Overview
The project begins at the Sumner Avenue intersection with Churchill Street and continues 3,400 feet east to the intersection with Daytona Street. The Belmont Avenue project limits begin just northwest of its intersection with Burlington Street and continue 1,650 feet south to the intersection with Ormond Street. The Dickinson Street segment begins at the intersection with Burlington Street and runs south 1,050 feet to the intersection with Cliftwood Street. Side streets that are included within the project area include Cliftwood Street, Lenox Street, Ormond Street, Burlington Street, Oakland Street, and Commonwealth Avenue. Project improvements include:
- Traffic pattern changes and the addition of transition lanes (i.e. auxiliary lanes).
- New traffic signals and traffic signal coordination.
- 5 foot bicycle lanes and widening and reconstruction of sidewalks to shared-use paths.
- Pedestrian facility and accessibility upgrades.
- Bus stop and shelter upgrades.
- Replacement of street lighting, furnishings, and landscaping.
Background and public process
Increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the Sumner Avenue, Belmont Avenue, and Dickinson Street intersection in Springfield's Forest Park community has resulted in significant safety, delay, and connectivity concerns for residents, school-aged children, motorists, and businesses. A fully connected transportation network, for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit, is essential for preserving resident’s quality of life and fostering a vibrant local economy.
The improvements have been designed following the Massachusetts Green Department of Transportation (GreenDOT) Policy Initiative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The design promotes healthy transportation alternatives (e.g. walking, cycling, and public transit), and supports Smart Growth Development. In addition, the improvements have been developed with a Complete Streets approach to provide safe and appropriate accommodations for different roadways user (i.e. motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users).
During the design development phase, the City of Springfield conducted an extensive public involvement process that consisted of the following efforts:
| Outreach Activity | Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Public Meeting | City of Springfield held a public meeting as part of the “X” Improvements Planning Study | October 6, 2015 |
| Public Meeting | City of Springfield held a second public meeting as part of the “X Improvements Planning Study | February 10, 2016 |
| Media Coverage | Media coverage of the project posted to MassLive and WWLP (local news station) | May 10, 2017 May 16, 2017 |
| Stakeholder Meeting | City and Fuss & O’Neill (F&O) presented a Pre-25% Concept plan to the Forest Park Civic Association | December 12, 2017 |
| Direct Mailing | City of Springfield sent all property owners within project limits a letter soliciting comments on the 25% plans. Comments were received and responses issued by Springfield Department of Public Works. | Fall 2017/Winter 2018 |
| Design Public Hearing (DPH) | A DPH was held at Forest Park Middle School. City and F&O presented an updated design based on previous public feedback and solicited additional public feedback to develop the 75% and 100% final design plans. | September 17, 2019 |
| Historic Commission Meeting | Historic Commission Section 106 Review; open to the public. | November 18, 2021 |
| Historic Commission Meeting | Historic Commission Section 106 Review; open to the public. | December 2, 2021 |
| Environmental Justice – Screening Form | Distributed and available online in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. | May 10, 2023 |
| Community Meeting | John J. Shea Bright Nights Building – In-Person. | July 18, 2023 |
| Public Notice of Environmental Review | Placed in the Springfield Republican and MA Environmental Monitor, in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. | July/August 2023 |