Slippery crosswalks in Saugus Center are driving residents crazy

SAUGUS, Mass. — Anyone driving through Saugus Center is sure to spot the town's bright red crosswalks.

They've become the talk of the town, not because of their red flair, but because residents say the paint is slippery and has been causing tires to screech when cars drive through them.

Neighbors in the area say the noise has become a daily - and nightly- occurrence.

There are several of the red crosswalks in the main roundabout in Saugus Center, which are visibly shinier than regular pavement, even in pictures.

"Sometimes I can hear it from inside the house when there’s no windows open, no doors open," said Arianna Quagenti.

Families like the Quagentis, who live just steps away from the rotary, have become accustomed to the sound of screeching tires.

"At first it was definitely alarming. but now I’m just like it’s probably nothing because it’s all the time," said Arianna. "It sounds like a bad car accident."

Others, however, say they not just concerned about the noise, but also about the people walking on that crosswalk.

Carlie Zapolski said he posted his grievances with the colorful crosswalks on his Facebook page and received more than a dozen compliments from people who agree that the paint is far more slippery than the pavement.

"People got back to me saying, 'Yes, I’ve had problems, I almost fell, I did fall' and stuff like that so people are concerned about it," said Zapolski.

Arianna said she now crosses through Saugus Center with added caution as she catches the bus every day for her commute.

"When my daughter goes to the bus and you hear the screeching you’re obviously wondering if she’s ok," said Joe Quagenti.

While Zapolski says he loves the look of the red paint, he thinks the solution is simple - use better paint.

"Some people said they should get a paint with a silica base or something that has a little more traction," said Zapolski.

Boston 25 News reached out to the town manager about this but has not heard back yet.

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