Taking a break from the congressional race for a moment…
In an email sent out today, the city announced that it selected A.R. Belli as the contractor for the W. Newton Enhancement project. There is no specific timeline just yet, but the email notes “At this time, we are anticipating the majority of work to begin in Spring 2020, with some small project components being implemented this fall. We don’t anticipate any major impact to pedestrians, motorists or bicyclists during this phase.”
This is an exciting development. Over the past four years or so, many of us worked very hard to develop this plan in collaboration with various city departments, consultants, community organizations, residents and businesses, in an effort to address the crucial safety, pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic issues in the square. While none of us got everything we wanted out of the process (e.g., protected bicycle lanes throughout West Newton Square), I believe that this plan will very much improve the safety of this neighborhood for every mode of transit. And the completed project will not eliminate the possibility for future safety measures to be added (did I mention protected bike lanes throughout the square?).
Per Ted H-M’s message, many thanks are due him and the others working on the plan!
A lot of work went into this project, by many contributors, with my former colleague on the Council, @THM, at the time the dean of the West Newton Council delegation serving as the “quarterback” in keeping the project on track. Excited to see we’re ready to go!!!