Officials Ask for Hazmat Route Delay, Mull Video Surveillance

As Route 128 sees a lane-widening project that could last several years, Needham officials are concerned that a plan from the City of Boston to reroute hazardous materials could make for a dangerous route.

The Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick and Fire Chief Paul Buckley all discussed the proposal this week and are now asking the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to postpone a plan that would reroute trucks carrying non-radioactive hazardous materials from the city and onto Rte. 128.

Of concern is an ongoing Add-A-Lane project in Needham and Wellesley, one that will at times shut down existing lanes and create traffic problems. Needham officials believe that these conditions could cause additional accidents, ones made worse when hazardous chemicals are involved.

“We’re looking at significant construction,” said Fitzpatrick. “The narrowing of lanes makes for less safe driving.”

Selectman John Bulian asked Buckley if his department, in general, finds significant setbacks in getting to accidents on the highway. Buckley related that issues do come up, mainly due to the fact that it takes a lot of time to get from one side of the highway to the other.

“Between Great Plain and Highland is about three miles. You can waste up to seven minutes trying to get to the other side. Those are real precious moments,” Buckley said, explaining that commuter reports are often inaccurate, reporting an accident on the incorrect side of the highway.

Buckley recommended a turnaround for emergency vehicles, as well as video monitoring that would allow department officials to see exactly where an accident takes place. Both idea, though, are in early stages of discussion, Buckley said, but both drew visible approval from selectmen.

Bulian raised concern over the idea of increased trucks carrying hazardous materials through town creating a need for the Needham Fire Department to carry more supplies on their trucks in the event of a spill. Buckley said that is a concern, but that the department does not currently have the resources to deal with such increases.

A hazmat spill, Buckley said, will not only affect those in the immediate area, but also those throughout Needham and surrounding towns because of nearby water reservoirs in which said materials could filter.

Fitzpatrick stated that she would officially draft a letter this week to the City of Boston to ask for a delay in their plans.  The deadline to file public recommendations with the Dept. of Transportation is Sept. 23.