Mixed signals at a tricky intersection

Tipster Kevin Cranston tells GlobeWatch that in early September he reported to the mayor's constituent hotline some malfunctioning pedestrian walk signals at the intersection of Boylston Street and the Bowker Overpass. The overpass connects drivers from Storrow Drive to Boylston Street in the Back Bay Fens.

"This is a very busy pedestrian intersection, with walkers using these lights to traverse traffic coming from multiple directions," writes Cranston. "The poor pedestrian headed from the north side of Boylston Street to the Fens has to judge which line of fast-moving cars has the right of way, it being almost impossible to see the traffic signals from the sidewalk."

"About a year ago the traffic and pedestrian signals were upgraded and repaired, but apparently were set wrong, since it doesn't matter whether you hit the Walk button or not; most of the signals never say, "Walk." The one from the south (Fens) side to the median strip works fine, giving a Walk signal every time it is safe to cross, even without hitting the button, and the one for crossing from Charlesgate West to the median island at the end of the overpass (with the traffic coming off of Storrow Drive) appropriately only gives a Walk signal when you do push the button (rarely used, but essential when traffic is heavy), but the rest always say, "Don't Walk" when they should vary automatically with the traffic signals."

A recent visit by a Globe reporter found four sets of traffic signals that worked just fine for drivers, but never gave pedestrians the OK to cross. Many pressed the Walk buttons and waited patiently through one light cycle before realizing the signal's cautionary red-hand icon remained constant. Sizing up the traffic flow, most waited for the next red light and then crossed gingerly.

"I received a prompt response to my complaint from the mayor's office, saying they would be alerting the BTD, but no action has been taken," wrote Cranston.

Perhaps the reason Cranston's call to the city hotline seemed to fall on deaf ears is that Boston Transportation Department officials say these traffic signals are maintained by the state, not the city, a rather atypical scenario, said Christopher Loh, a spokesman for Mayor Thomas M. Menino's office.

Wendy Fox, a spokeswoman for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees the signals and roadway, said the broken pedestrian signals were caused by a malfunctioning electrical cable. After hearing from GlobeWatch, the DCR sent a crew last week to replace the cable, she said, and the lights are now fixed.

"Essentially, a cable was shorting out, leading to the malfunctioning lights," and DCR replaced it, Fox said. "The problem is not related to the construction work on the Bowker Overpass [a $5 million project], where DCR is now replacing the deck, repairing deteriorating concrete below the deck, making other minor repairs, and installing new lighting on the ramp that connects Boylston and Beacon streets with Storrow Drive westbound," said Fox.

WHO'S IN CHARGE Rick Sullivan,
Commissioner Department of Conservation
and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02114-2104
617-626-1250