BOSTON (WHDH) - Some in South Boston are fighting for a change of direction. They are hoping to turn some streets into one-ways in the hopes of protecting pedestrians.
Kathy Sawyer has lived on E Street in South Boston for decades and for the last two years, she and some neighbors have been working to get E and F streets changed from two-way streets to one-ways.
They believe it would make the streets safer for pedestrians.
“It’s dangerous out here. The flow of traffic is just ridiculous,” Sawyer said. “I’ve witnessed so many car accidents coming out of Bolton Street. So I asked Councilman Flynn, you know got a hold of him, had him come down and stand out here with me for about 20 minutes and watch the flow of traffic, and it kind of took off from there.”
But, not everyone is onboard with this proposed change. During an informational meeting Wednesday, some said it would negatively impact their daily commutes.
“I’m just worried that if those were to go one way, maybe Dorchester will feel the extra effects on an already busy street,” said Dodge Tucker.
Those in favor point out that it is more about helping people who live in the neighborhood than those just passing through.
“I understand, but you know if you don’t live on the street you know, it’s hard for people to understand how bad it can be out here with the traffic,” Sawyer said.
Councilman Flynn said, “It might be inconvenient for people but their number one priority is pedestrian safety — as is my number one priority,”
Some alternatives to the one-ways were also discussed at the meeting.
“If the big issue is pedestrian safety, and I agree people speed way too much on these side streets, can we possibly put in some street tables on the letter streets,” Brian Anton suggested.
Flynn said these safety concerns are not unique to this neighborhood.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us on how we are going to improve pedestrian safety in South Boston. That’s a critical issue,” he said.
The South Boston liaison to the city is working on collecting a survey to get more insight to take to Boston Transportation.
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