LYNN — There is a major upgrade planned for a two-mile stretch of Western Avenue and while the work won’t begin for several years, the planning and design work is well under way.
The public is invited to a virtual informational meeting on the Western Avenue (Route 107) reconstruction project on May 14 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be hosted by the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
The reconstruction project will include a complete upgrade of the roadway and 15 intersections, from Western and Centre Street to Western and Eastern avenues, according to Aaron Clausen, principal planning director for the City. In addition to locations along Western Avenue, signalized improvements will include Boston Street at Franklin Street, Boston Street at Washington Street, Chestnut Street at Maple Street and Waitt Avenue at Eastern Avenue. Traffic signals and drainage will be upgraded along with roadway enhancements that are designed to improve traffic operations and make the road safer for all users and improve access to bus transit service.
The $60 million project will be paid for with a combination of federal and state funds, with the City covering the cost of design work.
Western Avenue is traveled by approximately 16,000 to 18,000 vehicles per day, including more than 1,000 an hour at peak times. Several of the intersections have been identified by the state as locations of an excessive number of accidents.
“This will be a huge project that will make significant improvements to safety, and improve traffic congestion along the corridor,” said Clausen, who added the design work is nearing 25% completion and scheduled to be finalized in Fiscal Year 2029, with construction beginning in 2030.
“We are pleased to start sharing the plans for this comprehensive project that will significantly benefit those who travel Western Avenue and some of the intersecting streets,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said. “Public input is important in any project of this scope so we hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to join this virtual meeting.”
To join the virtual meeting on May 14, visit mass.gov/orgs/highway-division/events. For more information, go to lynnincommon.com/western-avenue.
