HYANNIS – Cape Cod may hold rank as one of the most sought after summer vacation destinations in the United States, but that comes with its consequences.
As famous as the Cape is for its variety of beaches, seafood and tourist attractions, it is equally infamous for its summer traffic.
The traffic congestion has also led to safety concerns, none more evident than at the intersection of Iyannough Road (Route 28) and Yarmouth Road.
To improve overall safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has planned a long term project that will overhaul the intersection.
MassDOT held an open house at the Hyannis Transportation Center on Wednesday to give the public the opportunity to learn about the project, as well as to collect input.
Project leaders say it will provide a “complete street” to better accommodate motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians; improve signal phasing; and prioritize more space for emergency vehicles.
MassDOT Project Manager Tom Currier said the work will add more roadway for an “exclusive left turn lane” that will be divided by a raised island. Bike lanes and a multi-use path will also be added, as well as a landscaped median in some areas.
MassDOT is working with TranSystems, an engineering and architectural planning firm based out of Boston.
TranSystems Design Engineer Lenny Velichansky said the project is necessary.
“It’s a busy intersection, it’s very congested and more importantly it’s unsafe. It’s one of the busiest intersections on the Cape and it has a safety problem,” Velichansky said.
“This project improves safety, improves capacity, it adds provisions for pedestrians which are not there today, provisions for bicyclists that are not there today.”
Due to local restrictions surrounding road work during the summer months, construction can only take place during the winter and spring, extending the completion date.
“We’re essentially at final design completion. In a few weeks we’ll probably take possession of the final submittal,” Currier said.
“We’re going to advertise this summer. We’re advertising in late-August for construction and we’re going to award it in late-fall. The construction will begin over the course of the winter and spring.”
The project is estimated to come at a cost of $13 million. It’s expected to be completed by the summer of 2023.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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