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$6.9 million Roadway Improvement Project on Route 126 in Bellingham

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the office of State Representative Michael J. Soter are announcing a $6.9 million roadway improvement project for a segment of Route 126 in the town of Bellingham.
This project will rehabilitate the South Main Street (Route 126) corridor from Douglas Drive to just south of Mechanic Street (Route 140) by upgrading pedestrian and bicycle facilities throughout the corridor, reconstructing the pavement, updating signage and pavement striping, and replacing and upgrading the stormwater drainage system. 
Specific project highlights will focus on improving mobility and safety of all roadway users along the 1.3-mile corridor. The existing sidewalks will be reconstructed, and an additional sidewalk will be included on the opposite side of the roadway throughout the project limits. Accessible ramps will be provided to meet current standards, and the roadway will be widened to provide five-foot shoulders for bicycle accommodations. A new updated pedestrian crossing signal and approach signage are planned at the midblock crossing at the Bellingham Middle School. 
“We are proud to work with our municipal partners on projects like this throughout the Commonwealth,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “MassDOT continues to work to make improvements and invest in state and locally-owned transportation infrastructure.” 
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Town of Bellingham,” commented State Representative Michael J. Soter. “With this funding, we will entirely transform almost a mile and a half of one of the busiest roadways in Bellingham. The repair and addition of sidewalks and implementation of bicycle lanes will promote useability as well as improve the safety of local students, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. I’ve advocated for this project for years, and I’m eager to see the residents of Bellingham enjoying the final product.” 
“This is a project the Town has been working on for the past six years, and we are excited to see it move to the construction phase,” commented Denis Fraine, Bellingham Town Administrator. “Many thanks to our legislative delegation, and particularly Representative Soter, who attended many meetings before the Metropolitan Planning Agency which prioritizes funding for the greater Boston region. Without his leadership and advocacy, this project would not have secured State funding.” 
Next steps are for the project bid opening to be scheduled and a construction contract to be awarded by MassDOT. Construction is anticipated to commence during the summer of 2022. 
Construction for the project is being funded with Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) dollars. The project design was completed by the municipality. 
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