Big Changes For Framingham Intersection: MassDOT Proposal

FRAMINGHAM, MA — MassDOT is planning a major overhaul of the Edgell Road and Central Street intersection, including eliminating traffic islands and adding a traffic light. Residents will be able to give feedback on the plan at an upcoming public hearing.

The biggest change to the intersection would be the installation of a traffic signal, replacing the stop and yield signs currently in place. But MassDOT would also add five-foot bike lanes on both sides of the intersection, new ADA-compliant sidewalks, and making "geometric improvements" to improve visibility.

Here's a specific list of changes MassDOT is proposing:

• A left-turn-only lane for southbound Edgell Road onto Central Street eastbound
• A right-turn-only lane for northbound Edgell Road onto Central Street eastbound
• Remove the three islands and replace them with one island with pedestrian access
• Five-foot bicycle lane for all approaches
• Modify the radius of the turns onto eastbound Central Street and westbound from Central Street
• Shift Edgell Road geometry to the east to improve southbound sight distance
• Pedestrian signals with countdown timers and pedestrian-push buttons
• Traffic signal censors for vehicles and bicycles

MassDOT doesn't expect to begin the project until fiscal year 2022 or later. The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Village Hall, 2 Oak St.