WORCESTER – The resurfacing of 1.5 miles of Grafton St. in Worcester– from Washington Sq. to Rice Sq — is expected to begin this spring.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation [MassDOT] told ThisWeekinWorcester.com on Monday that they anticipate construction to start this spring and the proposed improvements include the pavement rehabilitation along Grafton St. from Franklin St. to Massasoit Rd.
According to MassDOT, the existing rotary at Billings Sq. [bottom of Hamilton St. and Grafton St.] will be reconstructed as a roundabout
In an interview last spring, Worcester DPW Commissioner Paul Moosey said the geometry of the Billings Sq. roundabout will change, as well as the ways the roads — Hamilton St. and Grafton St. — will enter and exit.
“There’s been several accidents there over the years,” Moosey said. “The major improvements at the roundabout — and for the project on a whole — will be safety improvements.”
The existing traffic signals along the 1.5 mile project will also be reconstructed.
Additional work will include drainage improvements, resetting or replacing granite curb, reconstruction of cement concrete sidewalks with decorative stamped concrete accent strips, ADA compliant wheel chair ramps, traffic signs and pavement markings.
Due to the lack of space on Grafton St., there will not be a bike lane added after the resurfacing.
Grafton St. will also undergo streetscape improvements that include decorative street lighting, stone retaining walls and landscaping.
The project was advertised last July and bidding was open in early October. The contract was awarded in November to A.F. Amorello & Sons Inc. for $8.3 million. A Notice to Proceed was issued last month on Jan. 9.
Due to the lack of space on Grafton St., there will not be a bike lane added after the resurfacing.
When asked how the state and city will prepare for the expected traffic issues, MassDOT told TWIW that some work will be limited to off-peak and overnight hours.
The project could last until Spring 2021.
