Hull Considers Major Changes to Bus and Road Systems
Town explores designated bus stops and two-way road conversion projects
HULL - January 22 - The Hull Select Board discussed potential changes to the 714 bus line and a decade-long initiative to convert certain Hull roads to two-way traffic during their recent meeting.
Town Manager Jennifer Constable reported that the town had met with the MBTA regarding changing the 714 bus line from a flag system to designated stops. The MBTA recommended that Hull lead the project, establishing a memorandum of understanding with the MBTA and DCR.
"Their recommendation is that the town be the lead on the project," Constable said. "The thought is that the MBTA would stay heavily involved in the project design, but the town would be able to set the cadence for the future discussion."
The town is currently examining potential funding sources for its portion of the project, which would include new signs and necessary roadwork to make stops ADA accessible.
Select Board member Jason McCann expressed concerns about moving forward without considering resident preferences. "I have a real concern moving in that direction," McCann said. "I want to see what the survey says... unless there's something the MBTA is saying we have to do."
Constable noted that Hull is either the last or second-to-last flag stop system in the Commonwealth, suggesting that change may be inevitable.
The board also discussed a long-standing initiative to convert certain Hull roads to two-way traffic. Constable reported that the project, which has been in development for at least a decade, is now at about 25% design.
"We're close to getting to 100% design, but what we've been waiting on for quite some time was DCR's input," Constable explained. She anticipates a call with a DCR Commissioner in early February to discuss next steps.
The two-way road conversion project aims to address safety concerns, particularly at intersections like Nantasket Avenue and Hull Shore Drive. Constable emphasized that the project is not solely to support development but also to improve safety and emergency response.
"I think it's as much of a safety project as anything else," Constable said. "We all, I think, are familiar with the roadway issues at Mezzo Mare, for example. I was faced with a head-on car about two weeks ago. The signage there, the traffic flow, it's just not safe."
Other major items discussed at the meeting included:
- Updates on coyote incidents and potential management strategies
- Progress on implementing the SeeClickFix software for resident issue reporting
- Updates on the seawall project, which is paused for approximately two months due to weather conditions
- Discussion of the town's role as traffic commissioners and the need for more public engagement on traffic issues
- Updates from various town committees, including the Beautification Committee and the Affordable Housing Committee
The meeting also touched on concerns about illuminated business signs and their impact on the community. Select Board member Greg Grey raised the issue, saying, "It's starting to be pollution at this point."
Constable agreed to look into existing bylaws regarding signage and illumination, while board members discussed the possibility of introducing new regulations to address the issue.