From press release materials
State Senator Mark Montigny’s office announced this week that his earmark to provide $1 million for Bridge Street improvements has been appoved and will move forward.
“These funds will greatly enhance the safety and accessibility of Bridge Street for pedestrians and motorists along what is currently a very busy and challenging stretch of roadway,” said Sen. Montigny, who secured the funding in the state transportation bond bill. “I am pleased to partner with town officials and MassDOT to advance this important infrastructure project.”
Project details follow.
Fairhaven Bridge Street Reconstruction between Route 6 and 240
Project Objective: The goal of this project is to reconstruct Bridge Street between Route 6 and Route 240 in Fairhaven to add pedestrian and transit facilities and drainage to this key collector road that currently carries approximately 8,000 vehicle trips a day with major development parcels along and near it.
The objective is to refine a multi-modal design for the corridor from Route 6 to Mill Road that can better accommodate the existing development and future anticipated growth from the development of the 12-acre drive-in property along it and the future 40R District in a safe manner and encourage non-vehicular travel.
Project Need: The corridor currently varies in condition between the western segment near Route 6 to the section in the vicinity of Alden Road and Route 240.
The planning will incorporate a more easterly section to Mill Road but design and near term development will be focused between Route 6 and 240. The current roadway provides no accommodation for pedestrians and bike traffic between Route 6 and Alden Road and then minimal sidewalks on the south side from Alden Road to 240 where it is least necessary.
There is a Walmart, two popular restaurants, a bank, a Little People’s College, a veterinarian and the animal shelter as well as two of the most used bus stops in the SRTA system on the stretch between Route 6 and Alden Road and no sidewalks or bus shelters.
There are a number of parcels along this corridor that provide opportunity for new development that a much needed, comprehensive improvement to Bridge Street in this area would significantly improve.
The 12-acre former drive in site sits at the corner of Bridge and Route 6 and another 8-acre Town owned property that was part of the old landfill may become the future recycling transfer center.
Additionally, the Town is considering creating a 40-R Overlay District to allow Mixed-Use in the commercials plaza where Walmart is and other properties nearby to the south of Bridge Street. The redesign project would improve the safety and operations at the existing intersections, create multi-modal accommodation and provide much needed drainage that has impacted the old Drive-in for many years.
Analysis and Design: The existing conditions, traffic study and engineering and design would be funded by the Joint Transportation Bond Bill. We will apply to MassWorks through the One-stop for Growth Program for funds to implement the plans. The JTBB funds will be used to complete a project development phase that would include detailed field survey, wetlands flagging, traffic forecasts and analyses and the evaluation of alternative cross-section designs and ultimately develop the recommended design approach.
It is expected that the improvement will improve the safety of the corridor, provide sidewalks and bicycle accommodation, transit amenities, incorporate street trees and lighting and improve drainage. Public outreach and consultation with stakeholders will be conducted.
Permitting at the local level and if necessary, through the State will be completed during the design phase. It is expected that the design phase will be completed in sufficient time to begin construction in 2024. The proposed Bridge Street project will be consistent with the Town’s Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and the ongoing 40R District planning.
Currently Anticipated Costs:
Existing Conditions: $ 81,540
Traffic Study: $107,000
Engineering & Design: $400,000
Construction: $2.5M to $3.5M
According to the agreement to proceed, the work should be done by June 30, 2025.
•••
Click here to download the 6/15/23 issue: 06-15-23 BikePath
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
