WILBRAHAM — The town of Wilbraham is advising residents to expect and plan for “major traffic impacts” this summer due to intersection and sidewalk improvement projects at the Springfield Street and Stony Hill Road intersection.
The town released information detailing the project and its expected timeline on June 16.
Ludlow Construction and subcontractors begin the project on June 23 and will continue throughout the summer. The press release said “substantial completion” of the project is expected just before Labor Day on Aug. 28.
“Travel lanes will be closed with alternating traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout construction,” the town said in the press release. “Travelers should use alternate routes to avoid delays.”
The intersection and sidewalk improvements consist of widening the eastbound approach to improve the alignment and visibility of Springfield Street left-turn lanes, installing new concrete sidewalks along the north side of Springfield Street and upgrading the traffic signal to include dedicated turning signals and pedestrian crosswalk signals. The sidewalk extensions are from Town Hall to Stony Hill School.
Town Administrator Nick Breault told Reminder Publishing the project cost an estimated $1.4 million.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission granted the town $517,000 for the project through its Community Mitigation Fund, which supports communities and governmental entities in offsetting impact costs related to the construction and operation of gaming facilities.
Breault said in a waiver form to the commission that “the intersection has been identified in the environmental impact report prepared for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission as a direct route to [MGM Springfield], carrying at least 1% traffic increase … The support of the Community Mitigation Fund is crucial in assisting the Town with the success of this project.”
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Program granted the town $500,000 for the project. The Complete Streets Program provides municipalities with “tools and financial support to address gaps in their local transportation networks,” according to the MassDOT website.
Taxpayers will cover the remainder of the project, as approved at the Annual Town Meeting on May 11.
Director of Public Works and Town Engineer Tonya Capparello thanked the Gaming Commission, MassDOT and Wilbraham taxpayers in the press release, stating “we are able to deliver meaningful upgrades that will improve traffic flow, increase pedestrian safety, and enhance accessibility for residents, students and visitors.”
She added that the new sidewalk extensions are “especially significant,” and that they will provide a safer route for pedestrians while “strengthening connectivity within our community.”
“I would also like to recognize the residents and property owners who will be affected by this project,” Capparello said. “They have been terrific to work with throughout the planning process, and their cooperation, patience and constructive feedback have helped us move this project forward.”
Residents can visit wilbraham-ma.gov for project updates as they’re posted.
