MassDOT District 5 updates Cape Cod MPO on projects while members warn utilities are delaying work

MassDOT District 5 staff provided a series of construction updates at the Cape Cod MPO meeting on Nov. 17, outlining progress on a range of projects while board members raised persistent concerns about utility relocations delaying work.

Barbara Lachance and Colleen Munieros reviewed active projects including: a Route 6 scenic highway center median and shared-use path (tree clearing under way); Mashpee Route 151 reconstruction (drainage and shared-use path work in progress); Wellfleet Route 6 at Main Street intersection and signal improvements (reported 36% complete); Wellfleet Route 6 resurfacing and related safety work (64% complete); Route 28 at Yarmouth Road intersection reconstruction with rail-safety features (night work planned beginning Nov. 20); the Yarmouth extension of the Cape Cod Rail Trail (25% complete); the Brownsville Bay’s Way shared-use path; and other sidewalk and bridge projects across District 5.

Multiple members called attention to a recurring problem: utility relocations by providers such as Verizon and Eversource are delaying construction sequences. Liz Argo asked whether Verizon specifically was creating a pattern of delay; Dan Santos, director of public works in Barnstable, said utility relocations ‘‘are almost always late and hold these projects up’’ and described the issue as perennial. Kevin Galligan gave a local example in which Verizon’s pole work delayed a commercial wharf project by a year. MassDOT staff responded that the agency’s utility-relocation process is robust but noted capabilities and staffing across utilities can fluctuate; staff offered to follow up with headquarters to assess whether additional mitigation steps are available.

Specific project notes from the presentation included contractor notices to proceed, percent-complete status for several contracts, ongoing utility relocations and scheduling of night work for intersection reconstruction on Route 28. For the Bourne and Sandwich Route 6 resurfacing contract and other projects listed, staff said some work is just starting and others are in temporary shutdown pending relocation work. On the District 5 Vulnerable Road User (VRU) safety contract, staff reported multi-town activity and 38% completion with early construction steps complete in Bourne and Falmouth.

Board members asked staff to check with headquarters about whether recent media reports indicating utility staffing shortages were observed in other projects statewide and whether program-level mitigation could be recommended. MassDOT staff committed to follow up and provide an update for the MPO.

The construction update closed with thanks from the board and recognition of improved presentation materials; no formal board action was requested during this agenda item.