From Retail Corridor to Community Connector
Town officials and consultants presented ambitious plans to transform Walkers Brook Drive into a safer, more accessible corridor during a public forum held January 14th at the Reading Public Library. The redesign aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity while maintaining efficient traffic flow along one of Reading’s busiest retail corridors.
The project, which has been in development since 2018, focuses on converting the current four-lane undivided roadway into a three-lane configuration with dedicated left-turn lanes, wider sidewalks, and multimodal accommodations. The corridor, home to major retailers like Market Basket and Home Depot, currently lacks safe pedestrian infrastructure and bike-friendly routes.
Three Alternatives Considered
Consultants from Kimley-Horn outlined three design options:
- Buffered Bike Lanes: On-road lanes with a painted buffer for cyclists.
- Shared-Use Path (Preferred Alternative): A physically separated path for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, complemented by sidewalks on both sides.
- Two-Way Cycle Track: An off-road, exclusive bike facility alongside sidewalks.
The preferred option (pic below), a shared-use path, scored highest in evaluations for safety, multimodal benefits, and public support. It would create a landscaped buffer between traffic and pedestrians, filling sidewalk gaps and connecting Reading to Wakefield’s Lake Quannapowitt trail.
Intersection Overhaul at General Way
One of the most debated elements is the General Way intersection. Two concepts remain under consideration:
- A signalized intersection allowing full access, including northbound left turns.
- A single-lane roundabout, which could improve traffic flow but raises concerns about property impacts and pedestrian safety.
Funding and Timeline
The town has already secured $750,000 in state grants and hopes to advance the project onto the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for federal funding. Estimated costs range from $4–$5 million, with construction likely five to seven years away.
Community Feedback
Residents expressed mixed opinions. Some praised the plan for improving walkability and safety, citing personal experiences with Main Street’s successful lane reduction. Others voiced concerns about traffic congestion, cut-through patterns, and whether bike accommodations justify the cost.
Town officials emphasized that the redesign aligns with Reading’s Eastern Gateway Initiative, a long-term vision for mixed-use development and reduced reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
This is about planning for the next 20 years,” said Community Development Director Andrew McNichol. “We want a corridor that works for everyone—drivers, walkers, and cyclists.”
Public input will continue to shape the project as it moves through state review. Residents can view plans and subscribe for updates on the town’s project website located here.
The RCTV video of the meeting can be seen below:
