Transportation Planning
Route 2 Safety Improvements
Stone retaining walls built with rock excavated from the site are a focal point of the relocated Route 2 at the Erving Papermill.
Project Overview
Since the formation of the Route 2 Task Force in 1994, the FRCOG has been working together with the communities along the Route 2 corridor from Philipston to Greenfield to create a safer roadway. Since that time, significant work has been completed to implement the recommendations for Route 2 Safety Improvements. Numerous upgrades such as the installation of shoulder rumble strips, new signs and lines, tree clearing for improved visibility, and the installation of variable message signs have been completed. Significant improvements to date include the relocation of Route 2 at the Erving Papermill; the construction of climbing lane and intersection improvements and a truck weigh station in Athol; installation of an innovative centerline treatment called "Qwick Kurb" along 13 miles of highway in Philipston and Athol; the reconstruction of two bridges and lowering the profile of Route 2 in the Ervingside area of Erving; and the construction of protected turn lanes, acceleration and deceleration lanes, and traffic flow improvements also in the Ervingside area of Erving. To date, construction investment in Route 2 Safety Improvements stands at approximately $50 million dollars.
Current Activities
Planning, design, and construction continues in 2010 on a number of additional safety improvement projects.
The construction of climbing lane and intersection improvements in Orange is underway, and includes the rehabilitation of the Route 122 bridge. This work is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Three other bridges are currently under design in Orange under separate contracts. They include the Lake Rohunta Bridge, the West River Street Bridge, and the bridge at the Route 2/202 overpass.
In addition, design of improvements in the Farely area of Erving are nearing 25% design, while design of improvements in the Erving Center area of Erving are also underway. Additional projects under development for Gill/Greenfield are in various stages of planning and preliminary design.
Future Plans
The Route 2 Task Force continues to meet on a regular basis to assist MassDOT in the development of design plans for improvements to Erving Center, Farley, Gill, and Greenfield. Contact Maureen Mullaney at the FRCOG if you would like to be added to the Route 2 Task Force mailing list or if you have any questions about Route 2 Safety Improvements.
Links
No links are provided at this time.
This page was last updated on 08/05/2010 .