Route 37 Traffic Signal Construction Starting In October: MassDOT

BRAINTREE, MA — State transportation officials will install a new traffic light at the intersection of Washington Street (Route 37) and South Street.

Erin Kinahan, a project development engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), last week presented Braintree residents and town officials with the construction plan for the project. Both Kinahan and Mayor Charles Kokoros said the light is necessary to address safety issues, as well as traffic and accessibility concerns.

"Thank you to MassDOT and all your hard work," Kokoros said. "This is something that has been done very quickly by your staff, and I want to thank you for sticking to your schedule and shortening the time, so we can make this intersection safe. It will be a great improvement."

Kinahan said the new traffic light will be created within the existing right of way, but it will also improve accessibility for transit users, improve conditions for bicyclists near the intersection and reduce driver confusion.

The project also includes new ADA compliant pedestrian curb ramps, new pavement markings and signage and a signalized crosswalk.

"Vehicles from South Street will no longer need to wait for gaps in Route 37 traffic to make a turn," Kinahan said. However, Washington Street traffic will no longer have free movement through the intersection and will be required to stop on a red."

Raj Kulen, an engineer for MassDOT, said the light will stay green at night and will change with the use of motion sensors, as cars approach the intersection.

The construction is expected to start this month and will included limited nighttime work. Kinahan said there will be some daytime lane closures, and residents should expect some traffic delays.

Following the presentation, MassDOT and town officials gave residents an opportunity to ask questions. Bruce Parks, a Milton Road resident asked how long construction is expected to take.

Kulen said he hopes to have everything done before Christmas, but the estimated completion could be delayed by weather or other factors. To see the presentation and other questions asked by residents, see video of the meeting below: