Welcome to You Ask... Patch Answers where we answer readers questions. We recently received questions about the new sidewalks on Main Street. Patch readers want to know why the town is able to build sidewalks, but not paint crosswalks on state roads. Here's your answer. 

The town is not able to paint crosswalks on state roads such as Route 28 because they need, and do not have, permission from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to do so. They did, however, have permission to build the sidewalk, according to the Director of Public Works Richard Carnevale.

"We work with the Mass DOT re sidewalk installation in their right of way but off of the roadway, however we do not have MassDOT authorization to install street marking such as crosswalks, etc. on a major roadway surface (such as Route 28/ Main Street)," Carnevale said.

He went on to say that the MassDOT "right of way" is considered to be the land from the back of the sidewalk on one side of the street to the back of the sidewalk on the other side. Although the MassDOT maintains the road and its traffic lights, sidewalks and crosswalks, funds for repairs or additions are extremely limited. 

North Reading worked with the MassDOT before Carnavale secured his current position and the installation of the sidewalks was approved. Also before he came on board, the funds for the sidewalks were appropriated at Town Meeting, he said.