Gardner Safety Action Plan VZAC Meeting Jul 15 2026

The City of Gardner, Massachusetts held a Safety Action Plan meeting on August 5, 2026, focusing on traffic safety improvements and the development of a Vision Zero policy aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2035. The meeting included updates on public engagement efforts, crash data analysis, and the identification of high-injury network locations. A key procurement-related discussion centered on a demonstration project to test temporary speed cushions on Nichols Street and Pine Street to reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety. The project involves procuring materials for the speed cushions, installation by the Department of Public Works, and data collection before and after installation to evaluate effectiveness. The group also discussed potential countermeasures such as road diets, pedestrian refuge islands, enhanced crosswalks, and speed feedback signs. The plan includes a public meeting in October to gather further feedback and a prioritization process for future safety projects. No formal votes or contract awards were reported, but the meeting outlined upcoming procurement and implementation steps for traffic calming devices and safety infrastructure.