Press Release  Groundbreaking: Boston Road Rehabilitation Project in Westford

WESTFORD — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is celebrating the groundbreaking of the Boston Road Rehabilitation Project, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure in Westford. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, and Congresswoman Lori Trahan, along with state and local leaders. 

This $15.6 million project encompasses a multi-modal 1.05-mile section of Boston Road from Main Street (Westford Town Center) to the southbound off-ramp of I-495. The project aims to improve road safety and enhance accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, fostering a more connected community. Key improvements include the redefined cross-section of the roadway, which will feature a 5-foot bicycle lane and 11-foot travel lanes in each direction.

“Today’s groundbreaking reflects our commitment to creating safer, more accessible roadways while expanding multimodal transportation options that serve everyone,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This project will be truly transformative for the residents of Westford, and I’m deeply grateful to our local, state, and federal partners for their unwavering support in making it possible.”

“Today's groundbreaking is a significant step forward in improving safety and accessibility on Boston Road.” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I’m proud to have secured more than $12 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support this long overdue project, which will make Westford a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” 

“The Boston Road rehabilitation project will be one of the most significant infrastructure improvement projects for Westford,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “I want to thank the town, MassDOT District 3, Newport Construction, and TEC for their partnership on these multimodal improvements.”

"The rehabilitation of Boston Road makes Westford roads safer," said Senator John J. Cronin. "This project is a great example of the collaboration between Westford's local, state and federal partners to deliver for residents. I'm thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Rep. Trahan for their commitment to Westford and the entire region."

"Thank you to the leadership of Congresswoman Lori Trahan, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and other partners, particularly the Westford town officials and staff, over the past several years to bring this project to fruition," said State Representative James Arciero. "Boston Road is a highly traveled thoroughfare both to and from the center of the town. These improvements will address increasing vehicle activity both for public safety purposes and for the residents that live near or on Boston Road that are often impacted by the heavy traffic flow."

“This groundbreaking represents the start of a long-planned and much-needed investment in one of Westford’s most heavily traveled corridors.  Boston Road is a gateway to our historic Town Center and our commercial corridor along Route 110,” said Westford Town Manager Kristen Las. “The Boston Road Rehabilitation Project will improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, upgrade outdated infrastructure including water and stormwater and support long-term community growth. We are appreciative of the ongoing support from our residents, the expertise and dedication of staff and our project team and the collaboration of our local, regional and state partners—each of whom played a critical role in advancing this important infrastructure project from concept to construction.”

The planned improvements also include the construction of new sidewalks with vertical granite curbing along the easterly side of Boston Road from Main Street to the I-495 southbound ramps, as well as on the westerly side from Blakes Hill Road to the I-495 southbound ramps. Additional upgrades consist of ADA/AAB compliant wheelchair ramps at all relevant intersections and modifications to existing traffic signal timings and infrastructure at three critical intersections: the I-495 southbound ramps, I-495 northbound ramps, and Route 110.

The project will also involve the reconstruction of existing storm drain infrastructure, water line replacement, construction of retaining walls, and full-depth pavement reclamation throughout the corridor. These enhancements are designed to ensure a safer and more efficient travel experience for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

The Boston Road Rehabilitation Project will be funded with a split of state and federal funding, with 80% coming from federal funds and 20% from state funds, alongside a municipal funding agreement to support the project. The project is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2027.

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