Mass DOT Hearing on Proposed Rt.44/118 Redesign

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) will be conducting a public hearing Tuesday evening at 7 pm at the Council on Aging, 55 Bay State Road.

The purpose of the hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed Winthrop Street (Route 44) and Anawan Street (Route 118) project. The intersection has been the site of several crashes.

According to Mass DOT: “The project includes intersection improvements in accordance with Complete Streets practices that will enhance safety for all roadway users. The project involves replacing the existing traffic signal with a single lane roundabout. Pedestrian accommodation improvements will include new ADA accessible sidewalks, crosswalks, and wheelchair ramps. Bicycle accommodations consist of a combination of shared use paths and minimum 5-foot shoulders. The project includes pavement rehabilitation and drainage improvements.”

“A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or temporary easements may be required. Mass DOT is responsible for acquiring all needed rights in private or public lands on Route 118 (Anawan Street) and Route 44 (Winthrop Street). Mass DOT’s policy concerning land acquisitions will be discussed at this hearing.”

The project will be fully funded by the Transportation Improvement Program at a cost of $2.5 million. The state would cover the design cost.  Mass DOT official John Morgan told the Board of Selectmen in 2018 the roundabout was “the best option” and was recommended by the agency.

“All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible,” Mass DOT’s press release noted.