MassDOT Will Explain Proposed Fix For Tewksbury's Most Dangerous Intersection

TEWKSBURY, MA -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Transportation has scheduled a public hearing to discuss its proposed fix the triangular intersection of Main Street with Salem Road and South Street. The intersection in notorious among residents and business owners -- so much so that it was declared the most dangerous in town and last year residents petitioned selectmen demanding a solution.

MassDOT has a plan that will cost about $2.9 million. The hearing on November 14 at 7 pm at Tewksbury Town Hall will give an overview of the project, as well as the disruptions the construction process may cause for drivers and residents. The Town of Tewksbury posted the full meeting notice on its Website Monday morning.

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MassDOT hopes to complete design by the end of next year and start work by the summer of 2019. The project would include new pavement and traffic signals at Main Street/South Street and Salem Road/South Street, minor geometric roadway improvements, drainage system modifications, new and reconstructed sidewalks and wheelchair ramps, and dedicated bike lanes and shared use lanes.

MassDOT said some land or easements would be needed to make the improvements. Acquisition of those easements are the joint responsibility of the town and MassDOT.

Last year the intersection tied for the 46th most dangerous in the state. That prompted resident Donna Colella to start her petition, which noted that "During rush hours traffic is backed up to Main Street due to the number of cars trying to take right and left turns while others are going straight across. This intersection needs a full traffic light with turn arrows to help alleviate congestion at rush hour and avoid serious accidents and fatalities."

MassDOT illustration

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).