CHATHAM – Selectmen in Chatham have voted to move ahead with a project to install a new traffic signal and widen Route 28 at the intersection with Crowell Road and Queen Anne Road.
Selectmen chose that option recently after a presentation from engineer Keri Pyke with the firm Howard/Stein-Hudson, which ruled out a possible roundabout due to drainage issues.
Pyke said the proposal would add left turning lanes in both directions.
“This would allow for slower speeds turning on to Queen Anne Road if you are coming from the west,” Pyke said. “That’ll be helpful for folks being able to more easily turn into the market driveway.”
The design would also include a signal for pedestrians, along with signal preemption for emergency vehicles.
“We can include bicycle accommodations, full sidewalk accommodations, [ADA compliant], to make sure that anyone who has mobility impairments can get around,” Pyke said.
A 30 day comment period on the proposal is open and informational sessions will be held to gather input.
Pyke said engineers would return before the board, potentially in October, for approval of the concept to develop a final design.
Engineers would then submit a 25 percent design submission to MassDOT at the end of this year or beginning of next year with a design public hearing expected in the spring.
The road improvements are scheduled for funding through MassDOT’s Transportation Improvement Program in 2021.
“I think we are hopeful that depending on how this process goes we might be able to move it ahead a little bit on that list if possible,” Pyke said, “So we’ll be working on that.”
Early estimates put the price tag at $2.8 million. All but just over $550,000 would come from state highway funds for the project.
Improvements to the roadway at the intersection were part of the Chatham’s comprehensive plan, which was adopted at Town Meeting in 2003.
About CapeCod.com NewsCenter
