Route 9 Project To Move Forward With Stimulus Funding

The Boston Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization has approved an estimated $12.5 million repaving project on Route 9 in Natick and Framingham, according to State Rep. David Linsky.

The project will be paid for entirely with federal stimulus money and Linsky said the work will likely go out to bid in February and will be completed by next summer.

Along with resurfacing the road, traffic signals will be upgraded and maintenance work will be done to drainage systems. The money will also pay for traffic redirection during the project.

Funding will also be set aside for some limited work installing new sidewalks and making the sidewalks wheelchair accessible.

The 8.3 miles of work will be done on the stretch of Route 9 that runs through Framingham to Natick.

"I'm very happy (the MPO) approved this project," Linsky said. "Route 9 is the central artery of MetroWest and the road needs significant repairs and upgrades."