By Patricia Roy

The renovation and reconstruction of the downtown area is $30 million, multi-year project that has turned into a daily headache for many commuters. 

In the works since 2017, there are likely many residents who may not be able to conjure up a memory of downtown that is not cluttered with construction equipment and orange cones.  But there is an end in sight - the work is due for completion in early 2023.

However, added to the traffic grief is the Route 126/Pond Street Revitalization Project, a 1.7-mile section of roadway running through town from the Framingham town line to the Holliston town line.

The Department of Public Works posts weekly updates on the town website and reminds drivers to “give yourself extra time to get where you are going and be patient.”

Crews are doing the best they can to get drivers through the construction area quickly and safely, the newsletter states.

In the upcoming week, crews were expected to finish paving the current stretch of construction on Monday, June 20 and Tuesday, June 21. Full depth construction commenced on the next 2000 feet beginning Wednesday, June 22, and continue through Friday. 

The work began at Nash Ave. and continue to Eliot Street. 

This two-lane two-way section of Route 126 has 17,730 vehicles traveling it in the north and 12,100 in the south. It does come up short on aesthetics, amenities and safety according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

With inconsistent road widths and variously marked travel lanes, and “stingy” shoulders at just two to five feet wide, the Route 126 corridor experiences an above average crash rate compared to the statewide average , along with substandard bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure according to the Massachusetts Environmental Notification Form.

The full-depth pavement reconstruction and road widening will address safety, operational and multimodal deficiencies including accessible sidewalks, designated bicycle lanes and improved intersection sightlines. 

Full depth reconstruction addresses the base problems of road work, rather than filling holes, sealing cracks and covering with overlay or an additional layer of pavement.

The asphalt service is pulverized into a reusable material that is incorporated into the failing base. Further stabilizing materials can be added. This mixture is then reshaped and re-compacted to provide a stable base. Finally, a layer of chip-seal or asphalt is applied to make a more durable and longer-lasting road. The layers may go as deep as 20 inches.

Wheelchair ramps will also be installed in compliance with the American Disabilities Act.

Traffic improvements at the intersection of Route 126 and Eliot Street include traffic signals, stone masonry retaining wall construction and minor drainage improvements, along with the installation of granite curbing and edging as well as sidewalk construction and resetting the guardrail.

The project is due to be completed in 2024.

The downtown project is complicated by moving overhead utilities underground, affecting water, sewer and storm water lines, all under the direction of the Ashland Department of Public Works.