This map illustrates which areas will be worked on and impacted by construction starting in early April.
Photo credit: longmeadowma.gov
LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow and Converse streets “L” project is set to begin and Longmeadow is informing drivers to expect extended travel time or alternate routes. Construction will start in early April and is planned over a two-year period.
Town Manager Lyn Simmons provided the update at the Select Board meeting on March 9 and said the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has awarded the contract to Morais Contractors Inc.
The company has already begun the preliminary process of staking and pole installations. MassDOT is the project owner, with the Longmeadow DPW to play “a key role in project management and coordination,” according to Simmons’ report.
This project initially came to light in 2021 with the intent of resurfacing and improving the intersections at the two streets. It has been in the design and planning stages for several years. Roadwork is expected on two Route 5 intersections, Longmeadow Street and Columbus Avenue with Western Drive and Forest Glen Road and the intersection further south at Englewood Road and Converse Street. The “L” ends with work at the intersection of Converse and Laurel streets.
Specific improvements in the project plan include new and improved turn lanes, traffic signal reconstruction, new signage and pavement markings and a 5- to 6-foot bicycle lane in both directions.
With its close proximity to Interstate 91, the area already experiences heavy commuter traffic, especially during weekday peak hours, according to Simmons’ town manager report. Traffic delays, detours and road closures will be necessary, which is why the town is cautioning residents about the potential increase in travel time.
Select Board member Andrew Lam said that while the project beginning is good news, it unfortunately will affect morning traffic getting onto I-91. He said the DPW will “do everything possible to mitigate traffic flow and work will be done at off-peak hours and evenings.”
The town of Longmeadow’s website states that the project is being paid for with the use of federal aid funds, with about $5.6 million in federal funding and about $1.4 million in state funding.
It also states that the project’s right-of-way plans will “require some owners of property within the project area to grant use of their property,” with the plans including some properties having existing sidewalks removed or sidewalk and driveway reconstruction.
All updates for the project will continue to be posted on the Longmeadow website under the DPW’s “engineering” section.
