I think no one imagined that the bump out @ Jacob Way & South was going to be as big as it ended up being, which greatly narrows the roadway. For some silly reason it looks like it was that big so as to enable a full handicapped width sidewalk on its perimeter (there is presently a dirt path that wide). 1st - the sidewalk could run along the Calareso's fence instead, 2nd - why even have a sidewalk or curbing, etc, if it is just to end at the first house after Calareso's? People who are walking in the area, if headed towards or away from South, will have to walk on the street at some point,they can just cut across the bump out. A gravel path on the bump out would be cheaper.

As for the bumped out road reducing cut thru traffic on South - has had no effect that I can see, though for me it's increased my cutting down Curtis St to get to Walnut, so as to avoid the intersection altogether. I think a few more stop signs along South st (e.g., @ Heather Drive, @ Walnut (going westward ESPECIALLY), @Pineridge Road, etc, would do more to reduce cut through because it would force the traffic to go a lot slower.

Mass Highway does not allow a town to control speeding with stop signs.

Also be careful what you ask for. It is proven that One Way streets increase speed on the street.

Installing stops signs on Ash and Green is not just about speeding, it is also about allowing drivers in all directions to see traffic and to safely move through the intersection when visibility is blocked by bushes or parked cars.

In addition to what is in the article above, both Green St. and Gould St. are not wide enough to allow large trucks to turn safely onto Ash Street without their rear wheels driving over sidewalks. Twice this past year the Stop sign on Gould had to be repaired or moved due to trucks hitting them while moving through the intersection.

Safety must be the priority.

And as usual nothing will be done about it... Typical.

I now cut down South Street more because It is so difficult to take a left leaving Calareso's. I live near the Norh Reading line but now take a right leaving Calaresos and go down South Street and cut through those neighborhoods to get back to Main. I don't know why Calareso's wasn't allowed to have an exit onto South. I would take that, then go to the lights to head North on main. Instead it has created more traffic as I've talked to several people who now do what I do.

Mr. Veno.
I have tried to find information that would verify that would prove that one way streets increase speeding and could not find it. Where did you find that fact?

Two way streets need to be wide enough to support flow in both directions. Please drive on Green Street and tell me if you think it is safe to drive both ways with any degree of safety.

When Ash street was a one way street there were sidewalks on both sides. Now there are two houses on Ash Street that make the residents step into the street from their front steps. It is clearly an issue of pedestrian safety for those home owners. Would you want your loved one stepping into a street pushing a baby carriage?

John, no need to be badmouthing Mr. Veno. His knowledge is appreciated by many on Patch and I believe that he was much more than a crossing guard

The new design at the interesection of Main St. and South St is terrible. For those of us who need to make a left turn from Main onto South you almost need to make a U-turn and then a right turn to get to where you need to be on South and it's incredibly inefficient. In trying to solve a perceived problem, the situation is now worse. I would like nothing better than to undo the changes and leave well enought alone.

In response to M, the last thing we need is any more stop signs on South Street or Walnut Street.

Jim, Thank you, You are correct.

Stephen. I will admit my info came from Mass Highway several years ago. I do not know where it could be found now. I did work very close with Mass Highway years ago.
Please do not take my comments that I am supporting Ash St.being a two way street. I never did support that idea.

John (who ever you are) I have one thing to say about your comment. I have forgotten more about the traffic in Reading than you will ever know.

DAP (Who ever you are) The truth hurts sometimes. But we all have the right to our own opinions. To bad yours are all wrong in my opinion.

DAP calls one statement of yours arrogant and now everthing he/she says is wrong? Was this you philosphy when you were in local govt?

Liam, No, I give respect to all people that show respect to me. We do not even know who this DAP is. I do like you statment he/she..

peter ( Who ever you are) you are wrong again as useual. Why do you people hide behind a first name only? Are you worried you will have to defend yourself when you say something about an issue or a person? My spelling/grammer may need some work but at least I have the guts to let people know who I am unlike you.

For a minute there I thought you people were talking about all the drug trafficking. I think the bump on South Street is a Phallic symbol in honor of all the politicians that voted for it!