Some aspects of this project have been decided; others are still being worked through. This page tracks both.
Resolved and still-open topics are grouped below.
Resolved: Citizen petition
Town Counsel has advised that the petition article is out of order. Town Meeting can appropriate funds, but the Select Board holds authority over traffic regulations and Town Meeting cannot restrict the Select Board from exercising its statutory obligations. The petition will not be heard at Annual Town Meeting.
Resolved: Project need and design
The culvert replacement is proceeding. The new structure — a pre-cast concrete box culvert bridge with a 19-foot span — is designed and funded at $2.1 million. Grants from the DER and DOT are secured.
Still open: Cemetery Street traffic direction
Will Cemetery Street be one-way or two-way during construction?
This is the most consequential remaining decision for residents. The engineering firm (Tighe & Bond) recommends one-way. Some residents have proposed two-way traffic with mitigation measures. Fire Chief Bangma has raised safety concerns about two-way traffic at the Hartford Avenue East intersection.
The Select Board will decide this at the April 15th public meeting. At that session the Board will hear from the Town’s experts (Highway, Police, Fire, and Tighe & Bond), consider the engineering recommendation and resident proposals, and may discuss future options for how traffic could be managed as the project moves forward.
Important: The Board reserves the right to change course if new information, field conditions, or safety concerns warrant it — up until construction actually starts. April 15 is a key decision point, not necessarily the last word if circumstances change before work begins.
How to participate:
- Email your questions or comments to bosadmin@mendonma.gov by end of day Thursday, April 9th — staff will use these to prepare answers for the Board session
- Attend the meeting: Tuesday, April 15th at 6:30 PM in the Upper Town Hall Meeting Room
- Watch the Agenda Center for the posted agenda (48 hours before the meeting)
Still open: Construction schedule
When exactly does construction start? The schedule now targets mobilization in August 2026; the exact start date depends on the contractor schedule and permit conditions. Watch the Agenda Center and the Town website for announcements.
Still open: Signed detour routes and field signage
What exactly will the detour look like in the field? The Traffic Plan Memo establishes the routing. Final signs, turn-by-turn directions, and any additional traffic controls will be posted when construction begins. Contact the Highway Department (508-473-0737 or highwaydpt@mendonma.gov) for the latest.
Still open: School bus routing
How will school buses be rerouted? Bus routes that cross Providence Street will need modification. Contact the Mendon-Upton Regional School District transportation department for details as construction nears.
Still open: Emergency vehicle routing
What is the final plan for fire and EMS access? The emergency routing plan will be confirmed once the Cemetery Street traffic decision is made on April 15th.
Still open: Solid waste, mail, and deliveries
Will my trash pickup or mail delivery be affected? Vendors serving affected addresses will be notified before construction begins. Contact the Highway Department or your provider as the start date approaches.