A MassDOT consultant updated the Templeton Select Board on the long-running Route 68 (Wilson Road) modernization project, telling the board the State and federal transportation program currently shows about $11.5 million for construction and that the town must complete several design and permitting steps before the project can go to bid.

Nicholas, the presenting engineer, said the work covers roughly 2.6 miles from Route 202 to the Phillipston line and is intended to bring the roadway up to current state highway standards, correcting lane and shoulder widths, drainage deficits and two major culvert crossings — including a Norcross Brook structure that will be replaced with a bridge-type design. He said MassDOT wants hydraulically robust structures and that the design team must complete additional geotechnical drilling and a full bridge plan set before submitting a 100% design package this coming summer.

"There's $11,500,000 on the table here, so it's time to get the final design ready for bidding," the engineer said, summarizing MassDOT guidance. He also described environmental and permitting steps — including MEPA and wetland permitting — and noted the project will require temporary and permanent construction easements and right-of-way acquisitions for multiple abutters. Although MassDOT will provide construction funding, the town is responsible for appraisals, title work and authorizing offers to affected property owners.

Board members asked about schedule and local next steps. The engineer said preliminary right-of-way plan approval is anticipated in 2027, with final right-of-way actions and PS&E (plans, specifications and estimate) packaging to follow; MassDOT currently has the project programmed for a FY2029 advertisement. He cautioned the board that accelerating the timeline may be limited by permit expiration windows and by the need for additional soil borings.

Public-works director Bob Souzak thanked the engineering team and noted the work already done to keep the road serviceable. The board agreed the project is a high-return investment for the town but noted that future votes will be required when right-of-way acquisitions are necessary.

Next procedural steps the board was told to expect include further drilling, a summer 100% design submission, responses to MassDOT's bridge comments in the fall, preliminary right-of-way approvals in 2027, and eventual town action on acquisition warrants and payments to impacted property owners.