Council signs off on revised traffic control agreement for Sumner Avenue project

The Springfield City Council approved a revised traffic control agreement tied to the Sumner Avenue/Commonwealth Avenue intersection redesign after a design change during construction required MassDOT to resubmit the agreement for city approval.

Chris Signoli of the Department of Public Works told councilors the revisions reflect a design change at the Commonwealth and Belmont/Belmont Avenue intersection intended to reduce impacts to adjacent properties. Signoli said the traffic control agreement documents lane arrangement, signage and parking changes and that all elements captured in the agreement will revert to city control when the project is complete.

“...this design change required them to resubmit the traffic control agreement for the council's approval,” Signoli said. When asked by Councilor Davila who would enforce traffic regulations on the completed sections, Signoli replied: “It reverts to the city of Springfield for 100% enforcement. ...the city of Springfield police are responsible for monitoring the locations and issuing citations if necessary.”

Councilor Davila also pressed Signoli on construction timing during city events; Signoli said most work will be overnight for safety and that minimal daytime construction is planned during major city events, with day tasks typically finishing by about 3 a.m.

Councilors referenced the project's state funding during discussion; Signoli said the state is providing $46,000,000 for the project. The council approved the revised traffic control agreement by roll call.

The council did not add further conditions; Signoli said the traffic control agreement is intended to memorialize signage and lane placements and that the city must notify MassDOT if it seeks later changes to signs or parking established under the agreement.