NEWBURYPORT – The City of Newburyport shares that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will start construction improvements to the Route 1 traffic circle on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
This work is a part of MassDOT’s overall Route 1 Resurfacing Project that extends from the Rowley/Newbury border into Salisbury. The Rotary work will improve bike and pedestrian connections, create a safer traffic flow, and better incorporate the circle into the surrounding neighborhood.
MassDOT’s mixed-lane roundabout approach will complete the east-west path connection between the Clipper City Rail Trail and the MBTA Station, add new pedestrian beacons to facilitate crossing Route 1, and add new pavement markings, delineators, and signage.
Work will generally take place from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The rotary will remain open but motorists should expect some delays through the first three phases of the project.
Route 1 Northbound will be closed during the second half of Phase 4, tentatively scheduled from Friday night, Nov. 10, through Monday morning, Nov. 13. Northbound traffic will be detoured to State Street during this work.
Work will be discontinued during the winter. Installation of pedestrian-activated crosswalk signals, final paving, and landscaping will be completed in the spring and summer of 2024.
All current project timelines are subject to weather and construction conditions.
“MassDOT is addressing critical needs in this project, and we appreciate their communication on their schedule and approach,” Mayor Sean Reardon said. “We are anticipating limited disruptions besides the one weekend when the Rotary is closed, and we will make sure MassDOT and the City collaborate to provide information in advance.”
Questions about the project should be directed to MassDOT’s Resident Engineer, Carmen Illardi, at (617) 866-8760 or carmen.ilardi@state.ma.us.
MassDOT’s Project Information page can be found here.
