Rehoboth Selectmen Complain About ‘Dangerous’ Roundabout Work

Work on the new roundabout at the intersection of Rt.44/118 will not be resuming until mid-July, according to Rehoboth Selectman George Solas.

Solas explained work can not continue until Verizon moves their wire from the old telephone poles to the new poles. The company said they will not be moving their wires until July 11, Solas said at the June 17 meeting.

“After the wires are moved, the poles have to be taken down. Essentially, we are missing a whole summer almost of getting our roundabout back. It’s not our issue, it’s not the town because we don’t control it. It’s not the (Massachusetts Department of Transportation), it’s Verizon not fulfilling their commitment. This just sucks.”

“We care about that road being made passable,” said Chairman Skip Vadnais. “It’s a dangerous situation.”

“I don’t know how they could patch an intersection like that,” said Selectman Lenny Mills. “That intersection is patched so poorly that it’s dangerous. It literally is dangerous for small vehicles and motorcycles.”

Mills also reported seeing nails and metal from construction on the roadway. The Highway Department was contacted to clean up the debris under Mills’ orders. “It’s a mess over there,” Mills added. “That’s a terrible patch. It needs to be addressed.”

Solas suggested that the board send a letter to State Rep. Steve Howitt, R-Seekonk, to pressure Verizon to move the poles as soon as possible.

The $4 million project will involve utility pole upgrades, drainage improvements, roadway lighting, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and traffic signal removal, according to the District 5 Highway Division of MassDOT.

The project is being broken up into four stages, each with its own long-term Traffic Management Plan. Drivers who are traveling through the area are advised to expect delays, reduce speed, and to use caution.

Town officials had expected the project to be completed in July 2025.