Transportation

For the last decade or more, the stretch of Rte. 18 between Rte. 3 and 139 has been a growing problem – crowded intersections, long delays and accidents. Traffic studies indicate that implementation of the following improvements will ease the current congestion, while enabling absorption of the additional traffic resulting from natural “background” growth and the staged development of SouthField.

Rte. 18 – MassHighway has designed improvements to four miles of Rte. 18, from Rte. 3 in Weymouth to Rte. 139 in Abington. The road will be widened to 4 lanes, two in each direction, from Rte. 139, Abington, to Rte. 3, Weymouth. This will create a more viable gateway to the Base by improving traffic operations and safety through a historically congested area.

Intersection reconstruction is complete at Rte. 18 and 139 in Abington and Rte. 18 and Pond St./Pleasant St. in South Weymouth. Reconstruction of three other intersections began in the Fall of 2006 in concert with Phase 1 development for: Rte. 18 and West St./Middle St., Rte. 18 and Park, and Rte. 18 and Columbian. These improvements have an approximate 2-year timeline.

Parkway – An east-west Parkway will be built across the Base, a four-lane regional arterial road that will provide a connection from Rte. 18 to the heart of the Base, and will also extend to the east boundary where it will connect with existing public ways.

Road Network East of the Base – Improvements to the road network east of the Base will enhance access to and from Rte. 3 and communities to the East. Off-site improvements will include the addition of turning lanes on certain existing streets, widening streets and if warranted, traffic signals.

Traffic Management Plan – During the construction phase of development, a traffic management plan will be implemented to limit access to the Base for construction vehicles to designated times and routes, to reduce disturbances to the surrounding neighborhoods.

On-site Improvements include the development of pedestrian and bicycle friendly roads and pathways, on-site transit system and on-site intermodal transportation center.

The popular MBTA commuter rail has proven to be an incentive for people commuting to and from Boston.n will include off-site bus routes and private bus carriers.

Plans call for the opening of Trotter Road to link the Base to the Commuter Rail station and for local traffic purposes. These improvements are being reviewed with MassHighway and other local and regional agencies.

No occupancy permits for vertical development (residential and commercial construction) can be issued until the last 3 intersections on Rte. 18 are improved.

To view the Transportation & Civic Amenities Plan and Map (Exhibit B & Figure C, Reuse Plan, pg. 20-22) click here.

www.mbta.com

www.mhd.state.ma.us

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