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State grants, MassDOT funding cover Beverly roundabout project; council accepts awards
Summary
Councilors accepted Mass Works grants totaling $3,000,000 (this year) plus prior awards and a $900,000 MassDOT contribution, which officials say should cover projected construction costs for the Bridal Ave/Dunham Road roundabout; construction expected by mid–late spring with roughly 1.5 years of work.
The Beverly City Council accepted state grants and a MassDOT contribution on Dec. 1 that officials said will cover the projected cost of a roundabout and related improvements at Bridal Avenue and Dunham Road near Exit 46.
Mayor Cahill briefed the Committee on Finance and Property on the project's grant history, saying the city previously received a $750,000 MassWorks design grant and a $3.5 million MassWorks award and secured a second $3,000,000 MassWorks grant this year. "We got a second $3,000,000 grant through Mass Works this year, and MassDOT agreed to make up the difference, and 900,000 from that MassDOT, which is intended to cover the whole cost of the construction, at the projected cost that we have at present," the mayor said.
Councilors asked about timing and outreach. The mayor said 100% design is imminent and, if the council accepts the funds, the city can bid the job; he estimated construction would begin by mid- to late spring or early summer and run about a year and a half. "It's a 2 construction season project, but maybe closer to a year and a half than 2," he said.
In committee, councillors voted (3–0) to approve the MassDOT $900,000 award and MassWorks grants; the full council later ratified committee recommendations. The meeting packet also included a separate $100,000 earmark from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development for intersection improvements at Corning, Essex and Spring Streets and a $9,995 cybersecurity grant; both were approved by committee and later by the council.
Committee members and the mayor said the roundabout is intended to improve safety for vehicles entering and exiting the highway and for neighborhood circulation, and staff said the MassDOT right-of-way and economic development benefits supported the funding package.
With the council's acceptance of funding, staff will move to finalize design and procurement steps and coordinate any outstanding work with state partners, including adjustments needed for traffic-signal preemption at the MBTA crossings.
