Open questions

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 (Article 16 on the draft warrant) will not be heard at Annual Town Meeting.

The culvert replacement is proceeding. The new structure — a pre-cast concrete box culvert bridge with a 19-foot span — is designed. Construction cost is approximately $2.1 million; engineering is approximately $400,000 depending on oversight level. Engineering grants from the DER and DOT are secured; a $1 million DOT construction grant application is pending. Annual Town Meeting warrant Articles 14 and 15 fund the project.

Select Board minutes document the full sequence. On November 1, 1994, the Board unanimously voted to make Cemetery Street one-way on a 30-day self-renewing trial starting November 19, 1994. The trigger was the dangerous Hartford Avenue East intersection, truck traffic, and commuter shortcutting — the Selectmen had personally driven the road. By January 1995, a majority of Cemetery Street residents had written to thank the Board, saying the change "created a safer environment." No reversal was ever made. The "self-renewing" mechanism meant it continued automatically — which is why it never needed a formal permanent vote.

The Cemetery Street bridge over Spring Brook was inspected by MassDOT in April 2024. Deck, superstructure, and substructure are all rated "Good" (7 out of 10); channel/channel protection is rated "Satisfactory" (6 out of 10). No load posting is required. The bridge is structurally sound.

On April 15, 2026, the Select Board voted unanimously to keep Cemetery Street one-way during construction, adopting the Tighe & Bond engineering recommendation. The Board also directed staff to minimize the Providence Street closure duration through procurement, and committed to communicate in three phases: rolling updates as new information becomes available, a general information session for residents before the closure begins, and regular project updates throughout construction.

See the decision page for the meeting recap and the Cemetery Street Q&A for the complete staff and expert responses that informed the vote.

When exactly does construction start, and who is the contractor? The schedule targets mobilization in August 2026, but depends on contractor procurement, permit conditions, and material lead times. At the April 15 meeting the Select Board directed staff to minimize the closure duration through the bid package and contractor selection. Tighe & Bond has advised that greater procurement time is recommended to ensure all components are in hand before construction begins — supporting an efficient process and avoiding cost escalation. If procurement or permitting timelines extend, the start date may shift. Watch the Agenda Center and the Town website for announcements.

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.

How will school buses be rerouted? MURSD has confirmed that the current contingency is for buses to take the detour, which would add approximately 20 minutes per run. Police have confirmed they can authorize wrong-way bus access on Cemetery Street with overtime coverage. The details of this arrangement — including formal coordination with MURSD and the bus service provider — will be finalized as the construction date approaches. See the full Q&A for the complete MURSD response.

What is the plan for fire and EMS access? Emergency vehicles are authorized by state law (MGL Ch. 87 s7b) to travel contrary to traffic signs during emergency response. Police will provide escort for ambulance transport to the hospital via Cemetery Street, as was done during the previous closure. The Fire Department will take the detour for non-emergency returns. See the full Q&A for details from the Fire and Police Chiefs.

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.

Can a temporary weight limit be set on Cemetery Street? This is a MassDOT issue — the Town cannot set weight limits unilaterally. MassDOT has indicated it will reach back out to the Town on this question.