New 4-Way Stop on Waverly?
You may have noticed this change near downtown.
This week's snowstorm has caused people to slow down and pay more attention while driving around town. And people have also noticed something differenton Waverly Road. So this week's "You Ask... Patch Answers" addresses the question: when did Waverly and Middlesex become a four-way stop?
The answer is: Very recently. That intersection has been the talk of the town for years. People driving down Waverly Road would have to stop there, but those driving on Middlesex wouldn't, and it would often lead to frustration and safety concerns.
At their recent meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve turning that intersection into a four-way stop. In support of the change, North Andover Police Chief Paul Gallagher wrote to Town Manager Andrew Maylor, "The intersection is the main route for children walking or traveling to Thomson School and commuter traffic to route 495."
But since Middlesex is narrow, the change also means more parking restrictions on that street near that intersection. The homes located there now have no parking in front if them.
Residents of those homes voiced concern about not having parking in front of their homes, but selectmen voted in favor of the change, for safety reasons. Selectmen will re-examine the matter in late fall.
You Ask … Patch Answers is an occasional column for locals looking for solutions to community problems, issues and those "only in North Andover" situations that you want solved. From the serious (How will cuts to government services affect me?); to the silly (who picked the furniture for the new Senior Center addition?); weve got you covered.
If you have a question about something in North Andover, send it to Bryan.McGonigle@patch.com to get an answer.
Go ahead, North Andover. You Ask... Patch Answers.
Bill McKenna
10:56 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
The new stop sign is in my neighborhood, and though it may be an inconvenience coming out of Middlesex, it's been a dangerous intersection for years. I have seen countless cars on Waverley completely miss their stop, and this just makes things safer for drivers, and Thomson School kids. The only thing I would like better with this intersection would be to name it in honor of Fred Soucy, who served on the NAPD for many years before his life ended at too young an age. He was also from the neighborhood. So now that everyone has to stop, please pull into Joe's Variety and get a cuppa, and say "hi" to the neighbors around here. You'll be glad you did.
Andria Paradis
12:30 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
About time! But, can someone please explain why whenever there is a snow storm the traffic lights at the intersection of 114 and Waverly Road change to blinking lights? It is nearly impossible to cross 114 in sometimes really awful conditions - like a treacherous game of Frogger!
MikeA, MikeAaa, and some other names.
1:45 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thank God. I almost get killed there coming home from Rolf's. (although it might be the booze talking).