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Date: 5/10/2022
CHICOPEE – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) continues the development of intersection improvements at Montgomery Street, Granby Road and McKinstry Avenue. After MassDOT hosted a virtual hearing in March, the Public Works committee showcased a presentation on the project during their May 5 meeting.
Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Elizabette Batista and City Engineer Doug Ellis presented the project alongside representatives of the project’s engineering company Vanasse Hagen Brustlin, Inc (VHB). John Freeman from MassDOT, state Rep. Jacob Oliveira and members of the City Council were also present.
VHB Project Manager Van Kacoyannakis shared that the area - which is considered one of the five most accident-prone locations in the Pioneer Valley - remained a focal point for improvement over the years. Previously, the Pioneer Valley Planning Committee analyzed avenues to improve the traffic-heavy area.
“This area has been looked at for quite a bit of time,” said Kacoyannakis. Between 2014 and 2016, 174 accidents occurred within the project’s parameters.
Chicopee conducted a feasibility study for the project in May 2017 before receiving approval from the MassDOT Project Review Committee for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) funding. From there, Kacoyannakis explained that the DPW, MassDOT and VHB conducted a Road Safety Audit in 2019, while also completing 10 percent of the project design.
Kacoyannakis said the project aims to improve safety for all modes of transportation, rehabilitate the existing pavement and promote smoother travel for pedestrians and bicyclists. The unique, three roundabout design of the area will also help reduce speeds, minimize traffic points, minimize crash severity and promote traffic calming, according to Kacoyannakis.
The trio of roundabouts each possess their own design features. The roundabout connecting Montgomery Street with the Mass Pike features a single-lane approach, while the Montgomery Street to Granby Road roundabout showcases a two-lane “peanut shape” design. The VHB team continues adapting to citizen concerns, including adding a truck-specific entrance for the nearby store, Gloria’s Furniture, after the March meeting.
During the presentation, Kacoyannakis also highlighted a video presentation of how vehicles will operate in the area during peak hours. Attendees of the meeting posed questions and comments to the city, VHB and MassDOT after the slideshow.
Steve Fredrick, who served as city engineer for 17 years, shared that finding workable avenues for improving the area remained a critical goal of his tenure. Frederick expressed support for the new infrastructures and their ability to improve safety in the congested area.
“This probably will not solve the volume issue that exists in the intersection…it’s about the safety factor,” said Fredrick.
Lifelong Chicopee resident Beverly Bellavance also commended the project’s application. “I think you folks did an excellent job,” said Bellavance.
Going forward, the project team will continue with design development before implementing right of way coordination. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.