Frustrated residents of the "ladder streets" parallel to Randolph Avenue brought reports of hazardous traffic volume and dangerous GPS-directed shortcuts to the Milton Traffic Commission on Wednesday. The outcry follows the implementation of a MassDOT road diet pilot program on Route 28, which neighbors say has effectively turned residential side streets into high-volume bypasses. Chair Marina opened the session by introducing the town’s new Planning Director, Liz Manning, who joined the commission as its newest member. Manning told the board, Thank you, Marina, as she prepared to weigh in on the evening's localized traffic challenges.

The most pointed testimony came from residents of Clifton Road, where Travis Gregory described a complete transformation of the neighborhood’s character between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Gregory noted that he has seen waves of up to 30 cars at a time bypassing the main intersection to turn onto Highland Street. I have never in the 13 years that I've been here seen this volume of traffic on Clifton Road unless Randolph Avenue was shut down for an accident, Gregory said. He highlighted the presence of 22 children on the street, requesting a time-based "Do Not Enter" restriction to deter commuters. Amy Morrison echoed the safety concerns, telling the commission that she no longer permits her son to play street hockey in the afternoons. 3 to 7:00 PM is a nightmare on Clifton Road now, Morrison said, adding that GPS apps are now sending delivery trucks and Bud Light trucks down the residential way.

Commission members expressed sympathy but urged caution regarding immediate local restrictions while the state’s pilot program remains active. Resident member Steve Gyster noted that time-based signs often create logistical issues for the very neighbors they are meant to protect. I have a concern that we're in a test phase on Route 28. I’d be hesitant to develop a solution while in a test phase, Gyster said, noting that such signs cannot legally exempt residents. Beyond volume, Ryan Villard raised concerns about newly installed flex poles on Randolph Avenue that prevent him from making a left turn out of his driveway. I was told the only way I can go to work is to go down to the 7-Eleven and take a U-turn in one of the busiest intersections in town, Villard said. Marina clarified that the town is acting as a liaison for these grievances, stating, This is a Mass DOT project... We will be providing the notes from this meeting as feedback to the state.

Safety concerns extended to the recently repaved Plymouth and Grafton Streets, where residents reported a "raceway" effect created by the new, smooth asphalt. Bill White requested speed humps similar to those on Governor's Road to protect the 20 to 25 children who congregate at a nearby bus stop. We have a safety issue with 20 to 25 kids moving at the same time traffic is barreling through, White said. Resident Steven Camano provided a stark example of the morning chaos, telling the board, On more than one occasion, I’ve had to stand in the middle of the road to stop traffic to let children cross the street. Neighbor Katie Mian described drivers recklessly coming up the hill at a blind curve near the bus stop.

While Brian Maguire suggested installing a stop sign at the Quincy/Milton line on Plymouth Avenue, Police Chief King reminded the public that such signs are safety devices, not speed deterrents. Historically, we don’t put in stop signs just to slow people down. They have to meet warrants, King said. Sergeant Jordan Erns noted that while previous data showed an 85th percentile speed of 24 mph, those numbers predated the paving project. Erns committed to increased enforcement, stating, We will get some officers down there to monitor traffic during the 7:40 AM bus pickup time. The Commission agreed to conduct new traffic counts to reflect the current post-repaving conditions.

On Reservation Road, traffic consultant Justin Kuritz presented data from a 48-hour study showing approximately 750 vehicles per day with a 29 mph operating speed. In the peak periods, we're seeing approximately 90 to 95% of traffic headed in the northbound direction, Kuritz reported. While the study found only 13 trucks over two days, resident Mike Grandell argued that 750 cars remains a significant burden for a residential street. Resident member Marian Triskin Driscoll joined the commission in reviewing the data as the board directed residents to review the full memo before returning for further discussion.

The commission also scrutinized a request from the restaurant Abby Park to convert a daytime loading zone at the corner of Franklin and Adams Streets into a nighttime valet parking area. Marina explained that the third-party service would be free for all patrons to help mitigate parking losses from local construction. However, Gyster raised concerns about vehicle flow and double-parking. Did they give a flow plan? They drop the car, but where do they return it? Gyster asked. The item was tabled until the Chair can obtain a formal flow plan and confirm delivery schedules for neighboring businesses. Finally, the board addressed truck exclusion concerns on Canton Avenue, where Marina confirmed that No Trucks signs are already in the queue for installation at the Adams Street intersection.