(Updated: 7/6/23): We recently posted a photo of a curious stop sign placed near the middle of the sidewalk at the intersection of Grove and Spring Streets in Wellesley that had us—and others—wondering: What the heck?
There is a ramp for the crosswalk across Grove, but the sign post’s placement would make it challenging to navigate the sidewalk in a wheelchair.
Admittedly, we posted first and hadn’t gotten around to asking questions later, as planned. Wellesley’s Public Information Officer Stephanie Hawkinson beat us to it though, with an explanation of the sign and related strategy…
I want to clear up confusion about the stop sign at the corner of Spring Street & Grove Street. As part of the Hunnewell School building project, the sidewalk contractor for the project is installing new ADA ramps in the area, including one at the crosswalk across Grove Street. The picture posted in The Swellesley Report showed only one angle of this area. It’s important and helpful for the public to understand the new design of the entire intersection.
The north side of Spring Street, where the stop sign is located, is not intended to be accessible to pedestrians, individuals who are visually impaired, or individuals in wheelchairs or walkers. It is not a safe walkway – the slope of the street is too steep and there is no continuous sidewalk. The contractor paved a very small area just beyond the stop sign to provide a smooth transition to the street surface for snow plowing, rather than leaving a small patch of grass that would need to be maintained and mowed. (See Picture 1) All pedestrians on Spring Street should use the south side of the street where there is a continuous, accessible sidewalk. (See Picture 2)
The stop sign itself complies with all legal requirements. It’s intended to deter individuals crossing at Grove Street from attempting to walk down the north side of Spring Street, and it ensures that individuals who are visually impaired or in wheelchairs and walkers, are directed in the correct and safe direction. Stop sign locations are guided by very specific requirements. Due to limited Town right of way space in that area and the need to position the sign so it wouldn’t be impacted by trucks turning onto Grove Street, this was the only possible approved location for the stop sign.
I’ve been wondering about that sign since it popped up. I’ve been grabbing it to use it to swing around the “corner”….into the street. Seems like the logical way to use it. . 😉
Do you frequently swing?
With respect, I disagree with your criticism of the stop sign. I believe Wellesley and Massachusetts would benefit from using them more, as many other communities and states do to support safety.
Thank you for this beautiful specimen of a strawman argument. The issue here is the placement of the stop sign, not it’s presence.
My apologies, but it is not the sign that’s in question – it’s the placement of the sign that has folks scratching their heads. 😵💫🤣
Useless sign as that intersection is always blocked by cars waiting at the red light. Some painted lines would do more good… And the blocking cars should realize that the light cycle barely allows for the first few cars when green so theres no loss if they allow the stop sign people the right of way.
I’m kind of wondering why they put it there in the first place not to many people stop at them anyway and it looks to me that you would stop at the end of the street when turning on a main road that’s my thought
Pedestrians? In Wellesley? Surely you speak of adults and not school aged children.
Truck Sideview mirror could hit sign on righthand turn
Well, as a reporter could you call the town and ask? I’m curious to actually know the thinking here!
Yes, thank you, we should have asked sooner. The town reached out to me before I got to them, and I’ve updated the post with Wellesley’s explanation of the sign placement