Transportation and Transit Committee Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Transportation and Transit Committee (TTC) of Fitchburg met on July 9, 2026, at 6:31 PM. The meeting included a presentation on pedestrian and bicycle safety along East Cheryl Parkway, a staff report on multiple transportation projects, and discussions on a draft Safety Action Plan RFP, a traffic safety intervention at Greenway Cross and Coho Street, and the 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The committee approved the draft minutes from the July 11, 2026 meeting and adjourned at 8:34 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the draft minutes of the July 11, 2026 TTC meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present for non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Agora Block / East Cheryl Parkway Transportation Audit: Mark Wilkerson, president of Bike Fitchburg, presented an AARP audit of the area near the Agora Pavilion and East Cheryl Parkway. He noted that during events such as the farmers market, pedestrians and bicyclists face difficulty crossing the street due to lack of marked crosswalks and curb cuts, limited driver visibility from on-street parking, and a 30 mph speed limit that he believes is too high for congested periods. He proposed solutions including curb cuts with marked crosswalks, temporary speed reductions to 15 mph during events, signalized crossings, pedestrian islands, and bump-outs. Staff Ross expressed support for low-cost options like flexible delineators for bump-outs. Committee member Rick suggested relocating the farmers market to a less busy area owned by Promega. Steve and Logan discussed the need for a mid-block crosswalk and bump-outs, noting that existing mid-block crossings elsewhere in the city are effective. The committee generally agreed that the area poses safety concerns and directed that the suggestions be incorporated into the city’s safety action plan and CIP.
• Staff Report: Ross, the city’s transportation engineer, provided updates including: Metro Transit’s new report card and service request framework (public comment period open through July 29); 2026 street resurfacing progress; bus rapid transit coordination; a speed study on Research Park Place where the limit was reduced from 30 to 20 mph (85th percentile speed dropped only 1 mph); installation of passive bike/pedestrian detection at a signalized intersection; and curb painting to daylight crosswalks and bus stops. He noted that the temporary bus stop on Lacey Street is expected to remain for another 18 months.
• Draft Safety Action Plan RFP: Ross presented the draft request for proposals for a comprehensive safety action plan funded by a $300,000 Safe Streets for All grant. Committee members Rick, Steve, and Logan offered feedback, including: adding demographic data and off-street paths to the scope, clarifying the “traffic management process,” requiring consultants to show past project results, and adjusting selection criteria to value cost effectiveness and local ties if applicable. Ross agreed to incorporate most suggestions.
• Greenway Cross and Coho Street Safety Update: Ross reported on a “roundabout in a box” installed in February 2025 to address speeding and stop sign violations. Speed data showed a 3–5 mph reduction on one approach, but crashes remained similar (one per year). Large vehicles (e.g., buses) cannot use the center island, and small cars cut across. The committee discussed long-term solutions such as mountable concrete splitter islands (estimated $50,000–$100,000) when the road is resurfaced, and praised the iterative approach using temporary materials. The intersection is expected to be included in the comprehensive safety action plan.
• 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Ross reviewed revisions and new projects. Key items: the Seminole Path extension to the city limits (dependent on Madison’s plans); Golden Gate Pass road connection; traffic signals at McKee/Osmondson and Lacey/Osmondson (the latter may be deferred beyond 2037); and a delay in the Syene Road project to align with Madison’s planned Perry Street overpass (anticipated 2031). Committee members discussed the need for the McKee/Osmondson signal given new development at Jamestown Quarry. The CIP amendments have been submitted and will be voted on at the July 28 council meeting.
• Reports from Other Bodies: Alder Gabriella reported on Plan Commission actions including the Syncopation development (30 owner-occupied homes, 40 rental townhomes, 312 mixed-use rentals, and a continuum-of-care facility, all served by a new underpass), a new Los Pres supermarket on Anton Drive, a UPS relocation on Fish Hatchery Road, and the new YMCA building on Spoken Spoke Drive. Alder Steve (or another) summarized council actions including a future land use change at Fahey Glen/Lacey Road, approval of the street resurfacing bid, and a contract for comprehensive plan and zoning code updates with Hasila Levine.

Key Outcomes

• Agora/Cheryl Parkway safety improvements: The committee agreed that the area has safety problems and directed staff to include Mark Wilkerson’s suggestions in the safety action plan and CIP. Staff will also consider low-cost bump-outs and crosswalks.
• Safety Action Plan RFP: The committee provided feedback that will be incorporated into the final RFP, which will be issued by the end of July.
• Greenway Cross roundabout: The committee endorsed the iterative approach and supported planning for permanent splitter islands during future resurfacing. Staff will evaluate the intersection for inclusion in the safety action plan.
• CIP: No votes were taken, but the committee discussed revisions and amendments. The final CIP will be considered by council on July 28, 2026.
• Next meeting: Scheduled for August 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM, but may be canceled; check the agenda.