Next Steps For Newton's Needham Street And Needham's Highland Ave

NEWTON, MA — When you think of Needham Street you might think of the construction and the congestion along the 2 mile corridor stretching from Route 9 into Needham where Needham Street turns into Highland Avenue. And you wouldn't be alone there. For decades local and state players have been talking about what to do with the entire area - then in 2013 they landed on the idea of making it part of an "N-squared" innovation corridor.

As part of that district renovation, there was a plan to revitalize the 2-mile strip along Needham Street in Newton into Needham complete with raised bike lanes and a widened sidewalk and improvements on the Charles River bridge, making it safer for pedestrians and bikers as well as cars. Renovation work was set to begin early 2019. Then there was a setback with funding, pushing the start time back.

So where does that all stand now?

Mass Department of Transportation is holding three informational meetings to discuss the proposed reconstruction of Highland Ave in Needham and Needham and Winchester Streets in Newton.

This will be your chance to see the designs, ask questions and provide input and see where everything stands.

The Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce reported that although the entire project would be up for discussion on all three of the dates, the Jan. 10 meeting (to be held in Needham) would focus more on the Needham portion of the project and the Jan. 11 and 12 meetings (to be held in Newton) would have a Newton focus.

Weds. Jan. 10, 7 p.m.
Powers Hall
Needham Town Hall
1471 Highland Ave
Needham

Thurs. Jan. 11, 6 p.m.
Saco-Pettee Mill Building
156 Oak Street
Newton

Fri.Jan. 12, 8 a.m.
Saco-Pettee Mill Building
156 Oak Street
Newton

Previously on Patch:

Needham Street Work Delayed, Oak Street Work Still On

Photo: View of Needham Street from the Charles River bridge crossing into Newton From Needham. By Jenna Fisher/ Newton Patch