Study Recommends More Than $125M In Interchange Fixes
The state is a step closer to improving traffic congestion and accident rates at two vital MetroWest highway interchanges.
Don't expect to see any heavy equipment digging up on ramps and off ramps any time soon – funding is still not in place and more study is needed, according to the state's transportation department (MassDOT). But the agency now appears poised to recommend more than $103 million in upgrades and improvements to the interchange of Interstate 495 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, which experiences frequent traffic backups during commuting hours.
New Ramps Could Ease Gridlock
The turnpike interchange would get a new direct ramp from 495 northbound to 90 eastbound as well as enhancements to toll plaza signs and a wider ramp from 90 to 495 northbound, according to draft recommendations from MassDOT, which discussed its study last week at the Westborough offices of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, a regional economic development council.
And hardly over a mile to the north, at the interchange of 495 and Route 9, MassDOT will likely recommend that the interstate and state route be connected by "braided" ramps, which means exit and entrance ramps would pass over one another. Those ramps could cost up to $25 million, but are preferable to a connector-distributor-style road, which would cost as much as six times more money.
MassDOT has also put forth ideas for local roads near the interchanges. In its final report, expected next month, the agency could recommend widening some parts of Route 9 on either side of 495 and installing turning lanes and features on Computer Drive and Crystal Pond Road, fixes that could cost more than $10 million.
The close proximity of the interchanges, which are less than two miles apart, creates plenty of traffic headaches, said Paul Matthews, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership.
"You can have a backup getting on the pike that spreads through the onramp to 495, onto route 9 and into the [Westborough] office park," Matthews said. "Employers throughout the region, regardless of size, have all lamented to the partnership at one time or another that the Pike/495 interchange is a major, major choke point."
Since the targeted roadways are so interconnected, Matthews said he is pleased to see that the study took a broad area into account, offering comprehensive recommendations.
Matthews added that the pike interchange may be much more costly to renovate, but simpler overall because the state would take the lead on that piece. He thinks the Route 9 interchange will end up being more complicated, because it involves collaboration between Southborough and Westborough, several regional planning associations, and others.
Fixes Matter To Businesses
Commercial land and property owners have taken an interest in the 18-month study, including EMC Corp., E.L. Harvey & Sons, Carruth Capital and BJ's Wholesale Club, among others.
Many want to make sure road changes would not negatively affect their business or properties. But they also share some of the same concerns as commuters. At a meeting in March, several company representatives expressed frustration over heavy traffic snarls caused by the interchanges.
MassDOT said in its report that it's taking into account the potential for two massive developments proposed years ago by EMC Corp. in Southborough and Westborough that could total more than 3 million square feet.
"There are a large number of development entities that would be affected by these proposals," Matthews said. "We at the partnership have tried to make sure there's a lot of publicity on this effort so affected members of public, landlords, property owners, companies that rent space and developers all have opportunity to review what's going on and provide input."
A MassDOT spokeswoman said the agency is accepting public input on the draft until Nov. 16. More information can be found at the agency's website.
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