Duxbury Tackles Dangerous Intersection, Adopts New Flag Policy

Selectboard supports flashing beacon at Cox's Corner, limits flags on town poles

DUXBURY, MA - July 15 - Duxbury's Selectboard took action on two significant matters during their July 15 meeting, addressing a dangerous intersection and clarifying rules for flag displays on town property.

The board voted to support a proposal from the Highway Safety Committee to install a flashing beacon at the intersection of Route 3A and 139, known locally as Cox's Corner. This intersection has been identified as one of the top three accident-prone locations in town.

Paul Brogna, co-chair of the Highway Safety Advisory Committee, presented the recommendation to the board. "We've had over 44 accidents at this intersection over the last six to seven years," Brogna said. He emphasized that the April 1 accident this year was a catalyst for renewed focus on improving safety at the site.

The proposed flashing beacon would feature red lights for traffic on Route 139 and yellow lights for vehicles on Route 3A. This configuration aims to clarify right-of-way and reduce confusion at the intersection.

Jeff Lewis, another co-chair of the committee, noted that the intersection has already been added to a MassDOT project scope for short-term safety improvements. The Selectboard's letter of support is intended to push for the inclusion of the flashing beacon in these plans.

Selectboard member Fernando Guitart questioned whether additional low-cost improvements, such as updated signage, could be implemented more quickly. The board agreed to follow up with MassDOT on these potential short-term enhancements.

In a separate action, the Selectboard approved a new policy governing flag displays on town-owned flagpoles. Town Manager René Read presented the policy, explaining it was drafted in response to recent court cases involving flag displays on public property.

The policy limits flags on exterior town-owned flagpoles to official government flags, including the U.S. flag, Massachusetts state flag, Duxbury town flag, military service flags, and the POW/MIA flag. Read emphasized that this policy applies only to exterior flagpoles and does not affect interior displays in town buildings.

"This policy is intentionally drafted to be straightforward and reflective of the town's decades-long practice for displaying flags," Read said. He added that the policy aims to clarify that town flagpoles are not intended to create a forum for private expression.

Board member Brian Glennon clarified that the policy would not affect displays like the international flags in school buildings, as those are under the purview of the school committee.

The board unanimously approved the new flag policy.