Route 1 jug handle work slated to begin in Peabody

PEABODY-Work to the Route 1 jug handle in Peabody could begin within the next few weeks if all goes according to plan.MassHighway announced that construction bid documents for intersection improvements along the Newburyport Turnpike have been completed and were solicited in February. The lowest bidder, Charles Contracting Company, Inc., is currently in the process of being certified by the state.The project is designed to widen the existing jug handle, which allows drivers traveling north on Route 1 to either turn around or merge onto Route 128, to two turn lanes. It entails modifying the median, making adjustments to the traffic system and installing a closed circuit television camera to help monitor traffic. The improvements are believed to alleviate congestion and increase the flow of traffic.The $215,000 construction project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009.