Route 27 Improvements

Route 27 is a critical regional arterial in the Metro West area with heavy traffic flows. The project involves the section of Route 27 (North Main Street) extending from Downtown Natick (and the Downtown’s Commuter Rail Station) to the Wayland Town line, a distance of 2.2 miles.

BETA led this multi-dsiciplinary project from concept design through to PS&E. Transforming the corridor into a multimodal facility required a complete upgrade and reconstruction of the typical section to incorporate the necessary traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian facility upgrades including connection to the Cochituate Rail Trail. The project included new or upgraded signalized intersections at five locations and design of high visibility pedestrian crossings at two locations. Roundabout alternatives were evaluated at three locations and adopted at one location.

As a result of the roadway section modifications, utility impacts were extensive and required approximately $7M of complex drainage and utility upgrades. Working with local abutters and DCR, BETA was also able to implement storm-water best management practices including water quality basins at outfall locations. BETA also led the permitting effort which included the MassDOT Early Environmental Checklist, an ENF, Notice of Intent, and CE Checklist. A portion of the project lies with the Natick Historical District and required close coordination with the local historic commission as grading constraints within the corridor were significant, and required the reconstruction of numerous walls, several of
which were considered historic.

The project required multiple abutter coordination meetings, particularly at roundabout locations where right of way impacts were most significant. Responsibilities also included presentation at the public hearing, local workshops, and daily coordination with the Town and MassDOT.