Residents voice opinions on road overhaul

Jun 21, 2013

Taxed drainage systems, bike and pedestrian safety, and moving wires underground were all subjects that residents want to see addressed by a road plan that will repave 1.5 miles of Mattapoisett Village.

John Morgan, an engineer at the Norwell-based CHA Consulting, detailed the potential improvements to the interconnected Acushnet Road, Main Street, Water Street, Beacon Street, and Marion Road at a public input meeting on Thursday night.

“The pavement is getting tired and worn. It’s getting to the point where it needs to be rehabilitated,” said Morgan. “It’s not just a maintenance project…what we’re looking at is a reconstruction project.”

Morgan said crosswalks need to be added in some places, sidewalks should be repaired and extended, and many areas lack handicap accessibility. He also said the stormwater management system is outdated and deteriorating.

“We’re not looking to make this into a road that will draw a lot of traffic. We want to keep the same type of scenic roadway feel that you have today,” he said.

In order to do that, the town needs input from residents, which is also a component of getting the project funded through the government’s Transportation Improvement Project.

Several residents complained of drainage issues that cause flooding in heavy rains.

“Our drainage in Mattapoisett has been like an extension cord,” said Highway Surveyor Barry Denham. “When they needed drainage somewhere else, they plugged in. It needs to be addressed as a system.”

Resident Michael Jolliffe said pedestrian traffic should be a concern along the roads.

“It’s what I call a promenade,” he said. “It’s important to think about those kind of issues.”

Regarding bicycles, Bonnie DeSouza said, “Right now, what we have is a share the road solution. It’s not a bad solution.”

Morgan agreed and said the area needed signage and pavement markings to make the roads safer for everyone.

Jolliffe also said he wanted to see cable and electricity wires moved underground.

Sandy Herrington agreed. “Before this kind of project gets mapped out and finalized, I would certainly want to see a very accurate assessment of what it would cost us to bury the wires sand what that means to the homeowners as well. I think this is the time to do it,” she said.

Other residents said they wanted to make sure parking was preserved and that there would still be room on the roads for boats to park in emergency weather situations.

“We commonly see 600 boats coming out of there in a 48-hour period,” said Denham.

Further input for the renovations, estimated to cost almost $4 million by the projected start date in 2016, can be made on the town’s website. More public meetings will also be held going forward.