MassDOT Route 20 rehab: Northborough portion small, commission issues negative determination

MassDOT consultants updated the Northborough Conservation Commission on a Route 20 rehabilitation and box‑widening project that runs primarily in Shrewsbury but extends roughly 275 feet into Northborough. The segment in town totals about 10,720 square feet of corridor; non-exempt activities in Northborough include a 5-foot sidewalk, grading and drainage work that together impact approximately 2,642 square feet of riverfront/buffer area (about 1,374 sq ft of that will become impervious surface).

The consultant described measures to meet the state’s 10 stormwater standards, including new deep-sump catch basins and a proposed NPDES construction general permit and stormwater pollution prevention plan. Commission staff questioned whether hooded catch basins should be used; the consultant said hoods can be added if the commission requests them and explained some districts avoid hoods to ease maintenance. Commissioners discussed whether Northborough should make a positive determination (requiring a Notice of Intent) to retain oversight; several members favored a negative determination so Shrewsbury and MassDOT lead the NOI process for the larger portion of the project.

Colin White, project manager for the consultant, explained the reasoning for extending sidewalk and bicycle accommodations into Northborough and noted the principal work is in Shrewsbury. After discussion the commission voted to issue a negative determination with no conditions for the Northborough portion.

Ending: Staff and MassDOT will continue design coordination; MassDOT anticipates appearing before the Shrewsbury conservation commission for additional hearings on the larger project footprint.