SOUTHWICK – The project on Feeding Hills Rd. started its preliminary work this week as Mass DOT (Massachusetts Department of Transportation), who is heading the project, began the layout work on the road.
In advance of construction, Mass DOT laid out stakes and control points for the construction that will be done. According to Southwick DPW Director Randy Brown, the project isn’t expected to start until 2017 as a set date has not yet been determined.
The project concerns involves new signals and left-hand turning lanes at certain intersections.
Off of Feeding Hills Rd., the intersection of Powder Mill Rd. and Hudson Dr. will be having new signals and left-hand turning lanes as well as the intersection of North Longyard Rd. and Foster Rd.
Randy Brown and the rest of the Southwick DPW will be helping Mass DOT with the project if it is needed.
(Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
While Brown did point out there is a signal at Foster Rd., there are currently no left-hand turning lanes at those specific intersections.
“There are none currently,” said Brown. “It will certainly help vehicles turning onto Feeding Hills Rd.”
As the Southwick Regional School, Powder Mill School, and Woodland School are all off of Powder Mill Rd., the hope is to have the result of the project make it easier for people coming in and out of those schools.
“There’s always a backup of traffic pulling out of the school parking lot,” said Brown. “It will help ease that congestion.”
With Mass DOT managing the project, the Southwick DPW is involved in helping assist Mass DOT in any way they can. Mass DOT is using state funds towards this project.
The bid for the project opened up to contractors about two weeks ago and it is unknown at this time if a contractor has been awarded a bid.
