LYNN — Work is scheduled to begin early next month on a project on the Lynnway that will result in southbound drivers being able to take a left directly onto Blossom Street Extension and northbound drivers being able to turn left onto Blossom Street.
The project is being funded with a $2.2 million MassWorks grant that was obtained by the city’s Department of Community Development. The work will involve removing the median and installing new traffic signals and curb cuts, according to Department of Public Works Commissioner Andrew Hall.
“This will be a full, signalized intersection,” Hall said.
In addition to making it easier for commuters, the new intersection will provide another option for pedestrians to cross the busy thoroughfare. It will also provide easier access to the Lynn ferry and boat ramp, meaning drivers will no longer have to go past the location and make a U-turn at Shepherd Street.
“This will provide a safer connection to the waterfront for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians,” Community Development Director James Marsh said. “The Lynnway cuts off downtown from the waterfront. This helps to address that by creating another access point.”
In addition to offering easier access to the ferry, which started running a few weeks ago and has had great success, the new intersection will provide another option for traveling west off the Lynnway toward the downtown.
“This provides a more porous connection to the city and improves access to Lynn’s waterfront,” Principal Planner Aaron Clausen said. “The new intersection at Blossom is consistent with the Lynn Municipal Harbor Plan and will be an important step in realizing the plan’s vision.”
Mayor Jared Nicholson said that the city appreciates the collaboration with the state and the support from the state delegation.
“This project will open up both the waterfront and the downtown to vehicles and pedestrians. It will be especially important as we try to keep the momentum for the ferry going after a very good start,” Nicholson said.
Marsh said the enhanced access to the waterfront is timely, with an estimated $13 million upgrade of Heritage State Park in the works.
“It makes the entire area more accessible,” he said.
