[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6238625,"mediaKeyId","3350601-7df8931b03f51aab0ed76cd181fb601d","parentId",3350601,"title","MassDOT, city say environmental review triggered by tree removals; plan includes replacements and protections","audioSeconds",1453,"startMs",1517000,"endMs",2970000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350601-7df8931b03f51aab0ed76cd181fb601d&start=1517&end=2970","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350601-7df8931b03f51aab0ed76cd181fb601d/thumbnail_1517000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6238625/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/MassDOT-city-say-environmental-review-triggered-by-tree-removals-plan-includes-replacements-and-protections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238625-58a818f40923a96dd480f434ff50c4aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584503&Signature=aHlE7KFS7900wtL9P616OG7gv8gIpW8xL8VM-ZvtNXLTn2TXImUAD38CKZH-5fDWj-25d-FrGlzO~k3Lh62hGhPIvK5twVvp~YReRShc8vgBM0N~pen3yUB4b0tXOAhOd7P22eALPvIR1IDsgHRzS-TF1M3KNpyH~IkyDGQAaeHPpJSEfKXC~0pfxRuZ6aqSya5zK45rJ4QVYaW2NBHGrjk0uk20kVkzcSy1JhfL22DAUo0GSRfL~Flgx82UzGU2CVr6EShy-EV~7NxvmR1z6WfHjR3VYcyoiYed4KRlq9XxdqXB-NMTnLu1bu80ic6h9912Or1VQ3lB~1v1KMVYMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Springfield City, MA","date","2025-05-16T18:39:09Z","article","Massachusetts Department of Transportation and City of Springfield representatives told residents that the project prompted a Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review after tree removals reached a regulatory threshold, and they described mitigation steps and tree protection measures that will be part of construction.

Chris Signoli said the federal agency changes and the tree removal threshold required the project team to prepare an environmental document that analyzed trees, drainage and other environmental impacts. He told the meeting that contractors have removed trees that needed to be cut and that the project will plant an additional 118 trees within the corridor; project staff said that planting yields a net increase of 57 trees compared with preconstruction counts.

Some residents raised concerns about tree protection at active work sites. Resident Eva Schocken said the temporary wood barriers placed around tree trunks appeared “very flimsy” and did not protect root zones from stored materials and heavy pipes. City and MassDOT staff said the wooden trunk protection is intended primarily to protect trunks from direct impact and that root protection measures include air excavation (air spading), root pruning where necessary, and placing mulch or temporary supports under stored materials. Project staff said they will review and, where appropriate, increase the robustness of protective measures after the meeting.

Janet Burdewik, a neighborhood resident who said she has training in urban forestry and reviewed a city forester report, praised the city's revised proposal and the species choices and counts recommended in a revised tree plan but still urged continued care for existing specimen trees.

Discussion versus decision: the meeting recorded the staff explanation of the MEPA requirement and mitigation approach; no final environmental determinations or permits were issued at the meeting. Project staff said they would continue to refine tree‑protection measures and that trees removed would be replaced per the planting plan.

Ending: Project staff advised residents who see damaged protection or stored materials near trees to use the project hotline or email to report concerns so staff can respond and adjust protections where needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","X Forest Pk Public Hearing 05/14/25","oneSentenceSummary","Massachusetts Department of Transportation and City of Springfield representatives told residents that the project prompted a Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act review after tree removals reached a triggering threshold and described mitigation and protection measures.","taxTitle","Springfield City, Hampden County, Massachusetts","taxId",3703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6238630,"Contractor, timeline and funding outlined for Springfield X reconstruction; MassDOT says Sumner will remain open",266,1734000,2000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350601-7df8931b03f51aab0ed76cd181fb601d&start=1734&end=2000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350601-7df8931b03f51aab0ed76cd181fb601d/thumbnail_1734000.jpg","/articles/6238630/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Contractor-timeline-and-funding-outlined-for-Springfield-X-reconstruction-MassDOT-says-Sumner-will-remain-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238630-3b6c33ed87b04f03f0e2663090d5128e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584503&Signature=BcLg5OOZmCVfwj14iNcQKPJ8Z5U6H-ONlmmD~E2ujkV1UW4OIWFRUwtZDSWq2wcEnmz4PXarFb4xYn~ibSokRlDJyLu5MJYgVWQzwbwikumbgQ~OnwYhDarHX3Lum19i0GAnJnwez0wcoNfC3pBhFdLNtHVIM75bfSUWJU35YOrdGPubR1ET-MjZdbjCzZBsiAfBERrtZRhNZ4TTkNGPfB7gSzwVZx1P8h-kbKwKxoaGtsKvBfRAm6OfHN6IFlYNfVRR76xCBLl-AT0xgLwwDgQBjKp55s99cMBLbKSPv5BB7iAEmzk4TbGqGjobPr0tT43~oLulakcInxYGKX5GwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials told residents that Baltazar Contractors Incorporated of Ludlow holds the construction contract for the Springfield X reconstruction and that the project is funded primarily with Federal Highway Administration money with contributions from the City of Springfield and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.

Todd Boylan, introduced at the meeting as the MassDOT project area engineer for District 2 construction, said the contract award to Baltazar was for $22,700,000 with additional contingency and project allowances bringing total project funding to about $27,500,000. He said the contract includes a roughly 10 percent contingency and allocations for police traffic details, engineering and similar items.

MassDOT presented a phased six‑season schedule that begins with underground utility relocations and water‑main work in the first one to two seasons, with temporary water mains planned to reduce service disruptions. Water main installation is scheduled to be substantially complete by late fall 2026, with road widening and full‑depth reconstruction scheduled to occur primarily in 2027 and continuing through 2029, decorative elements and plazas in 2029, and final milling, paving and striping in the final season (projected completion October 2030).

