In Charlton today, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation celebrated the early completion of the Route 20 Roadway Reconstruction Project connecting Charlton to Oxford—one year ahead of the initially projected timeline. Interim Secretary and CEO Phillip Eng, along with other key figures such as Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, were present to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the end of a project that stands to greatly enhance traffic safety and flow. MassDOT reported the work was expedited using design-build methodology, facilitating traffic management and the utility relocation processes, culminating in the road's early reopening to the public.
In a statement made by MassDOT, Governor Maura Healey praised the team's effort, saying, "Congratulations to Interim Secretary Eng and the entire team at MassDOT for their hard work to deliver this urgently needed reconstruction project one full year ahead of schedule." She emphasized MassDOT's commitment to safety and community collaboration. Phillip Eng, given the new oversight as a part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, remarked on the investment not only in infrastructure but also in the public they serve, and the meaningfulness of projects that enhance the local quality of life and support businesses.
Undertaking a range of enhancements, the project included widening and resurfacing the road to improve access for all users—drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. In his statement provided by MassDOT, Jonathan Gulliver expressed gratitude towards the coalition of community members, families, and officials who rallied around the shared goal of transportation safety. The new infrastructure boasts added full shoulders, a continuous median, and replacement bridges over the Little River and French River, along with 13 retaining walls and 8.5 miles of upgraded utilities.
The improvements include a shared-use path and a new sidewalk to cater to the non-vehicular crowd. Ahead of schedule, the project also encountered the reconstruction for the bridges that span the Little River and the French River, aimed at bolstering safety and efficiency. With federal funds covering 80 percent of the expenses, the project's total budget was $107.7 million. MassDOT also coordinated a $2.8 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to extend the sewer main on Route 20 during construction, ensuring a holistic approach to the site's development.
