State Causeway plan worries Nahant residents

A state plan for the Nahant causeway has some residents and town officials concerned it could compromise public safety.Nahant Town Administrator Mark Cullinan said 98 percent of complaints he has heard from residents about the proposed Causeway project focus on three specific issues, which actually comprise less than 15 percent of the project.The most dramatic proposed changes call for narrowing the Nahant Causeway to one lane in each direction at the midway point on the inbound side from Lynn to Nahant, replacing the jersey barrier in the middle of the Causeway with rumble strips and adding a crosswalk at the midway point.?From what I’ve heard, 98 or 99 percent of the criticism and complaints about the project focused on those three changes,” he said. “Residents have legitimate concerns and I share their concerns. I hope the state listens to the constructive criticism and makes some modifications.”Cullinan said narrowing the Causeway to one lane at the mid-way point creates a funnel, which would cause traffic jams especially during the summer months when area residents flock to the Nahant Beach Reservation.?Many residents (at a meeting held last week) expressed concerns about traffic funneling down to one lane at the midpoint across from the halfway house,” he said. “The proposed crosswalk at the halfway point on the causeway was also a major complaint. The jersey barriers would be removed at that point and there would only be rumble strips separating the inbound and outbound lanes.”Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) said he understands the concerns of the town officials and residents.?It is important to the town to have the Causeway rebuilt before it literally falls apart,” he said. ” I have heard the three key concerns and the DCR has heard the same concerns very clearly, which are reducing it from four lanes to two lanes at one point, eliminating the jersey barriers at some points and construction of a crosswalk. I am working on setting up a meeting with the DCR Commissioner and engineers in the next couple of weeks to address those concerns.”State Rep. Steven Walsh (D-Lynn) also said he understands the concerns of the residents and it is important the Causeway meet the needs of the residents, who use it on daily basis year round.?Our goal is to take their concerns and incorporate them into a plan that will meet their needs,” he said. “We’re enthusiastic about getting a new roadway but it has to meet the needs of the residents. I am confident the DCR is willing to take these concerns into account and come up with an appropriate plan.”Cullinan said he believes the state needs to make some significant changes to the plan before proceeding.?I don’t want them to throw the baby out with the bath water,” he said. “But we need to make some significant changes focusing on those three issues. The Board of Selectmen are looking forward to working with the state and making sure these changes are included in the final design and that we get a new causeway that is functional, safe and attractive.”Cullinan said residents agree the Causeway needs to be resurfaced, the drainage system repaired and repairs need to be made to the seawall.?Those are all positive things,” he said. “The state did a pretty good job on the entrances and exits. “McGee said the state would like to begin construction on the proposed project in spring of 2009 and he is confident the DCR could come up with a plan that is acceptable to the town and state.?I believe we’ll be able to resolve these issues and move this project forward,” he said. “I am confident we can come to a resolution the residents will feel good about.”