Reading Residents Weigh In on $3.5M Safe Routes to School Project
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) hosted a virtual public hearing this month to present the 25% design plans for a major Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety along Oakland Road near Reading Memorial High School and Coolidge Middle School.
Project Overview
The proposed redesign spans approximately 1,700 feet of Oakland Road, from Longfellow Road to Birch Meadow Drive. Key features include:
- Road Diet: Narrowing travel lanes from 16 feet to 11 feet to reduce vehicle speeds.
- Shared-Use Path: A 10-foot-wide path for pedestrians and cyclists with a 5-foot buffer on the west side of the roadway.
- ADA-Compliant Sidewalks: Reconstruction of sidewalks on the east side and improved crosswalks.
- Curb Bump-Outs: Installed at crossings to shorten pedestrian travel distance and improve sight lines.
- Intersection Upgrades: Enhancements at Longfellow Road and Birch Meadow Drive to prioritize non-motorized users.
The project, estimated at $3.5 million, will be federally funded at 80%, with MassDOT covering the remaining 20%. Construction is slated to begin in early 2027, following completion of 75% and 100% design phases in 2026.
Community Feedback
Town officials expressed strong support for the safety improvements but raised concerns about property easements and the need for broader traffic solutions. Select Board member Melissa Murphy noted:
In theory, I think this is a great idea… but this is one street in an extremely busy area. I’m concerned that we might be fixing one problem while creating others. We need to make sure this doesn’t give a false sense of safety for students biking and walking to school.”
Residents echoed similar concerns, questioning whether the project’s limited scope—focused on Oakland Road—would adequately address congestion and safety challenges in the Birch Meadow complex, which includes three schools, athletic fields, and the YMCA.
MassDOT representatives emphasized that the project is part of the statewide Safe Routes to School initiative and is designed to address immediate safety needs for students walking and biking to school. Officials also committed to considering feedback during future design stages and suggested a possible Project Information Meeting at 75% design to maintain community engagement.
Next Steps
Residents have 10 business days (ends tomorrow) to submit formal comments for inclusion in the public record, though feedback will continue to be accepted throughout the design process. Plans are available through Reading DPW and MassDOT’s website. Written comments can be sent to MassDOT Project Management at MassDOTProjectManagement@dot.state.ma.us referencing Project File No. 613564.
Our live-stream of the meeting can be seen below:
