LYNN — It will be a lot easier to access Market Basket and other nearby businesses in West Lynn by fall’s end, which is when construction on a second traffic rotary is expected to be completed.
Construction on improving what Mayor Thomas M. McGee has referred to as a “crazy intersection” started in the spring, and will be completed by mid-November, according to Department of Public Works Commissioner Andrew Hall.
The reconstruction of the intersection of Federal, Marion, and Waterhill streets, known as Agganis Square, into a single-lane roundabout, is being financed with a $2.5 million MassWorks Infrastructure grant.
The safety improvements aim to create a better flow for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
“The two (rotaries) were needed for the traffic flow to the Market Basket,” said Hall, noting that other businesses, the Prime Gas Station in particular, will benefit as well.
“Ultimately, there’s a big vacant lot down there as well behind the fire station (and) there are hopes to develop that in the future,” he said.
So far, all of the curbing has been installed, and crews from the city’s contractor, Andover-based J. Tropeano, Inc. are working on placing the truck apron around the roundabout, which will allow large vehicles to navigate rotaries without striking other cars or objects.
Hall said there have not been any traffic issues during construction, but he acknowledges that the accompanying road closures have been an inconvenience for people in the area.
“I appreciate their patience,” said Hall.
The MassWorks grant funding is also paying for the upgrades of two other intersections. The improvements at Boston and Federal streets are aimed at helping the flow of traffic on Boston Street.
And the connection on Federal and Marion streets will see upgrades on either end as part of the reconstruction of the Boston, Marion and Federal street intersection.
Other area improvements at the three selected intersections will include sidewalk rehabilitation and wheelchair ramp reconstruction, landscaping, streetlight upgrades, and the installation of traffic signals, according to a bid document for the project.
