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MassDOT briefs Wareham commission on I‑195 resurfacing; work will include limited vegetation clearing near wetlands
Summary
MassDOT and Jacobs Engineering described a resurfacing project for Interstate 195 that will mill and repave travel lanes and ramps, perform spot guardrail and drainage work, and undertake limited vegetation cutting up to ~20 ft from guardrails; MassDOT filed the information as a courtesy and noted the project is within buffer zones but matches existing grades.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation representatives updated the Wareham Conservation Commission on a planned Interstate 195 resurfacing project covering the corridor from the I‑495 interchange to the Matapoet town line; approximately four miles of the work lie within Wareham town limits.
Kevin Thompson (MassDOT) and Clay (Klay) Hutchinson (Jacobs Engineering) told the commission the work consists primarily of 1‑inch milling and a 3/4‑inch bonded overlay of travel lanes, with 2‑inch milling/resurfacing on ramps. The scope also includes crack sealing, limited vegetation cutting near guardrails for sightlines and access, spot guardrail repairs and pavement marking replacement. Engineers emphasized that the project will not expand paved surfaces or change roadway grades in ways that increase runoff; in many locations the resurfacing will slightly reduce surface elevations.
The work falls within the 100‑foot buffer to bordering vegetated wetlands and the 200‑foot riverfront areas for waterways in the town (Weweantic River, Kohaket Brook, Pacific River and one unnamed perennial stream), and includes areas of mapped bordering land subject to flooding and one area below the base flood elevation noted in plans. Because MassDOT is a state agency the presenters said some state exemptions apply; the filing came to the commission as an RDA out of an abundance of caution and as a courtesy to local reviewers. MassDOT representatives stated standard practice is to perform mechanical cutting (no herbicides) for vegetation removal and to stage equipment at designated staging areas outside sensitive buffers.
Commissioners asked about staging, storage of heavy equipment overnight, handling of leaking fluids and whether the boat ramp areas would be closed during short construction windows; MassDOT said equipment will be staged in designated maintenance/staging areas and that temporary closures (with signage) may occur only during active work.
The hearing was closed with a recorded vote; commissioners acknowledged MassDOT’s exemption to local bylaws but appreciated the courtesy notification and recommended continuing close environmental coordination during final design and construction.
