LYNNFIELD — Now that the summer season is in full swing, the Department of Public Works is ramping up several road improvement projects that are sure to tie up traffic and leave motorists in a state of frustration.
“Massachusetts has a very short construction season, but John Tomasz has put together a strong summer plan with Charlie (Richter, town engineer) for roads and other work,” said Town Administrator Rob Dolan said at a recent Town Talk video update.
“Like all of our projects, we’re looking for people to have patience,” said DPW Director John Tomasz during a recent Town Talk. “People need to know that we are doing these projects to make our roads safer and better for everyone.”
Tomasz noted that this summer the town is facing two “fairly significant projects” totaling close to $20 million over the next 12-18 months, the main one being the expansion of the Huckleberry Hill and Summer Street elementary schools. He said work on that project began the last week of June and requires a total shutdown of Summer Street School. Work at Huckleberry Hill will start in a few weeks.
“There is going to be too much going on for people to be able to use the playground and fields there,” he said, adding that a sign that says “See you in September” will be erected soon.
According to Tomasz, final sub-contractor bids are in and general contractor bids will be coming in on July 8.
“Those bids will give us a really good picture of what the final costs will be,” Tomasz said. “I am very excited about both of those projects. Anyone with any questions about the projects should contact me as I will be deeply involved in both of them.”
In response to a question from Town Administrator Rob Dolan, Town Engineer Charlie Richter outlined the other major road improvements the town is undertaking this summer.
The portion of Summer Street that was disrupted last year by a National Grid project addressing gas leaks will be repaved from Taylor Terrace to Elliott Road.
“We’re really excited that all that was disrupted last year by National Grid will be repaved,” Richter said.
The Summer Street and Walnut Street intersection will be reconfigured to make it safer for crossing pedestrians. Juniper Road will be completely repaved as will Timberhill Lane and Timberhill Terrace and a culvert to address drainage will also be installed.
“The people on Timberhill have been very patient with us, but need to know that we have funding there for a culvert as well,” Richter said.
A portion of Hart Road will also be repaved, as will Chestnut Street from Hart Road to Townshend Road. Richter said that work will be done on Maple Street to improve drainage in conjunction with the replacement of a water main by the Lynnfield Water District.
Other projects include Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) work on Carpenter Road which will improve access to Route 1.
“That intersection has been dangerous for people exiting and entering that street, so the state plans to install an island to help keep people on the right side of the road,” Richter said. “Pavement markings over on Green Street will be added to help people merge onto Route 1. It’s a very tight intersection and can be a challenge especially with the merger of 95.”
Dolan said future plans (Phase 2) include the installation of more solar advisories on major roads, and added that a consultant has been retained to advise on road usage.
“It sounds like a very busy summer. The consultant will rank our roads in a fair way as a fair third party to judge our roads, not only their condition but their usage,” Dolan said. “We, meaning John Tomacz, have a lot on our plate this summer but I know that we will be successful with the full cooperation of our town.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
