Natick Report

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The Worst Streets To Drive On In Natick, Ranked

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Natick Report has begun working with The Natick Nest, Natick High School’s official student-run school newspaper, to help bring the students’ work to a larger audience. We’ll be republishing some of their articles, and plan to coordinate with their staff on additional pieces.

By Jia Kumar, NHS ’23

10. Oak Street

I have vivid memories of waiting eight minutes at a traffic light in an attempt to turn left from Route 9 East. While the road itself is fine, the turn onto the road puts me in a bad mood, making the rest of the drive unpleasant. This infamous turn is frustrating enough for Oak Street to be on the list.

9. High Street

Connecting Route 135, Pond Street, and Curve Street, High Street does not meet any high standards. Half of it is a normal two-way street, but the other half is only one way. This gets too complicated, so I just avoid it altogether. Not to mention, the road is extremely narrow and there are always cars parked on the sides.

8. Mill Street

Near Brown Elementary School and Kennedy Middle School, Mill Street is filled with an inconveniently high amount of kids walking to and from school to look out for. In addition to the students, there are plenty of bikers around, many of whom act entitled to the road. Not to mention, it can be difficult to turn on considering how many drivers drive very fast on this road.

7. Speen Street

Considering I drive on this road at least three times a week, it is not difficult to navigate. However, the high volumes of traffic make it difficult to change lanes. Many drivers who are unfamiliar with the road make it challenging to drive around them. The traffic lights everywhere regulate the road, but waiting can be frustrating.

6. South Avenue

Did you really take lessons with CS Driving if you have not parallel parked on this road at least once? This is why this road is unpleasant to drive on: there are so many cars parked on both sides of the road. Located behind the Morse Institute Library, there is no way out other than Route 27, one-way streets, or that hectic Washington Street turn (all of which I feel strongly negative about). Not to mention, the sight of fences and garages is unappealing.

5. Route 135 (East/West Central Street)

Passing through the heart of Natick, Route 135 has not won mine. The turns on and off are unnecessarily confusing. The intersection with Marion Street and Union Street (near the town center) is not my favorite. Turning out of Planet Fitness (west Natick) takes forever, considering the high volumes of traffic. W Central Street? More like L Central Street.

4. Natick Mall Road

The title of the road is self explanatory in regards to the location. There are plenty of organized rotaries. Similar to the neighboring Speen Street, many drivers do not know how to use a rotary, making the driving experience unpleasant for both parties. The constant stop and go movement is rather stressful.

3. Proctor Street

Part of one of the common routes to Natick High School, Proctor Street is considerably busy for an inside road. While the neighboring Lakeview Avenue has been newly paved, Proctor Street is filled with patches and potholes.

2. Route 27 (North/South Main Street)

There has been construction going on here for an unusually long time, which causes plenty of traffic jams, especially between Route 135 and Route 9. Considering this road is so significant that it gets a number in the name, it does not live up to any expectations.

1. Woodland Street

I love trees. Unless they are on Woodland Street. The narrowness and high amount of trees on either side make it difficult to see ahead. Turning in from the Union Street side has a hill and some extra potholes. Not to mention, the Woodland Street Extension is an even steeper hill. With that being said, Woodland Street is the worst street to drive on in the town of Natick, Massachusetts.