Downtown Lowell is about to get some upheaval when the intersection at Main and Washington Streets is closed for construction.
A large swath of Main Street (M-21) from Hudson Street to Division Street will be closed to through traffic throughout the project. The intersection closure is part of a larger infrastructure project that is replacing water and sewer lines as well as reconstructing the entire length of Washington from Front Street to Fremont Street.
Currently, the area is scheduled to be closed July 15, and construction is expected to take one month. Local, non-truck traffic will be permitted to use Monroe, Jefferson, Kent, and Avery streets to reach their downtown destinations.
Lowell’s First Look emailed Rich LaBombard, Lowell Assistant City Manager, about the one-month timeline for the closure. He said it is due to the complexity of the project:
“The one month timeline was provided by the contractor because of the time needed to complete the removal of the existing pavement and utilities, followed by new utility installation, connections, water main cleaning and pressure testing, sub base placement and grading, and concrete placement with proper cure time. We also anticipate the contractor will have to dewater the excavation site which adds to the complexity of the project.”
The detour route will direct through eastbound traffic to take Hudson Street to Grand River Avenue and travel east to Division Street where they will be directed north to reconnect with Main Street.
The City of Lowell issued a public notice June 18 announcing the details of this project and the detour information. It is unclear who received the notice although City Manager Mike Burns previously stated in a meeting that it was sent to residents and business owners on Main Street.
For questions or concerns about the project, the city says the Lowell Department of Public Works can be contacted at 616-897-8457.
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