Press Release  MassDOT Officials Break Ground on Route 27 over Route 9 Bridge Replacement and Interchange Improvements Project

NATICK — In a ceremony today in Natick, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, and Senate President Karen Spilka broke ground on the Route 27 over Route 9 bridge replacement and interchange improvements project.  

“MassDOT is proud to break ground on the Route 27 over Route 9 bridge replacement and interchange improvements project today in Natick,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This project represents a modern reimagining of this critical interchange and will deliver lasting safety and mobility benefits for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. We are grateful to Senator Spilka and the Town of Natick for their advocacy and partnership in making this project a reality.” 

“The design for this interchange represents a new level in transportation innovation that, once complete, will improve safety, expand accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians, and improve traffic flow in an area that is a key economic corridor,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “I want to thank the town of Natick and their local officials, including Town Administrator James Errickson, Senate President Spilka, and Representative Linsky for their partnership in our collective efforts to deliver the safest transportation network possible that supports economic growth and helps our communities thrive.” 

“Today’s groundbreaking is an important step forward for Natick and the entire MetroWest region,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This project will not only make our roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists—it will also strengthen community connections and help keep Natick a great place to live, work, and thrive. I’m proud to see this work move forward, and I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Tibbits-Nutt for helping make it a reality.” 

“The Route 27 over Route 9 bridge replacement and interchange improvements project is a transformative investment in Natick’s future, and we are proud to work with MassDOT and our legislative partners to advance this effort,” said Natick Town Administrator James Errickson. “With improved safety, traffic flow, and connections for pedestrians and cyclists, this redesigned interchange will deliver long-term benefits for our residents, businesses, and the regional economy.” 

This project will replace the existing structurally deficient Route 27 bridge over Route 9 and reconfigure the interchange to be a modified Diverging Diamond that will increase safety, improve mobility, and reduce congestion. The project will also construct a network of shared use paths for use by pedestrians and cyclists, which will provide connectivity to schools, transit, major employers, and to the Cochituate Rail Trail. 

A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is a type of intersection where traffic crosses to the opposite side of the road, allowing for more efficient left turns and reducing conflict points, and providing improved safety and mobility compared to other interchange designs. The design for this project is considered a Modified Diverging Diamond Interchange, featuring unique characteristics such as three separated bridges, traffic calming and road curvature, landscaping, and a more compact footprint.  

The project will proceed in staged construction phases, with an estimated completion date of summer 2030. The project cost is approximately $99 million, with McCourt Construction and Jacobs Engineering as the Design-Build contractor.  

For more information on the project, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/bridge-replacement-interchange-improvements-at-routes-279-in-natick 

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