A Live Virtual Design Public Hearing will be hosted on the MassDOT website to present the design for the proposed Reconstruction of Commonwealth Ave (Route 30), From East of Auburn Street to Ash Street project in Newton, MA. The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed Reconstruction of Commonwealth Ave (Route 30), From East of Auburn Street to Ash Street project. All views and comments submitted in response to the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.
The proposed project consists of improvements to Route 30 (Commonwealth Avenue) and the adjacent carriageway with the goal of improving safety, accessibility, and multimodal connectivity. The project begins at the easternmost driveway of the Boston Marriott Hotel, meeting the project limits for MassDOT Project #110980, and ends at Ash Street. For the entire project limits, a two-way separated bike lane and sidewalk will be constructed on the north side. For the segment from the hotel to Woodbine Street, this is accomplished by relocating the westbound barrel of the roadway south of the median to re-purpose the space on the north side for multimodal accommodations. East of Woodbine Street, the existing 22-foot carriageway will be converted to exclusive pedestrian and bicycle facilities. In front of Lyon’s Field, vehicular access will be maintained but there will be circulation changes as Ash Street will be reconstructed as an un-signalized T-intersection, with the approach from the carriageway to be removed. The sidewalk on the south side of Route 30 will also be reconstructed, and several crossings with Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) will be installed. Lighting and utilities in the median are expected to be retained and drainage impacts should be minor. A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or temporary easements may be required. The City of Newton is responsible for acquiring all needed rights in private or public lands. The City’s policy concerning land acquisitions will be presented in the hearing. Project inquiries, written statements and other exhibits regarding the proposed undertaking may be submitted to Carrie E. Lavallee, P.E., Acting Chief Engineer, via e-mail to MassDOTProjectManagement@dot.state.ma.us or via US Mail to Suite 6340, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
The project has advanced to the 25% design stage. Practically, this means that the high level design has now been determined. Information about the hearing itself is HERE. The City of Newton’s info on the project is HERE.
