Dartmouth Is Getting New Traffic Lights on Route 6

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is installing new traffic lights on Route 6 in Dartmouth. Just what we need, right? Another traffic light on Route 6!

Before you get too worked up, the new traffic lights being erected near the Moby Dick Motel are to assist residents of the motel to more safely cross the busy highway.

State Representative from the 9th Bristol District Chris Markey tells me the lights are part of a new pedestrian crossing system. Markey said the lights will blink yellow until a pedestrian wishing to cross the highway pushes a button changing the light to red, forcing oncoming motor vehicle traffic to stop.

Get our free mobile app

Markey said because Route 6 is a state highway, the state is picking up the tab for the new traffic lights. It's not clear how much the new lights will cost or if additional pedestrian crosswalks are under consideration.

Markey said the pedestrian crosswalk should help to make the highway safer for residents and guests of the motels, several of whom have been struck and killed by vehicles in recent years while attempting to cross the highway.

The state recently added sidewalks along both sides of Route 6 from Reed Road to Cross Road.

Markey said the installation of the new crosswalk system should be completed by the end of the construction season if not sooner. He said the project has been in the discussion phase for about a year and a half.