Weston Road is one of the major north - south connecting roadways in Wellesley. It begins at the Weston Town Line, connects Weston to Route 9, and ends just past Wellesley Square at Washington Street/Rt 16. The roadway is almost entirely residential with heavy commuter influence.
It has continuous sidewalks on both sides of the road and is a primary route for driving and walking to two neighborhood elementary schools - Bates and Hardy - and a small commercial area.
A narrow Right of Way limits the ability to add bicycle amenities, and a lack of detour routes during construction will impact traffic and require night work.
Presentations
Project Overview
- DPW Capital Plan Includes $75,000 in FY22 for survey, design and bidding services and estimated $3.5M in FY24 for construction
- Project limits are MassDOT ramp / right of way (southerly) to Weston Town Line (northerly)
- Weston Road was originally a County Road, laid out by the county in 1845, called Blossom Street until 1907 and accepted by the Town around 1950
- Mostly 40 foot Right-of-Way with 25 feet average paved width and 3.5 to 5’ wide sidewalks
- Classified as an unban collector
- The street inventory, based on the recent survey includes
- A project length of 3,800 feet
- 16 intersecting streets
- Above ground electric and communications poles / wires on the east side
- 3,695 feet of sewer main with 23 sewer manholes
- Approximately 3,750 feet water main
- 3,520 feet of drain pipes
- 6 pedestrian crossings with 1 signalized
- Sidewalks on both sides in poor condition and in many areas lower the roadway
- Curbs are mostly type “A” 4” tall asphalt curb in various condition
- Sewer and drain video inspections show the pipes to be in good condition
Challenges and Opportunities
- Roadway was last paved 1986 with some later overlays
- Pavement condition is subpar due to age, wear & tear, freezing & thawing cycle and there are various trench patches throughout the entire roadway length
- Profile has low to flat slopes
- Sidewalks are narrow in in many areas lower than the road edge
- 8 pavement cores indicate asphalt thickness between 7” and 12” on a gravel base
- The curb and low sidewalk presents a safety and drainage concern
- Trees, fences and landscaping present safety and sight distance concerns
- Profile is low to flat
- Sidewalks are narrow in in many areas lower than the road edge
Project Timeline
- Mid January – Presentation to Advisory
- Late January – Neighborhood meeting
- January and February – Advance design and project plans, specifications and estimate (PS&E)
- February – Presentation Select Board
- March – Bid Project
- June – Start Construction, contingent on advance access to funds
