Press Release  MassDOT Hosts Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Completion of Charlton, Oxford Route 20 Roadway Reconstruction Project One Year Early

CHARLTON/OXFORD — In an event today in Charlton, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Interim Secretary and CEO Phillip Eng, Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, and other local officials cut a ribbon to celebrate the completion of the Charlton, Oxford Route 20 Roadway Reconstruction Project. The work significantly improves safety, traffic flow, and access for drivers, bikers and pedestrians along 3.2 miles of Route 20 from Richardson's Corner Road in Charlton to the Route 12 intersection in Oxford. About 26,000 vehicles travel along this section of Route 20 each day. The project was completed one year ahead of schedule using an innovative design-build methodology that expedited traffic management and the utility relocation process allowing the road to open early.  

“Congratulations to Interim Secretary Eng and the entire team at MassDOT for their hard work to deliver this urgently needed reconstruction project one full year ahead of schedule,” said Governor Maura Healey. Safety is always our top priority, and this project is a great example of what can happen when we work together with impacted families and community members. When we invest in transportation, our team at MassDOT delivers results that make a real impact in people’s lives.”  

"Today's ribbon cutting for the Reconstruction of Route 20 is not just another major road project but one that marks a new day for the towns of Charlton and Oxford that demonstrates to everyone that safety is our top priority.   Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, not only are we investing in rebuilding our infrastructure but we are investing in the public we serve by delivering meaningful projects that enhance safety, quality of life and local businesses, " said Interim MassDOT Secretary & MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. "I can't be more proud of the MassDOT workforce and our District 3 team for their commitment to the local community and the families that have been the voice advocating for these critical improvements so we can better serve the public and future generations." 

“This project reflects what can be achieved when communities, families, and public officials come together around a shared commitment to safety,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “I’m grateful to the Brodeur family, our elected officials, and our MassDOT team, as well as our contractor DW White, for helping bring this project to completion a year ahead of schedule.”

The Charlton, Oxford Route 20 Roadway Reconstruction Project includes widening and resurfacing of the roadway, adding full shoulders, and installing a continuous median to separate opposing traffic and eliminate unsafe left-turns. Drivers will now use intersections with traffic signals at Route 12, Route 56, Richardson Corner Road to make left turns. A new roundabout at Oxbow Road and emergency pull-off areas were included to increase safety. 

Additionally, the project included replacing the bridges over the Little River and French River. MassDOT built 13 retaining walls, installed four culverts, supported 8.5 miles of upgraded utilities, and implemented extensive stormwater-treatment improvements. Multimodal access was also expanded with a shared-use path along the westbound side of Route 20 and a new sidewalk along the eastbound side of Route 20 increasing safety for bikers and pedestrians.

The corridor improvements were funded through an 80/20 federal-to-state split, with a total project cost of $107.7 million.  Although planned as a four-year effort, the project reached full beneficial use in October 2025 -- a full year ahead of schedule. Additionally, a $2.8 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant supported the extension of the Route 20 sewer main and was coordinated as part of the project construction. 

Statements of Support   

“Having represented Charlton throughout my time in Congress, and Oxford for many of those years, I know just how critical an artery Route 20 is for residents, commuters, and commerce throughout central Massachusetts. I am pleased that with the partnership of the federal government and a substantial infusion of federal dollars, this much-needed reconstruction has finally come to fruition,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “This project represents a transformational investment in public safety, one that will improve traffic flow and expand safe access for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike. I applaud MassDOT for their stick-to-itiveness, delivering a project that will make an immediate and lasting difference in the lives of the people of two terrific communities.” 

State Senator Ryan C. Fattman (Worcester and Hampden District) said, "Today's ribbon cutting marks a decade of partnership and dedication paying off for Central MA, specifically for Charlton and Oxford. Route 20's reconstruction is an important investment and commitment to safety, economic opportunity, and growth for the community. I'm proud to represent this vital area of Central MA and celebrate this completed project that will beneficially serve for decades to come." 

State Representative Paul K. Frost (7^th Worcester District) commented, “We have all come a long way since our first meeting at MassDOT District 3 Headquarters in 2015, after a tragic head-on accident happened at the curve on Route 20 in North Oxford. The families of victims of the road—including Lisa Brodeur, who lost her husband years before, and her son, now deceased, who was left with severe brain damage—were outside demanding action. We worked together and set a plan in motion for short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term safety improvements. The project had local, state and federal partners and was expedited and finished early. It not only addressed head-on collisions at the curve but also improved other areas of the Route 20 corridor where accidents had been occurring at high frequency. I’m happy we are here now, with the project completed as promised. I thank MassDOT and especially District 3 for their dedication and commitment to see this through and to address the many concerns brought up along the way.” 

Visit the Charlton, Oxford Route 20 Roadway Reconstruction Project web page for more information.  

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