Improvements Proposed For 'Worst Intersection' In Wilmington

WILMINGTON, MA -- Wilmington Selectmen approved a plan that would add turning lanes and make other improvements at the intersection of Woburn and Lowell Streets. About 30,000 cars pass through the intersection every weekday, and there have been 61 crashes at the juncture over the past five years. Other improvements include improved visibility, improvements for cyclists and pedestrians, and reducing vehicular delays.

"This is the worst intersection in the community," Selectman Michael McCoy said. "It’s daily traffic has doubled from 15,000 to 30,000 over the past 30 years."

The intersection is surrounded by commercial development on three of its fourth side, and a plan to fill a vacant lot on the fourth side is before the planning board. But of the plan would look to consolidate driveways to the businesses surrounding the intersection. The proposed improvements were recommended in a consultant's study of the problems plaguing the intersection.

The initial, design phase will cost $200,000. Town officials expect the actual project to cost $3.4 million, but state and federal funding could offset some of those costs. Federal funding, however, could take up to five years to secure.

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