LYNN — One of the most heavily-traveled roads in the city is expected to undergo a massive overhaul next year.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will post a pre-recorded virtual public hearing Thursday, Oct. 29 that will present the proposed Lynnfield Street Improvement Project.
The plan consists of the reconstruction of Route 129, or Lynnfield Street, between Colonial Avenue and Cowdrey Avenue. In addition to the reconstruction of roadway pavement, the proposal also includes new concrete sidewalks with granite curbing, new wheelchair ramps and drainage improvements, according to MassDOT.
A new flashing beacon will be installed at Great Woods Road, and new pavement markings and signs will be provided throughout the project limits. Bicycle accommodations will be provided by exclusive bike lanes, according to MassDOT.
“It’s much needed for obvious reasons,” said Ward 1 Councilor Wayne Lozzi, who represents the area. “It’s the most heavily-traveled road short of the Lynnway in Lynn.”
Lozzi said a public hearing is required under state law because the roadway-improvement project is state-funded. Residents will have a chance to weigh in by submitting comments through the MassDOT website after the public hearing is posted.
The Lynnfield Street reconstruction is being funded through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which is a list of projects planned yearly by the Office of Transportation Planning.The STIP is a combined effort between MassDOT and many state agencies that work together to design and build highways and transit projects, according to the state website.
The Lynnfield Street Improvement project is budgeted for $4.98 million for 2021, according to a STIP document outlining projects for fiscal year 2020 to 2024. However, a MassDOT bid document for the project puts the anticipated contract cost at more than $5.8 million.
Lozzi said the project is “welcome news,” but the announcement of new construction presents the same problems that the city encountered with the $5.5 million Wyoma Square reconstruction project several years ago, in terms of the work taking a long time to get underway and be completed.
“It’s not just a grind and pave,” said Lozzi. “It includes all of the new curbing, new sidewalks, utilities (and a) new drainage structure. It’s a total overhaul and it’s going to look beautiful when it’s done. It will improve traffic flow and safety as well.”
Lozzi said he hopes that construction begins sometime next year, but the timing is dependent on the upcoming virtual design public hearing, which will determine whether engineering and design changes for the project need to be made.
“My wish is to get it done as quickly as possible and I’ll do everything I can to see that it’s expedited,” said Lozzi. “(The condition of Lynnfield Street) is pretty bad for a main roadway and it’s sorely needed.
“It’s also the gateway to our community and it’s practical and makes a lot of sense that this gateway is improved to where it looks nice when people are coming back to Lynn or into Lynn or leaving for that matter.”
Department of Public Works Commissioner Andrew Hall could not be reached for a comment.
The virtual design public hearing will be posted at www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings.
