On December 8th, DCR presented it's traffic study and short/long term recommendations for changes at the intersection of Highland Ave & Fellsway East to the public. DCR made the long term recommendation of installing signals at the intersection of the Fellsway and Highland Ave. This long term recommendation must be prioritized during the 2018 State budget process in order to receive funding for work to begin in 2018. 3 strong reasons for installing signals are below:

*This intersection is in the middle of neighborhoods. Rotaries work best in commercial and highway areas, but divide neighborhoods. Installing signals supports the integrity of the existing neighborhood and allows residents the ability to live/travel safely.

*Malden has moved to the neighborhood school model. A break in traffic flow created by signalization is essential in providing children safe passage to travel to their neighborhood school.

*Many new apartment complexes have completed recently in surrounding communities and will add to the current Fellsway traffic flow. Signals will allow a necessary break in traffic flow to provide safe passage for local residents who must cross the Fellsway on a daily basis as pedestrians and/or drivers.

We ask our local representatives to request the state to prioritize this work in the 2018 state budget. The 2018 state budget process begins now.