LYNN — Ongoing construction and road closures throughout downtown Lynn continue to frustrate residents and business owners as major infrastructure projects reshape the city’s streets while limiting parking and pedestrian access.
Downtown Lynn looks far different today than it did just a few decades ago. Once home to packed theaters, department stores and a thriving shopping district, Market Street is now lined with orange traffic cones, heavy equipment and fenced-off sidewalks as multiple construction projects transform the city’s center.
For longtime residents, the contrast is striking. Lynn was once known as the “Shoemaking Capital of the World,” with downtown serving as the heart of the city’s commercial and entertainment scene. The Lynn Theatre, which opened on Summer Street in 1888 and later became the Waldorf Theatre, drew crowds for generations. The Paramount Theatre opened on Union Street in 1930, seating more than 2,400 patrons beneath its Art Deco interior. After both theaters were demolished in the 1960s, the Lynn Market Place became home to retailers including Woolworth’s and T.W. Rogers.
Today, downtown is once again in transition.
Several redevelopment projects are underway, including the mixed-use development at 144 Market St., which will include 35 affordable condominium units and retail space. Boston Real Estate Collaborative is the developer, while Haycon Inc. serves as the general contractor.
The Northern Strand Trail Extension project, which includes work along Western Avenue and Market Street, is expected to improve sidewalks, install a two-way protected bike lane and shared-use path, and make intersection improvements.
According to the city’s Northern Strand Trail Extension overview packet, major work on curbs and utilities was scheduled to be completed by November 2025, with the overall project expected to wrap up in November 2026. Once construction is complete, the city plans to repave Market Street and South Common Street.
For now, however, sidewalk closures, detours, and reduced parking have created daily challenges for motorists, pedestrians, and businesses throughout the downtown district.
Nicholson said the ongoing work includes two private development projects, MassDOT’s Northern Strand Trail Extension project and a city-led sidewalk improvement project on the opposite side of Market Street. He said the various project teams are coordinating construction to minimize disruptions, avoid duplicating work, and maintain access to businesses and properties throughout the project.
“We appreciate the patience of affected residents and businesses, as well as the construction crews who have been working through the heat to accelerate the planned improvements for Market Street,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson said abutting property owners were notified before construction began and that crews are making every effort to minimize disruptions while sidewalk work continues.
“The sidewalk, signal timing, and paving upgrades that will result from the roadway projects are critical to our goals for the downtown, our residents’ ability to navigate the area, and a safer roadway environment for all users, particularly for those with mobility challenges,” Nicholson said. “We look forward to these accessibility improvements to be completed by this November and will continue to work with all parties involved to address issues in the interim as they arise.”
Sen. Brendan Crighton said he understands residents’ frustrations with the project and its impact on downtown.
“The work that’s been done on the Northern Strand has certainly caused significant disruptions to the downtown,” Crighton said. “I think everyone would recognize that the disruptions that have been caused to local traffic and businesses are inexcusable; it’s certainly something we’ve been trying to hold all parties accountable for. At the end of the day, this will be a project that we can all be proud of, and I think everyone will benefit from.”
Crighton said he expects the project to be completed this fall and that local officials remain in regular communication with state officials overseeing the work.
Beyond the downtown construction, deteriorating road conditions remain a concern in other parts of the city.
A pothole on Blake Street was recently brought to the attention of Ward 7 Councilor Jordan Avery because of safety concerns, although it is outside his ward.
“I think everyone recognizes that many of our roads are in rough condition and that improving them will take continued investment and collaboration,” Avery said.
Avery also credited Nicholson, Crighton, state Rep. Sean Reid and city departments for working together to secure infrastructure funding to improve roads and neighborhoods.
On Barrett Street, off of Boston Street, a large pothole had been partially covered with a temporary steel plate, leaving part of the opening exposed. Nearby, a sewer cover also remained open, creating additional hazards for drivers.
According to Mass.gov, temporary steel plates used to cover roadway excavations should extend at least 12 inches beyond the edges of the opening and be at least three-quarters of an inch thick.
According to Asphalt Contractors Inc., paving over an unstable base can lead to additional roadway damage if the underlying problem is not repaired, potentially causing the pavement to deteriorate more quickly.
MassDOT did not respond to The Daily Item’s request for an updated construction timeline before press time.
