Proposed guardrail removals on Beals Road and Back River Road
Bedford
Summary
Bedford now has an engineering-based standard for deciding where guardrails belong, and several existing rails on Beals and Back River Roads don't meet it. Removing unneeded guardrails saves money and can actually make roads safer, but residents often perceive rails as protection, so the town plans a phased removal with public education.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
Guardrail end units run about $6,000 each — a 100-foot section can cost $16,000 — so removing unneeded rails avoids future replacement costs.
Taxpayers save on guardrail replacement, and drivers avoid hitting deteriorated or unnecessary rails.
Residents like Lynn Haviland who feel safer with guardrails present may be uneasy about removals near streams and icy curves.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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