Newton Hammond Pond Parkway Permanent Lane Reduction Planned

NEWTON, MA — An $11.3 million state project to make the Hammond Pond Parkway safer for cyclists and pedestrians through a permanent lane reduction, as well as connecting nearby conservation areas, was unveiled on Monday.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation said work on the project is expected to be completed in 2025.

The project will completely redesign the roadway and surrounding area — reducing the roadway from four travel lanes to two. It will also include the installation of updated traffic signals, lighting, guardrails and crosswalks, including crossings at Beacon Street and primary trailheads.

"We are excited that the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is moving forward with this transformational work to create a true parkway along a heavily used one-mile section of Hammond Pond Parkway between Beacon Street and Route 9 in Newton," Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said. "The $11.3 million investment by Gov. (Maura) Healey and DCR Commissioner (Brian) Arrigo in Newton improves access into our two largest open at Webster Woods and the Hammond Pond Reservation, creates a safer and more inviting environment for Newtonians walking, rolling, and biking, adds a lot of plantings, and repaves a heavily worn road surface."

The project will also create a 12-foot shared-use path on the west side and a 4-foot walking path on the east side of the roadway.

"Many of us in the community have long advocated improved access for walkers and bicyclists along Hammond Pond Parkway in this beautiful section of the city," State Rep. Ruth Balser said. "I am excited that DCR is moving forward with this plan that will better connect us to our precious conservation areas as well as support climate-friendly transit."

"These improvements also present an opportunity to encourage greener transportation options that are necessary for meeting our climate mandates," added State Sen. Cindy Creem.

More on the project can be found here.