DPW Director provides update on:
Hartford Ave TIP Project
The planned intersection improvements at Hartford Avenue and Maple Street are still advancing and the Town will be seeking funding through the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The intersection is part of a much larger project along Hartford Avenue between the North Bellingham Cemetery and the Medway Town Line totaling approximately 1.5 miles. The design is subject to MassDOT review and design procedures which is a much longer process than if the Town were to contract the project on its own. The project was formally accepted by MassDOT last year and is in the preliminary design stages. We anticipate there will be a public hearing for the project next Spring at which time we will be able to share the plans and solicit feedback. Final Design includes several additional rounds of MassDOT review for the design and the right-of-way which should be completed in 2028. We anticipate the construction will not start until Spring 2029 due to the need to seek TIP funding in the region.
Hartford Ave WS Project
This project proposes highway safety and capacity improvements on Hartford Avenue from North Main Street (Route 126) to the I-495 Overpass. It includes improvements at five signalized intersections that are included within the existing Hartford Avenue (Route 126) coordinated signal system. Safety Improvements include the widening of the existing roadway on the northern side of the road and several intersecting areas adding additional travel and turning lanes to increase vehicular capacity within the project limits as well as a shared use path to provide a safe separated path for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. New traffic signals and additional left turn lanes onto the Interstate Rt 495 south on ramp, a new traffic signal and an additional left turn lane into the Crossroads Shopping Plaza and a new traffic signal and an additional left turn lane onto North Main Street (Route 126) south are all included in this project. Stormwater and drainage upgrades are proposed to provide water quality improvements and reduce phosphorous contamination within the watershed. Additionally, the project proposes new advance warning signage and the restriping of the Hartford Avenue corridor within the project limits.