Waltham Public Schools

LEXINGTON STREET TRAFFIC UPDATE-8/25/23

Due to the ongoing MWRA water main project on Lexington Street, the Waltham police have added officers to help facilitate traffic that we anticipate due to the start of school next week. The established detour route will remain the same, northbound lane on Lexington Street only from Piety Corner to Jack’s Way, Monday through Friday 7 AM to 5PM.

Officers will continue to be stationed along the project route as well as being added to the exit and entrance to the High School / Kennedy Middle School on Lexington Street.

Officers will be moved as needed to accommodate for any traffic issues that may arise.

Travelers who need access to the YMCA, the Waltham High School, or the Kennedy Middle School will be able to access those properties from either direction on Lexington Street, southbound or northbound.

To accommodate buses that need to transport students returning home south of Piety Corner the following will occur:

• A detail officer will pull out the buses from the High School and the Kennedy Middle School and allow those buses needing access to the south side of the city a clear path southbound on Lexington Street through Piety Corner.

Northbound traffic will be temporarily stopped at Piety Corner while this is happening.

The southbound exemption is for buses only.

The southbound bus convoy will be allowed to travel south on Lexington Street through Piety Corner unimpeded. Once the convoy is out of Piety Corner, northbound traffic will resume.

Safe Walking Route

Please see the graphic to the right for more information on safe routes for students that are walking from the section on the map in highlight to Waltham High School or Kennedy Middle School. These students will be assisted by 8 Police Detail Officers along the walking route.

Message from The Waltham Police Department
September 2023

The Waltham Police Department recognizes the frustration that accompanies the delays and detours that motorists must take in relation to the MWRA project on Lexington Street. With school back in session, we are urging all drivers to be more alert on the road to ensure the safety of students, motorists, pedestrians and all who use our roadways. Below are some factors to consider when operating your vehicle:

Slow down -Adhere to speed limits and be aware of the change in speed limits in school zone areas. By slowing down, you are doing your part in keeping others, as well as yourself, from getting hurt.

Eliminate distractions - Staying focused on the roadway is not only your responsibility, it's the law. Refrain from texting or using the phone while operating a vehicle. People often cross the road unexpectedly and may emerge suddenly from between parked vehicles. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for merely two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.

Reverse responsibly - Every vehicle has blind spots -Check for people who may be around your vehicle, on the sidewalk or driveway before slowly backing up. Keep your radio at a volume that allows you to hear other vehicle horns or voices that may be trying to alert you.

Come to a complete stop - Research demonstrates that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones and neighborhoods. Always bring your vehicle to a complete stop, checking carefully for people on sidewalks and in crosswalks, before proceeding.

Watch for bicycles -Bicyclists may be inexperienced, unsteady, and unpredictable. More importantly, they may not be aware of approaching vehicles. Slow down and allow at least four feet of passing distance between your vehicle and the bicycle.

The Waltham Police Department is committed to the safety of our students and residents. By following these suggestions and obeying all the rules of the road, you are doing your part in keeping our roadways safe. We will be enforcing traffic laws in the area throughout the school year and appreciate your cooperation in maintaining public safety.