Hingham is moving to address one of its most dangerous intersections, endorsing a plan that prioritizes building a roundabout at Main and Middle Streets following 25 crashes at the location since 2021. The proposal was unveiled Tuesday as part of a new town-wide Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, a strategy designed to make Hingham eligible for state construction grants.

DPW Superintendent J.R. Frey presented the plan to the Select Board, noting that the intersection near Hingham High School has long been a safety concern, tragically underscored by a past fatality. Hingham Police Sgt. Jeff Kilroy confirmed the danger, stating, Since 2021, we've had about 25 crashes there. It definitely is a concern, especially during the school hours.

The roundabout concept, which Frey said performed best in an alternatives analysis for safety and traffic delay, would be built within the existing town right-of-way and on town common, requiring no private property takings. Board Chair William Ramsey reacted to the crash data with alarm, saying, You said there's been 25 accidents there since '21? Wow. Significant. I fully understand that not everybody's going to love the roundabout, but I feel like we need to do something. The board unanimously endorsed the Complete Streets plan, allowing the town to formally apply for a state grant for the roundabout project. Frey said he would return in several weeks with a more polished design for public review before submitting the application.

In another major infrastructure decision, the board unanimously approved a dramatic redesign of Fountain Square, the intersection of North and Lincoln Streets. The project will permanently remove the western leg of Lincoln Street that circles the Abraham Lincoln statue, connecting the traffic island to the mainland with new sidewalks and a pedestrian-activated crosswalk. The plan aims to improve safety, calm traffic, expand green space in front of New North Church, and improve sightlines for drivers.

Frey explained the project was funded by a MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant, with road-related improvements covered by the town’s Chapter 90 funds. Deirdre Anderson of the Hingham Historical Society championed the project. This all started with our interest in the acquisition of the Benjamin Lincoln house and no safe pedestrian access to that property, she said. This is just such a lovely connectivity piece and adds green space to the town without sacrificing parking... to think no power lines over Abe's head will be so beautiful. Resident and Traffic Committee member Mark Monagario also praised new accommodations for tour buses, calling it a fantastic opportunity for tourism. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed by spring 2026. Motion made by L. Klene to accept the recommendation of the traffic committee for the improvements to the intersection of North Street and Lincoln Street. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board also sparked a potential town-wide policy shift on traffic calming. While approving a motion to designate several more residential streets as 25 MPH zones, a broader discussion emerged. After Frey explained the policy of excluding "collector" roads like High and French Streets from the 25 MPH limit, board member Liz Klene questioned the approach. Do you think we should reconsider the approach? Meaning, should it be 25 everywhere unless otherwise posted? she asked. Chair Ramsey agreed, pushing back on the current policy. I'm going to respectfully disagree with you, and I agree with Liz, Ramsey told Frey. I don't see why 25 miles an hour would cause traffic congestion on a High Street or Gardener. I'm going to ask the traffic committee to consider 25 miles an hour blanket across the entire town with the exception of maybe Main Street. Frey agreed to take the policy question back to the committee for review. Motion made by J. Staley to establish a speed limit of 25 MPH on a list of specified streets. Motion Passed 3-0.

In business news, the board approved a food service license for Hook Pizza Company, which is taking over the former Peel Pizza location at 73 South Street. Owner Brendan Higgins, who previously managed Peel Pizza, said he is rebranding the space but keeping the same footprint. Board member Julie Staley thanked him for keeping pizza in Hingham Square. Motion made by J. Staley to approve the issuance of a common victualler license to Hook Pizza Company. Motion Passed 3-0.