Peabody's 'Nightmare' Central Street Set For $20 Million Rebuild

PEABODY, MA — A nearly $20 million project to rebuild the Central Street corridor that has long been a source of maddening frustration for Peabody residents and visitors is set to begin this fall and will last through 2025.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt said in a message to the community Tuesday night that the project, which will be paid for by state and federal road and infrastructure funds, will rebuild the entire corridor beginning at the intersection with Walnut Street, continuing through Wilson Square and concluding at Route 114.

"Each day I receive calls about the poor quality of Central Street and how driving on the road is an absolute nightmare," Bettencourt said. "I couldn't agree more, it's awful. Central Street is easily among the worst roads in the city."

He said the project includes a new road surface, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic signals, a modern landscape and design amenities.

"It will improve traffic flow, accessibility, and the safety and quality of life of countless Peabody residents and business owners," he said. "A project this big is bound to cause some headaches so my office will provide construction updates and traffic information throughout the duration of the project.

"Once finished, the new Central Street will be much improved for residents, businesses, drivers, and pedestrians alike."

Those with questions are encouraged to contact Bettencourt's office at 978-538-5700.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)