Trapelo Rd. cobblestones removed for safety reasons

The gray granite cobblestones that were installed at the intersection of Trapelo and Old County Roads several years ago have been removed after they were deemed a safety risk.

The cobblestones were set into the pavement at the intersection as a traffic calming measure as part of a $5.5 million package of roadway improvements approved at Town Meeting in 2008. “As part of that project, the committee that helped us develop roadway design standards expressed a desire to create gateway treatments that would help drivers recognize that they are entering Lincoln and to help signal that our roads have their own character,” Town Administrator Tim Higgins said this week.

However, over time, the stones began popping out of place and perhaps slowed down cars a bit more than intended. “We had a few people get flat tires because of them—it was becoming a safety hazard,” said Chris Bibbo, superintendent of the Department of Public Works. After consultation with the Roadway and Traffic Committee and other officials, the DPW finally removed them last week and paved over the holes, returning the intersection to its original state.