MassDOT outlines timeline for Northern Strand bike‑lane project in Lynn; councilors press safety, business and access concerns

Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials told the Lynn City Council on April 28 that the Northern Strand extension in Lynn and Nahant has an $11.8 million contract, began construction in summer 2024 and carries a contractual completion date of Nov. 15 of this year, with MassDOT saying it is on schedule to finish by then.

“Contractual completion is November 15th,” said Michael Winnick, assistant construction engineer for MassDOT District 4. He outlined a scope that includes a two‑way separated bike lane for much of the route (Western Avenue through Market Street, South Common and the Lynnway to Nahant Road), shared‑use path segments in constrained areas, full‑depth roadway excavation, curb and sidewalk reconstruction, pavement markings, about 10 intersections with new signals, and landscaping.

The presentation prompted extended questioning from councilors about the on‑the‑ground impact of months of construction. “This project has been very slow. It’s been very painful for the residents of Lynn,” said Councilor Hogan, who represents many of the affected blocks and said constituents have reported prolonged disruption, barrels and curbing left in place through winter months. Hogan pressed whether MassDOT would meet the schedule and whether the city streets would be repaved as part of the work.

Peter Tremontozzi, MassDOT District 4 operations engineer, said the current plan showed only the bike‑lane resurfacing but that MassDOT leadership was reviewing a mayoral request to have the roadway surface incorporated into the contract. “We’ve met with the mayor’s office. They have requested that the roadway be incorporated into the project,” Tremontozzi said, adding that at minimum the city has programmed funding to repave the streets if MassDOT does not add full‑depth paving.

Councilors also raised accessibility and safety questions affecting seniors and first responders. Councilor Flynn Biess and Councilor Avery noted that seniors use nearby residential buildings and rely on clear, navigable detours and bus‑platform access; Avery warned that when buses stop at platforms there will be “pinch points” where an ambulance may not be able to pass. MassDOT said emergency‑vehicle signal preemption and traffic management are planned, and designers said emergency services were consulted during design; in some bus‑stop locations, finished conditions may not leave space for an ambulance to pass a stopped bus, MassDOT said.

Small‑business owners on Market Street were another concern. Councilor LaPierre said business owners have reported sharp declines in trade since construction removed street parking and called for steps to mitigate economic harm during and after construction.

Project schedule details in Winnick’s presentation included relocating and constructing granite curbs and sidewalks this spring, intermediate paving and drainage work in August–September, and surface course paving and permanent markings in October–November before opening the facilities. MassDOT and the contractor said they hold progress meetings every two weeks and can provide three‑week look‑ahead schedules to councilors.

Councilors asked that MassDOT and city staff provide regular, public updates so ward councilors can answer constituents’ questions while work is ongoing. MassDOT reiterated it will aim to finish by the contract date but noted New England’s limited winter construction window slows activities such as concrete work and landscaping.

Next steps: MassDOT agreed to continue biweekly progress coordination with city staff and to consider whether roadway resurfacing can be added to this contract; councilors requested monthly public updates and clearer detour and pedestrian‑access plans during construction.