Harwich Traffic Safety Committee backs Route 28 signal study after MassDOT crosswalk ruling

Other Committee · Meeting of July 14, 2026

Harwich Traffic Safety Committee votes to pursue Route 28 traffic signal project near Red River Beach access. The committee reached unanimous consensus at its July 14 meeting to begin the process of applying for a federal Transportation Improvement Program project for full signalization at the Route 28 and Uncle Benny's intersection, which MassDOT assessed in writing in 2024 as requiring a traffic signal before any pedestrian crosswalk can be installed. DPW Deputy Director Matt Sutvin, citing estimates confirmed with engineering firms VHB and traffic engineer Steve Tupper, said full signalization would cost between $2 million and $3 million, with the town responsible for engineering costs of roughly 10 to 15 percent.

The committee also noted seven accidents at the intersection since 2021 and agreed to gather detailed crash data and conduct turning-movement studies in the fall before advancing an application. Separately, the committee marked the completion of the Old Chatham Road at Route 39 reconstruction — contract value approximately $330,000 — and the Route 28 sidewalk project, a 12-year effort that delivered a $3.2 million sidewalk for approximately $250,000 in town funds.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,963 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of July 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.