The Milton Traffic Commission is pivoting toward a systematic approach to neighborhood street safety. Town Engineer and Commission Chair Marina introduced a proposal from Tool Design to create a town-wide traffic calming framework, explaining that it was very obvious to us that we needed a roadmap—a path forward in terms of how we tackle traffic calming in the town as a whole. The initiative seeks to establish clear priorities and acceptable mitigation techniques for the town, which Marina described as a significant cut-through community due to its proximity to Boston, Quincy, and Braintree.

Erica Guidabon of Tool Design emphasized a shift away from reactive planning. We apply a data-driven safe systems approach so that the 'squeaky wheel' doesn't always get the grease, but rather the process is equitable and thoughtful, Guidabon told the commission. The proposed scope of work includes a toolkit of typologies to help residents understand which traffic measures—such as speed humps or curb extensions—are appropriate for specific street types based on local data and safety goals.

Commission member Steve raised concerns about the practical application of the plan for future residents and development. If citizens have a need and come to us, is there a mechanism to feed that information into this process? he asked. He also pushed for financial specifics, inquiring if a dollar number would be attached to recommendations. Guidabon noted that while the roadmap won't provide concrete construction bids, it will offer planning ranges, such as $5,000 to $10,000 for individual speed humps, to assist the town with long-term budgeting.

Funding for the study itself will be drawn from the town’s Traffic Engineering budget or Chapter 90 funds. To cover the eventual construction costs, Katrina Meyer of Tool Design explained the firm would provide a funding matrix to identify state and federal grant opportunities. Marina noted that the plan will allow the engineering department to find cost efficiencies by aligning traffic mitigation with the town’s ongoing pavement plan. Member Marian joined the consensus to move the proposal forward for deeper review.

Resident Amy Morrison of Clifton Road praised the forward-thinking approach, saying her neighborhood was very grateful to hear about this engagement regarding traffic concerns. Another attendee, Mariah Alansquez, sought clarification on how much of the future project costs would be covered by outside sources. Marina clarified that the roadmap itself would identify those funding splits to help the town leverage federal and state money. The commission plans to vote on sending the final roadmap scope to the Select Board in the coming months, with the project slated to run through October 2026.