Corridor Reconstruction and Safety Improvements Along Route 20

HSH worked to re-engineer approximately 2.4 miles of Route 20 to provide a fully reconstructed roadway that significantly improves safety for all modes of travel. The $15.5M project included a redesigned corridor with ADA-compliant pedestrian sidewalks and bicycle accommodations on both sides of the roadway for the entirety of the project limits. Improvements to vehicular travel and safety included full reconstruction and traffic control improvements at five signalized intersections, as well as designated left hand turn lanes or left turn pockets throughout the entire corridor. 

The design also incorporated transportation design and Complete Streets treatments that promote and enable safe travel, as well as commercial and recreational activity throughout the corridor. Enhancements include three new designated mid-block crossings using push-button controlled rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs). HSH’s Permitting efforts include MEPA/NEPA determination, NEPA CE Checklist, MEPA ENF, Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) local conservation commission NOI, Individual Section 404 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit, and Section 401 Water Quality Permit “Major Project Certification” from MassDEP. HSH also completed MassDOT’s Impaired Waterbody Assessment and WQDF for this project. HSH completed a full stormwater evaluation and report. HSH evaluated the feasibility stormwater control measures including enhancing and preserving existing vegetation, reducing impervious cover, and evaluating natural hydrologic patterns. HSH also evaluated structural stormwater control measures for this project and incorporated infiltration drywells and stormwater retention basins at multiple locations where determined feasible.