Comment period is open
Bowman Engineering will be present at the 1/12 Selectboard meeting at 6:30PM via Zoom to discuss the updated design.
The Town’s engineering consultants, Bowman Engineering, have prepared an updated design for the Montague Center Complete Streets project. This revised plan builds on the earlier design prepared by VHB and includes several changes that improve safety, simplify construction, and keep the project within the existing grant budget.
Key highlights of the updated design include:
Main Street & Center Street Intersection
Center Street will now meet Main Street at a more direct, near 90-degree angle instead of the current Y-shaped intersection. This change makes the intersection safer and easier to navigate for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. It also allows the project to eliminate one set of pedestrian warning beacons, saving approximately $15,000, while still accommodating large vehicles such as fire engines and dump trucks.
Stormwater Improvements
The updated design simplifies stormwater drainage by relying more on new curbing that allows water to soak naturally into the ground, rather than using additional pipes and catch basins. Further soil testing will be completed to confirm that this approach is feasible.
North Street Connection
The North Street connection to Main Street has been simplified to a single 90-degree intersection. This reduces conflict points, improves safety for cyclists, and allows vehicles to safely turn either right or left onto Main Street.
Driveway Adjustments on Main Street
As part of the intersection improvements, the private driveways at 29, 39, and 41 Main Street may need to be extended slightly. If required, this would involve an easement that would need approval at Town Meeting.
Post Office Area Improvements
Near the Post Office, Bowman redesigned the stormwater system to be more cost-effective by using a small tunnel beneath the sidewalk with a protective grate. This change reduces estimated costs from over $10,000 to approximately $3,000. Raised crosswalks in this area remain in the design, reflecting feedback from nearby residents.
FRTA Bus Stop Relocation
The FRTA bus stop has been shifted slightly to the north to avoid conflicts with the new raised crosswalks and improve overall safety.
Overall, the updated design reflects community input, improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, and preserves the value of the project while staying within the existing grant funding. The full design plans from Bowman Engineering are available on this page, as well as in-person at Montague Town Hall and the Montague Center Library for those who would like to review additional details.
Attached File:
Posted: to General Montague News on Tue, Jan 6, 2026
Updated: Tue, Jan 6, 2026
