In Charlton, Massachusetts, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the Route 20 Roadway Reconstruction Project. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that the project was finished one year ahead of schedule and within budget. This initiative, which spans 3.2 miles from Richardson’s Corner Road in Charlton to Route 12 in Oxford, aims to enhance safety and traffic flow for approximately 26,000 daily vehicles.
Governor Maura Healey praised MassDOT for delivering the project early, emphasizing its importance for community safety. Interim MassDOT Secretary Phillip Eng highlighted the project’s role in improving infrastructure and public safety under the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Jonathan Gulliver, Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator, acknowledged the collaborative effort involving families and officials.
The reconstruction involved widening and resurfacing roads, adding full shoulders, and installing a continuous median to prevent unsafe left turns. New intersections with traffic signals were introduced at key points like Route 12 and Route 56. Additional safety features include a roundabout at Oxbow Road and emergency pull-off areas. The project also replaced bridges over Little River and French River, constructed retaining walls, upgraded utilities over 8.5 miles, and improved stormwater treatment.
Multimodal access was expanded with a shared-use path on the westbound side of Route 20 and a new sidewalk on the eastbound side. The total cost was $107.7 million, funded through an 80/20 federal-to-state split. A $2.8 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant supported extending the Route 20 sewer main.
Congressman Richard E. Neal expressed satisfaction with federal support for this crucial artery in central Massachusetts. State Senator Ryan C. Fattman emphasized the project’s significance for economic growth in Charlton and Oxford. State Representative Paul K. Frost recalled initial meetings after a tragic accident spurred action for improvements along Route 20.
For more details about this project visit Charlton, Oxford Route 20 Roadway Reconstruction Project.
Information from this article can be found here.
