The ramp exiting Interstate 495 northbound onto West Main Street toward town is perhaps the most dangerous I’ve encountered in years. As one exits the interchange onto West Main, there is a total lack of merging roadway, placing vehicles in a dangerous game of “Should I or shouldn’t I?” In addition, once a vehicle has successfully entered West Main, two lanes immediately become a single lane as West Main approaches Lumber Street. Driving is further hampered by an awkwardly placed hedge of yellow poles that appears designed to prevent cars from turning into the Alltown and Cumberland gas stations. This array of poles is particularly intimidating at night.
I don’t know what sort of masochist designed this, and I’ve got to believe there is a better solution. I encourage the town to work with [the Massachusetts Department of Transportation] to remedy this disaster.
— Jeffrey Luth, Hopkinton
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Even worse – there isn’t even any warning to cars exiting 495 NB that there is no merge area so people who don’t know the interchange are taken by surprise.