WILBRAHAM — After discussions with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Wilbraham has received confirmation that improvements to the intersection of Main Street, Maple Street and Boston Road will be included in the town’s Route 20 project, the DPW stated.
Under the Transportation Improvement Program’s current timeline, the project is expected to occur in 2029 and include the resurfacing and widening of Boston Road, added sidewalks to Boston Road, and work on its intersection with Main Street and Maple Street, Director of Public Works Tonya Capparello told Reminder Publishing.
The Route 20 project was initiated in 2019 by both the town and state after an analysis of Boston Road and its needed improvements, Capparello said. At the time, the project was focused on a stretch of approximately 5 miles along Boston Road between its intersection with Stony Hill Road and the Palmer town line.
However, the project was modified after the state repaved the east section of the project, leaving about 3 miles to be included in the resurfacing and sidewalk project, Capparello stated. This portion is approximately from Soccer City Sports Center at 2041 Boston Rd. to 300 feet past the Boston Roadd and Cottage Avenue intersection.
The east section of Boston Road was resurfaced due to poor asphalt but was not widened or added sidewalks as the remaining 3 miles of the project are set to receive, Capparello noted.
Work on the intersection of Main Street, Maple Street and Boston Road will focus on safety improvements with options such as sidewalks, flashing lights, a traffic light, a roundabout and increased signage, Capparello said. A formal design has not yet been crafted by the state. These design options were discussed during a Sept. 5 meeting with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The work is expected to occur at the same time as the other improvements to Boston Road, she stated.
In the “next few months,” a public hearing is anticipated to collect community input on the design of the Main Street, Maple Street and Boston Road intersection improvements, Capparello explained, stating that the plan will be “far enough along” at that point to present to residents. The public hearing will be virtual and allow residents to share thoughts and ask questions.
Capparello estimated that the public hearing would occur in February, although she noted that it will be completely organized by the state.
Prior to the public hearing, the DPW will contact the surrounding property owners to formally notify them of the meeting, she said. Capparello emphasized that the public hearing will give residents the opportunity to share feedback, stating that the “most important” thing residents should know is that the design will not be finalized until after the public hearing. As a result, residents’ thoughts can impact the project’s design at the hearing.
She encouraged “everyone” to come to the hearing to view the tentative design and share their thoughts.
Additional information about the Route 20 project will also be posted on the Department of Public Works website closer to the public hearing’s date, Capparello said. This page is available at wilbraham-ma.gov/183/Public-Works-DPW.