Todd said the contract requires the general contractor to maintain pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle and bus access during construction stages and to coordinate driveway and sidewalk reconstruction with abutters; typical contract language will require at least one lane open in each direction on major throughways and daily dust and sweep control measures.

On closures and detours residents asked whether Sumner Avenue would be closed at any point. MassDOT and city staff said they do not plan extended closures of Sumner Avenue; work will be phased so that the corridor retains at least one lane in each direction throughout most of the work. Where deep trenching is required crews will use methods such as steel plates and phased excavation to maintain traffic. Project work hours were stated as 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with limited nighttime work possible for certain tie‑in operations or utility work.

Questions about funding security were raised; project staff responded that funds for the current contract allotment are allocated and that the project includes contingency funding. They also noted that if costs exceed the current allocation they would need to request additional funds and that federal participation beyond the agreed contingency is not guaranteed.

Discussion versus decision: the meeting described contract award, funding and schedule; no new financial approvals or contracting decisions were made publicly at the meeting.

Ending: Residents were urged to sign up on the project website for email updates and to call the project hotline for immediate concerns. MassDOT and city staff said they will continue targeted outreach to abutters and first responders as construction proceeds.","Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials told residents that Baltazar Contractors Incorporated holds the construction contract for the Springfield X reconstruction and that the project is funded primarily with Federal Highway Administration money and local contributions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6238635,"MassDOT and Springfield outline design changes for Sumner/Dickinson/Belmont \"X\" to improve safety, add bike and pedestrian facilities",710,375000,1085000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350601-7df8931b03f51aab0ed76cd181fb601d&start=375&end=1085","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350601-7df8931b03f51aab0ed76cd181fb601d/thumbnail_375000.jpg","/articles/6238635/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/MassDOT-and-Springfield-outline-design-changes-for-SumnerDickinsonBelmont-X-to-improve-safety-add-bike-and-pedestrian-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238635-8f341c7040ae4112ce6fec4483b14db7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584503&Signature=RHONtDwe~Npo~21l20apEI0nLhlcFiiQpjlQgERIh10kcEIDxhjOfPGwdXvl-fXrch6cbIU6macKceQDr4YuN1zGGUv3jgNe4ddtPecKD5UqYTeKDCEW9oetnMmLIITtG9QJoz32mlArwUxvYvvRI~OSjI0M0A2j5JoYNMCYmN95afHr5MDs~BXC26jtd7NXkBs5ulULci4z52SUn3wUK6~~J0x4jRNx-8Gn~oavP6KeINaY1UPThgCbHZyKZBVRcZHGCEhpK9lLHWbmlWfxKst~6DA4j0eYaLHuoiReboQUhN3JPKFvDJWSdBXl9UYIn4y2epCAQ2cKo3Tf9~vFng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials and City of Springfield staff on the night of a public information meeting described a reconstruction of the intersection of Sumner Avenue, Dickinson Street and Belmont Avenue intended to update traffic signals, add pedestrian and bicycle facilities and create new plazas in the Forest Park neighborhood.

The project team said the work will keep two through lanes on Sumner Avenue while adding a dedicated left‑turn lane from Sumner to Dickinson, new traffic signals with pedestrian phases, continuous bike facilities that switch between on‑street and off‑road where needed, and small public plazas at the Belmont/Sumner corners.

Chris Signoli, director of the City of Springfield Department of Public Works, described the corridor as “antiquated,” saying crosswalks and bicycle accommodations do not meet current standards and traffic volumes have increased “probably doubled, tripled in the past 20 years.” He said the design keeps the basic two‑lane through pattern on Sumner but adds signal and turning improvements to reduce neighborhood cut‑through traffic.

The city and consultant drawings presented at the meeting show several geometric and traffic‑pattern changes: Ormond Street will become one‑way northbound behind the commercial block; Belmont Avenue near the X will be reconfigured so the approaches out of the X flow differently (including a one‑way segment and added on‑street parking in some sections); and Cliffwood and Lennox streets will have their directions swapped in places to manage local movements. The team also plans new pedestrian crossings at Cliffwood/Taco Bell, a protected crossing near the Forest Park entrance and signalized crosswalks at most intersections within the project limits.

Design consultant representatives said bicycle facilities will be a mix of off‑road paths where right‑of‑way allows and on‑street bike lanes where geometry requires, and that bus stop locations will be improved and coordinated with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

Victor Davila, Springfield city councilor for Ward 6, urged the team to incorporate resident concerns into final plans, saying, “This is not a want. This is a project that it's critical for safety.” Several residents at the meeting pressed for clearer illustrative plans and traffic simulations so the public can see how daily movement and turn restrictions will operate once the project is built.

Discussion versus decision: the presentation described the built design elements and intended traffic pattern changes; no final legislative or permitting decision was taken at the meeting. The project team said the design shown reflects years of public input and earlier plan revisions, and that a revised illustrative (\"pretty\") plan would be posted online soon for public review.

Ending: Project officials encouraged residents to sign up for the project subscription portal and to attend future public hearings; they said the construction phase will be overseen by MassDOT in coordination with the City of Springfield and the chosen contractor.","At a public information meeting, MassDOT and the City of Springfield described a multi‑year reconstruction of the \"X\" intersection at Sumner Avenue, Dickinson Street and Belmont Avenue that will add new signals, pedestrian phases, bike lanes, plazas and changes to local turning patterns intended to reduce cut‑through traffic and improve safety.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MassDOT, city say environmental review triggered by tree removals; plan includes replacements and protections

Contractor, timeline and funding outlined for Springfield X reconstruction; MassDOT says Sumner will remain open

MassDOT and Springfield outline design changes for Sumner/Dickinson/Belmont "X" to improve safety, add bike and pedestrian facilities