On December 4 the Massachusetts Department of Transportation held a public hearing to share with the town the 25% design of the Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) scheduled by the town in concert with the state.
To say the project, informally dubbed the “village streets project,” has been a long time in the making is a serious understatement. It has been on the town’s improvement project list for 10 years. During that time, slow but steady movement towards creating a plan has intended to address the DOT’s technical requirements while being mindful of residents’ concerns. The fate of the mature tree canopy and the need to obtain construction easements has, at times, found the Select Board fielding articulated public outcry over the cutting down of trees, along with the need to improve sidewalks.
Also taken into consideration during this design phase was the need to address ADA noncompliance, which has long been an issue with the condition of sidewalks and street crossings.
The agenda noted, “The proposed project consists of reconstruction of Main Street, Water Street, Beacon Street and Marion Road, the construction will include new concrete sidewalks (of varying widths) on at least one side of the roadway for the entire length.”
Other improvements noted were replacement of the existing drainage system and the water distribution system. The town will be responsible for the acquisition of rights to private land (easements). Last but not least will be the “full depth” pavement reconstruction.
Regarding tree removal, the public heard that an arborist, hired by the town, has been engaged to examine all trees slated for removal. Thirty-two trees are planned for removal either due to disease or poor growing conditions. Of the 32 in this category, 24 are not viable and potentially may fall, endangering the public.
The DOT team was asked about the possible placement of utilities underground, which would in essence make tree removal far less of a necessity. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that the town has met with the utilities and that not only is there no room for such a plan, residents would have to bear the associated cost (a betterment fee) estimated above $7,000,000.
The DOT team was asked about construction phasing. Now that the 25% design has been accepted by the town and the state, it can move to the next stage (75%). In this phase, cost estimates will be firmed up and timelines will become clearer.
From the audience, resident and Bike Path Committee member Bonne DeSousa questioned why the plans did not include traffic-calming features that had been previously discussed. Lorenco said that the public-safety officer reviewed possible traffic calming options but that ultimately it was determined that such devices were not necessary and might even create more problems rather than solve them. He said that more intense policing of known speeding hot spots would likely slow traffic down.
The total cost estimate for the 1.4-mile-long roadway project stands at $18,500,000. The DOT believes the easements will be secured by 2027.
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Department of Transportation Public Hearing
By Marilou Newell