Complete Streets Program Bringing Temporary Changes to Pawtucket Boulevard

May 17, 2021 : The Sun, by Alana Melanson

LOWELL — With the support of MassDOT funding, the city will make pedestrian and bike safety improvements on Pawtucket Boulevard from the Sampas Pavilion to the intersection with Varnum Avenue.

The city’s goals in the temporary changes are to make traveling along the boulevard by bike or foot feel safer, reduce vehicle speeding and enhance outdoor spaces for the community.

A multi-use path, 1,500 feet long and 12 feet wide and protected by concrete barriers, will be placed on the river side of the boulevard. This will narrow the road down to one 12-foot travel lane and an 8-foot shoulder to allow for parking.

The temporary project will test whether removing a lane will calm traffic, making it slower and safer for those traveling on foot or by bike. The pilot project will begin at the end of May and will continue until the end of the fall. The information gleaned, along with community feedback, will be used by the city in long-term planning.

The program is also bringing temporary traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements to Cardinal O’Connell Parkway.

Community members can access the 2021 Complete Streets Pilot Project Survey for both projects at www.tinyurl.com/2k4r5hz3. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Khmer.