Status
The project was advertised under MassDOT’s Design-Build Program and awarded to D. W. White Construction, Inc. and TranSystems in November 2022.
Construction activities are in progress. Weather and unexpected circumstances make all construction activities subject to change without notice, but we will do our best to keep you updated.
2025 construction season impacts
During the 2025 construction season, crews will be conducting construction activities, including the installation of the Oxbow Road roundabout, which may have traffic impacts, such as single lane closures on Route 20. We will update this page with any further traffic impacts.
Roundabout at Oxbow Road Opened October 8
The new roundabout on Route 20 at Oxbow Road fully opened to two lanes of traffic on October 8, 2025. When entering the roundabout, always yield to traffic already in the roundabout and enter only when there is a safe gap in traffic.
Approaching from Route 20 Eastbound:
- To stay on Route 20 Eastbound, use either lane to take the first exit to continue on Route 20 Eastbound.
- To reverse direction and travel on Route 20 Westbound, stay to the left when entering the roundabout and use the left lane. Take the third exit to travel on Route 20 Westbound.
- To travel on Oxbow Road, stay to the left when entering the roundabout and use the left lane to take the second exit to travel on Oxbow Road.
Approaching from Route 20 Westbound:
- To stay on Route 20 Westbound, use either lane to take the second exit to continue on Route 20 Westbound.
- To reverse direction and travel on Route 20 Eastbound, stay to the left when entering the roundabout and use the left lane. Take the third exit to travel on Route 20 Eastbound.
- To travel on Oxbow Road, stay to the right when entering the roundabout and use the right lane to take the first exit to travel on Oxbow Road.
Approaching from Oxbow Road:
- To travel onto Route 20 Westbound, stay to the right to use the right lane, then take the first exit.
- To travel onto Route 20 Eastbound, take the second exit.
The temporary closure of Oxbow Road at Route 20, across from Arnie’s Towing, is now lifted and is now reopened.
Roundabout travel tips
The roundabout on Route 20 at Oxbow Road was installed to address traffic and safety concerns in the area as well as to provide access to Oxbow Road and a location between Route 56 and Richardson Corner Road that allows vehicles to make a U-turn. Read more about roundabouts on the Federal Highway Administration website.
MassDOT would like to offer some tips for traveling through the new roundabout:
- Slow down and follow the posted advisory speeds as you approach the roundabout.
- Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and enter only when there is a safe gap in traffic.
- Be sure to allow extra space for trucks and large vehicles.
- Use your turn signal when exiting the roundabout.
- While inside the roundabout, keep moving and only stop unless necessary to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
- Please pay attention to all signage.
Tips for trucks and large vehicles
MassDOT would like to share additional tips for oversized trucks and other large vehicles traveling through the roundabout:
- Enter and exit the roundabout at slower speeds to ensure the safety of other drivers traveling in the roundabout.
- If necessary, while traveling in the left lane, use the truck apron, the central raised portion of the roundabout which has been designed to accommodate large vehicles.
- Be mindful of your truck’s path, especially in the single-lane configuration.
- Allow extra space for turning and merging and be cautious of smaller vehicles.
Speed limits reduced in construction work zone on Route 20
MassDOT has issued a work zone speed limit to reduce the posted speed limit on Route 20 within the project work zone, between Route 12 and Richardson Corner Road, until further notice. The posted speed limits will be further reduced during active work hours for the safety of the roadway users and workers.
Speed limits are reduced in the following areas:
- Richardson Corner to Route 56: the speed limit has been reduced from 50 MPH to 45 MPH. During active work hours, the speed limit will be further reduced to 40 MPH.
- Route 56 to Thayer Pond Drive: The speed limit has been reduced from 40 MPH to 35 MPH. During active work hours, the speed limit will be further reduced to 30 MPH.
- Thayer Pond Drive to Route 12: The speed limit has been reduced from 45 MPH to 40 MPH. During active work hours, the speed limit will be further reduced to 35 MPH.
Dynamic message signs will be posted to show the reduced speed limit during active work hours and advance warning signs are used onsite to notify the traveling public of the reduced speed limits.
Wide loads prohibited from work zone on Route 20
MassDOT has issued a restriction prohibiting vehicles carrying wide loads over 8 feet, 6 inches (8’6”) from traveling through the Route 20 Reconstruction Project work zone, between Route 12 and Richardson Corner Road. The travel restriction is in place 24 hours per day, seven days per week until further notice.
All vehicles carrying wide loads should avoid the work zone, seek alternate routes, and contact MassDOT’s Commercial Truck Permits Office for more information.
Traffic and Staging considerations
The project involves complete reconstruction of Route 20 in the Towns of Charlton and Oxford over approximately 4 years. Typical work hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some work may vary depending on traffic volumes between 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There are occasional nights and weekend work for some demolition and off-peak work that needs lane taking to execute the work.
Access will always be maintained for emergency services and the project team will be in contact with first responders to maintain communication throughout the performance of the contract.
All major operations are confined to fixed work zones. Travel speeds are reduced through work zones for the safety of our workforce and the traveling public.
To minimize traffic impacts, the project will:
- Minimize construction vehicles turning movements within the project limits to reduce congestion
- Use water spray for dust suppression
- Maintain intersection access and traffic in each direction on Route 20
- Maintain proper signage and markings
- Provide temporary roadway lighting for safe nighttime travel
- Provide safe construction access/egress
- Maintain resident and local business access/egress