State Starts Work On Middlesex Turnpike Expansion Project

From the Massachusetts Department of Transportation: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced that on Monday, April 23, crews and contractors will begin work-related activities including tree removal as part of the $34.4 million project to reconstruct and improve a section of the Middlesex Turnpike in Bedford and Billerica. Through this project, approximately 1.6 miles of the roadway will be expanded from two lanes to four with new accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The initial work activities beginning April 23 include tree clearing as well as underbrush removal in preparation of installing erosion control devices and future construction work. These operations will start on the east side of the Middlesex Turnpike in the area of Albion Road in Bedford. Work will then proceed north to the project limits at Manning Road in Billerica.

This project represents the third phase of MassDOT’s ongoing efforts to improve the Middlesex Turnpike by relieving traffic congestion, improving intersection and roadside safety, enhancing features to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians, and improving drainage and stormwater systems. MassDOT crews and contractors will also add new turning lanes for motor vehicles to increase capacity, install new traffic signals and add sidewalks and other features.

One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained throughout the project and construction operations will be conducted in ways that seek to minimize the impact on the traveling public. For example, the project will be constructed in stages with roadway widenings being constructed behind temporary barriers, and daily lane closures will be put in place during off peak hours.

Previous work in the Middlesex Turnpike corridor has included a $3.8 million improvement project on Crosby Drive completed in 2007 (Phase I) and an $11.7 million improvement and extension project on the Middlesex Turnpike completed in 2016 (Phase II).

MassDOT encourages drivers to reduce speed and use caution while approaching and traveling through the work zone. Variable Message Boards are in place to notify motorists of changes. Law enforcement details, signs, pavement markings and channelizing devices will be used to guide drivers through the work area.

For more information on traffic conditions travelers are encouraged to:

• Dial 511 before heading out onto the roadways and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
• Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, access to traffic cameras, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
• Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions
• Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

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