Hingham Select Board Approves Major Traffic Improvements for Downtown Hingham's Fountain Square
HINGHAM - August 26 - The Hingham Select Board unanimously approved significant traffic control changes for the intersection of North Street and Lincoln Street at Fountain Square, a project that will eliminate a traffic lane, expand green space, and improve pedestrian safety around three of the town's most historic buildings.
The Full Story
The approved plan will remove the westerly leg of Lincoln Street that currently curves around the Abraham Lincoln traffic island, replacing it with expanded sidewalks and lawn space in front of New North Church. The intersection will be "squared up" to improve dangerous sight lines that currently force drivers to look around sharp angles when crossing the intersection.
"This squares up your approach, so it completely solves that angle issue," explained Town Engineer JR Frey. "Now you'll be looking just as you would at any well-designed intersection."
The improvements are funded through a state shared streets and spaces grant, with additional Chapter 90 funds covering vehicle-related improvements that fall outside the grant's scope. The project includes installing new gas lamp street lights consistent with North Street's aesthetic, along with rapid flashing beacons (RFBs) to help pedestrians cross safely.
A key feature addresses frequent utility pole strikes by vehicles leaving the roadway. The town will relocate two utility poles underground, including the primary pole that sits at the nose of the traffic island and is regularly hit by cars. The work will also upgrade fiber optic capacity between Town Hall, the public safety facility, and other municipal buildings.
To compensate for lost parking from the eliminated traffic lane, the plan creates new parking spaces along North Street, designed to accommodate not just regular vehicles but also tour buses and school buses serving the Benjamin Lincoln House and other historic sites.
The board also addressed ongoing traffic safety concerns by approving 25 mph speed limits on additional residential streets throughout town. This continues the community's systematic approach to reducing speeds on local roads while maintaining higher limits on collector and arterial roads designed to move traffic through town.
The speed limit changes cover several neighborhoods previously overlooked, including streets off French Street on the Weymouth border, areas near Hersey Street including Smith Road, and sections of Water Street and Kilby Street. Traffic Committee data shows these residential roads have become cut-through routes where drivers exceed safe speeds.
In other business, the board endorsed the town's Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, a comprehensive document identifying 22 potential infrastructure projects to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. The plan positions Hingham to compete for state construction grants over the coming years.
The board's first Complete Streets grant application will seek funding for a roundabout at the dangerous Main Street, Middle Street, and Short Street intersection near Hingham High School. Police data shows 25 crashes at that location since 2021, with particular safety concerns during school hours when young drivers navigate the confusing intersection.
The board also approved a common victualer license for Hook Pizza Company at 73 South Street, as owner Brendan Higgins rebrands the former Peel Pizza location while maintaining the same seating capacity and footprint.
Multiple reappointments were made to the Human Rights Commission to ensure proper term structures, with representatives from various town departments and committees.
Why It Matters
The Fountain Square improvements will create safer pedestrian access between the Old Ordinary, Benjamin Lincoln House, and New North Church—three of Hingham's most significant historical sites. The project eliminates dangerous sight line issues that have made the intersection hazardous for daily commuters while creating a more campus-like feel for the historic area. The additional parking and bus accommodation will support growing tourism related to Revolutionary War history and the town's REV 250 commemoration.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve common victualer license for Hook Pizza Company. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 06:43)
Motion: Accept Traffic Committee recommendation for Fountain Square intersection improvements. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 37:53)
Motion: Establish 25 mph speed limits on additional residential streets. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 57:19)
Motion: Endorse Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:22:20)
Motion: Multiple reappointments to Human Rights Commission. Outcome: All approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamps: 1:24:20-1:25:30)
Public Comment
Traffic Committee member Mark Buonagurio praised the bus parking provisions at Fountain Square as beneficial for tourism. Historical Society representative Deirdre Anderson thanked the board for supporting connectivity between historic sites and noted the project represents $1.3 million in combined Community Preservation Committee and town investments in the historic downtown area.
What's Next
Fountain Square construction will begin this fall after the current paving season concludes, with completion expected by spring 2025. Town Engineer JR Frey will return to the Select Board on either September 16 or 23 with final plans for the Main Street roundabout project before submitting the grant application. The Traffic Committee will consider a town-wide 25 mph speed limit policy as requested by Select Board Chair William Ramsey.
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