MassDOT proposes PHBs, ADA ramps and intersection reconfigurations on Great Road in Acton

Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials on Tuesday presented a design package for short-term pedestrian safety improvements on Great Road in Acton, focusing on three intersections where pedestrian crashes have produced serious injuries and at least one fatality.

At a public design hearing, MassDOT project manager Annie Audia described project 613166 as a targeted, short-term effort to improve crossings at Concord Road, Davis Road and Harris Street along the roadway segment between Harris Street and Concord Road. The presentation said the corridor is a top crash location and that the short-term work will be advanced before the town-led complete streets project is constructed.

The design consultant proposed similar treatments at the three locations: resurfacing, revised pavement markings, new Americans with Disabilities Act–compliant curb ramps and sidewalks where missing at the crossing points, and “teed up” intersection geometry to slow turning vehicles. At Concord Road and Harris Street the plan includes pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) with mast-arm–mounted street lights intended to improve sight lines and illuminate crosswalks.

The consultant explained the PHB sequence: a pedestrian activates the beacon by push button, the signal cycles from flashing yellow to solid yellow (alerting motorists to slow), then solid red for vehicular stop and pedestrian crossing, followed by flashing red and then dark. The Concord Road crossing would be relocated about 60 feet to increase sight distance for turning vehicles.

MassDOT’s Right-of-Way Bureau said the current design anticipates permanent takings and permanent easements in some locations, and temporary construction easements in others; acquisition must comply with state and federal real property laws, including Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 79 and applicable federal statutes when federal funds are used.

Project impacts and environmental review: MassDOT said the short-term project focuses on pedestrian crossings and does not include bicycle facilities (those are planned as part of the longer-term Great Road Complete Streets project, MassDOT project 613872). Work at Concord Road and Harris Street may occur in jurisdictional wetland areas and will require filings under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and MassDOT environmental review; presenters said no direct impacts to wetlands or waterways are anticipated at this stage.

Cost and schedule: The current project estimate is approximately $2 million (not including right-of-way costs). MassDOT said the Federal Highway Administration would cover 90% of construction costs and MassDOT the remaining 10%. The project must be programmed in the statewide transportation improvement program to be advertised for bids; MassDOT listed anticipated milestones of PS&E (plans, specifications and estimate) in late 2027, right-of-way secured by spring 2028, advertisement in summer 2028 and construction starting roughly six months after advertisement and contract award. Estimated construction duration is about one year.

Construction approach: Traffic will be maintained as much as possible through partial lane and shoulder closures and police details. Variable message boards will be placed 14 days before construction, and a MassDOT resident engineer will be present during work.

Public input and next steps: Comments submitted in writing within 10 business days will be included in the official hearing transcript and considered as plans advance to 75% and 100% design. MassDOT provided an email contact and a mailing address (attention Project Management, Project File Number 613-166) for written comments and said the hearing transcript and materials will be posted on MassDOT’s and the town of Acton’s websites.

The hearing closed at 6:50 p.m. with officials saying revised plans and another opportunity for public comment will follow as the design progresses.