Route 1A Project Information

Walpole Route 1A Improvement Project

As of December 2023, the Route 1A Reconstruction Project is winding down for the season. With most work being weather dependent, activities in the work zone will pause until spring of 2024. MassDOT and their Contractors will be on site doing winter cleanup which will include pavement patching and securing the project area. There will be no roadway construction during peak holiday travel. This winter, the project team will distribute an end of season newsletter which will describe the work that’s been completed to date and work that is scheduled for 2024.

Project Background

Route 1A is one of the Town’s main commercial corridors, as well as one of the region’s main thoroughfares. The stretch of 1A undergoing repair abuts residences, schools, and local businesses. Current conditions on the roadway have caused traffic congestion and safety issues for both vehicles and pedestrians. Improving the roadway infrastructure will address public safety concerns and improve economic development by helping local businesses to thrive.

 

Why the Project is Necessary

  • Improve safety for motorists and pedestrians
  • Improve access to Norfolk County Agricultural High School and Fisher Elementary School
  • Improve access to residential neighborhoods and local businesses
  • Assist with economic development efforts by providing safe and practical access to businesses and supporting future growth through renewed infrastructure

 

Project Scope

The Walpole Route 1A Improvement Project will reconstruct approximately 8,000 feet of roadway along Route 1A. The project stretches from our downtown (East Street) to the Norwood Town Line. The intersections at Fisher, Gould, Mylod and North Street will also receive improvements. The project scope includes:

  • Rebuilding and repaving the roadway
  • Adding new pavement markings and bike lanes
  • Adding new sidewalks and curb ramps
  • Installing coordinated traffic/pedestrian signals
  • Replacing the bridge over the Neponset River
  • Modifying MBTA Commuter Rail bridge
  • Drainage work to connect new curbs to existing catch basins and improve the removal of stormwater runoff

 

Utility Work

This project entails both overhead and underground utility work.

Roadway Work

Most of the corridor will undergo a full depth reconstruction. This requires the contractor to remove 20.5 inches of pavement and concrete. The roadway will then receive a new base, a base layer of asphalt, and a topcoat of asphalt. 

Areas involved in full depth road construction will be in gravel until they are paved on Friday during the day. Drivers should expect sections of gravel road during the week. Alternate routes are available. The contractor is permitted to do overnight work.

Bridge Replacement

Work on the Neponset River Bridge will take place from Fall 2021 to 2024. During construction of the new bridge, a temporary bridge will be in place. Both travel lanes will remain open and pedestrian access will be maintained. Work on the Commuter Rail Bridge will take place in 2023.

 

Regional Equity and Support

  • The project benefits Walpole as well as the surrounding communities who use this stretch of Route 1A as a main connection
  • First project in the Three Rivers Interlocal Council (TRIC) region to be funded in the last five years
  • The Town continue to work closely with partners in State Government, MassDOT, and General contractor MDR Construction Co. to keep Route 1A residents and businesses aware of project updates and assist them with traffic and other impacts during construction

 

Additional Information

 

Project Contacts

Project email for all inquiries: MassDOTWalpoleRoute1A@dot.state.ma.us

Field office phone number for abutter site concerns: 508-734-5602

Walpole time lapse video of new beams being installed at the Neponset Bridge 2022