MIDDLEBORO — Flashing beacons are scheduled to be placed at the intersection of Route 28 and Merchant’s Plaza, where a Middleboro teen was fatally struck by a vehicle in May.

The Department of Transportation is scheduled to install the flashing beacons by mid-September. 

Concerns about vehicle and pedestrian safety at the site have been at the forefront since the death of Dylan Levesque, who was crossing the road in the area May 14 when he was struck by a vehicle. He died two days later.

Flashing beacons can reduce crashes involving pedestrians by up to 47 percent, and increase the rates that drivers yield by nearly 100 percent, according to the Federal Highway Administration. 

Transportation officials agreed to install the flashing lights after meeting Aug. 1 with Middleboro officials, State Rep. Norman Orrall and State Sen. Marc Pacheco. The meeting looked at ways that the town and state can improve safety at the site. 

In addition, the Department of Transportation has refreshed pavement markings, upgraded the crosswalks and pedestrian signage, and addressed vegetation concerns.

After a previous meeting on May 23 with town and state officials, the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District completed a Traffic Signal Warrants Analysis. The results concluded that the Route 28 and Merchant's Plaza intersection would operate well under traffic signal control and that a signal would likely improve operations. 

Before any additional changes can be made, state transportation must conduct an Intersection Control Evaluation to determine if a traffic signal is the best option. The construction timing for any further changes will be determined once the study is completed.

"We are grateful to MassDOT and state legislators for collaborating with our town in an effort to create a safer intersection for all," said Select Board Chair Mark Germain. "Our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of pedestrians and motorists."

Town Manager James McGrail said that “we remain committed to taking action and advancing solutions to address safety concerns. I want to thank all involved who continue working to improve this longtime area of concern."

Safety concerns in that area of Route 28 are not new,, town officials noted: The intersection, which is also located near the Goode and Burkland elementary schools, has prompted safety concerns since 1988. 

In 1989, the then-police chief identified the need for a traffic signal at this location, stating that there would be a serious public safety problem without one.