$31.1M Needham Street Construction Project In Newton Starting Soon

NEWTON, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is set to begin roadway reconstruction and paving of Needham Street in Newton this spring, as part of the $31.1 million Needham Street improvement project.

MassDOT officials will hold a public meeting March 23 at 6 p.m. to update community members on work completed thus far and upcoming projects, according to a news release.

Work is set to begin on Winchester Street from Curtis Street to Centre Street, and on Needham Street from Columbia Avenue to Winchester Street. MassDOT contractors will start the roadwork before turning to sidewalk and curb restoration.

While this next phase of the Needham Street improvements will bring positive change to the area, MassDOT officials said it will create traffic issues for people passing through the work areas in Newton.

MassDOT said in the release they expect the majority of the work will take place during weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with no lane closures during the peak traffic hours of 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to have access throughout the duration of the project, MassDOT said, but warns businesses there may be short periods of time when the contractors are working directly in front of a business driveway, limiting access.

Included in the project are better turn lanes, continuous sidewalks, new crosswalks, traffic signals, better bus stops, raised bus lanes, safer bicycle paths, and renovation of the existing bridge over the Charles River to accommodate all modes of transportation.

Work on the bridge has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.