by Tashanea Whitlow
Crosswalks would be improved, and new handicap ramps would be installed
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – MassDOT wants to improve traffic at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Island Pond Road. Neighbors had the chance to voice their concerns at a public hearing Wednesday night.
More than 50 people showed up to hear the details surrounding the intersection. People crowded the Mary A. Dryden Veterans Memorial School cafeteria.
The state’s plan includes the installation of new traffic signals, widening the road and adding new turning lanes. New sidewalks would be added, where they currently don’t exist; and crosswalks would be improved, and new handicap ramps would be installed.
Also included in the improvement plan, the General Edwards Bridge would be resurfaced and paved. Drainage would be improved on Island Pond Road, and there are plans to build bicycle lanes.
The goal is to improve safety in what is a dangerous stretch of road, and a dangerous intersection. Residents were open to the project, which is still in its planning phase.
All roadways in and around the project would remain open.
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