SUNDERLAND — Drivers are no longer allowed to turn right on a red light at the four-way intersection of state-owned routes 116 and 47.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation installed four “No Turn on Red” signs at the intersection in response to safety concerns for pedestrians trying to cross Route 116. Patrick Marvin, communications officer for MassDOT, said prohibiting right turns on red lights to improve pedestrian safety was one of the recommendations of a road safety audit.
He also said MassDOT is working with the town to better the intersection’s landscaping to increase sight distance, the length of roadway visible to a driver.
Sunderland Selectboard Clerk Tom Fydenkevez said there is a long history of pedestrians and cyclists being hit — or nearly hit — at the intersection. He said MassDOT’s Highway Division studied the statistics and installed the signs within a week.
“There had to be a significant safety concern if they put the signs up as quickly as they did,” he said.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.