BOSTON – Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield) and Representative Nicholas A. Boldyga (R-Southwick) announced today that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on the Congamond Road (Route 168) reconstruction project on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Southwick Town Hall. The hearing is intended to allow the public to become fully acquainted with the project, ask questions, and address concerns.
“I encourage all who are interested and especially those who will be impacted by this project to come hear more about the plans for Congamond Road. This is a vital step in the planning and construction process,” Knapik remarked. “This project has been in the works for many years and I look forward to its completion,” Knapik said.
“A public forum regarding the reconstruction of Congamond Road will provide an informative opportunity for the residents of Southwick to share their concerns and ideas with each other in an effort to improve the safety of the roadway. I look forward to hearing the resident’s ideas and working together to ensure the safety of our community,” said Boldyga.
Plans for reconstruction of the 1.2 mile stretch of road from College Highway to the Connecticut border are at the 25 percent design stage, but will likely include roadway widening, paving, new curbing, culvert replacement and an upgraded draining system, and the installation of a sidewalk. The roadway will remain open throughout the construction process; however, lane closures may be required.
The project is expected to cost $5.7 million and will be financed through a combination of State and Federal dollars. The project is listed on the May 2013 Draft of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Federal Fiscal Year 2017.
The plans for the project will be on display at town hall one-half hour before the hearing begins for the public’s review. An engineer from the Department of Transportation as well as town officials will be available to answer any question. Written statements may also be mailed to the MassDOT and should be addressed to Thomas F. Broderick, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassDOT, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Project Management Section, Project File No. 604033.
