multiple jurisdictions, which at times has caused frustration over the inability of the city and state to get on the same page.

State and local officials in November started discussing more permanent changes, which could include traffic lights. For now, the city is confident these temporary measures will help alleviate some danger in the area.

"The best engineering minds in Medford and the state believe this will work," Police Chief Jack Buckley told the Traffic Commission, Wicked Local reported.