Public hearing for proposed design of Holyoke intersection held by MassDOT

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – A proposed design to reconstruct a busy intersection in the city of Holyoke was presented Wednesday evening, during a public hearing.

This hearing gave residents a chance to hear and assess how the state looks to improve the safety and accessibility along one of Holyoke’s busiest intersections.

The intersection of Beech Street, Resnic Boulevard, and West Franklin Street in Holyoke was identified as one of the top 200 high-crash locations in Massachusetts from 2015 to 2017. Just over three years ago, an elderly woman died after being struck by a motor vehicle at this intersection.

“One death is too many, so the better we can do about something that we know is a known hazard. Just do it,” said Richard Purcell of Holyoke.

Now MassDOT is proposing a teardrop shaped roundabout to be constructed with a 10-inch wide shared use path around the outside for bicylists and pedestrians. According to MassDOT, Roundabouts are designed for lower speeds—typically 25 to 30 miles per hour—and prioritize safety.

Project Area Map

Some residents like Purcell are on board with the development. “They’re not going to go fly through that intersection like they have been and people won’t get run over because people will be going slower,” expressed Purcell.

The proposed roundabout is compatible with the former coordinated signal system on Beech
Street. Both are designed for 25 mph traffic speeds. However, MassDOT explains the existing coordinated signal system is no longer operational due to outdated equipment. Adding, while this project does not include restoration of the system, it also does not prevent it from being reinstated in the future.

But Holyoke Ward 6 City Councilor, Juan Anderson-Burgos says other residents brought concerns to his attention, saying it could lead to congestion and chaos on side roads, since people will try to use these side roads to cut through and avoid the roundabout. He also brought up another concern.

“It’s kind of dark. It’s almost like a black hole. So when you’re proceeding, going, making your way through that intersection, people are not aware. It’s not very well-lit,” said Anderson-Burgos.

Following the hearing, MassDOT will be reviewing these concerns before the project design is expected to be completed by the Spring of 2027.

Some of their other improvements include:

• 10-ft wide shared-use paths for bicycles and pedestrians
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and one Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)
  for crosswalk safety
• Bike ramps for road-to-path transitions
• Accommodation for large trucks and peak traffic volumes
• Minimized property impacts, including a small land taking from John Young Field (not
  affecting active field areas)

Transit & Parking Adjustments:

• Bus Stop Consolidation and Relocation to improve accessibility:
• o Bus Stop 436 consolidated with Bus Stop 448
• o Bus Stop 440 relocated to the frontage of Holyoke High School
• Seven on-street parking spaces removed on Beech Street (east side) to accommodate lane
  reconfiguration near the Holyoke Senior Center (which has off-street parking)

Traffic Flow Enhancements:

• Signal timing updates at two adjacent intersections:
  o Beech St at Sargeant St: Lane changes to reduce queuing
  o Resnic Blvd at Pine St: Signal timing adjusted to improve flow
• Lane configuration updates to ensure roundabout efficiency and reduce traffic backups

Construction for this project is expected to cost $6.8 million. It’s anticpated to begin in the fall or winter of 2027 with completion sometime in 2029 or 2030.

What are the anticipated road impacts during construction?

• Temporary detours may be implemented for short durations during construction
  activities, but all roads will remain open with at least one lane available for local traffic.
• Emergency access to all properties will be maintained at all times.
• Sidewalk detours will be provided.
• Access to schools, businesses, and residences will be maintained throughout the
  construction period.
• Some night work, particularly for paving, may be required. The City of Holyoke will
  determine allowable working hours.

Kayleigh Thomas

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