HOLYOKE — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is proposing a two-lane roundabout where Route 141 meets Interstate 91 at Exit 17.
In addition to the roundabout, the state is proposing to widen a section of Route 141, also known as Easthampton Road, at Lindor Heights for a dedicated left-turn lane entering the road along with a refuge median. According to the proposal, the state is also proposing an extension of the acceleration lane of the I-91 southbound on-ramp.
The state had a public meeting regarding the proposals on Sept. 10.
On- and off-ramps for Route 141 and I-91 will be reconstructed to have two lanes in each direction. The roundabout will be constructed with a grass central island and cement concrete aprons, and the intersection approaches will provide splitter islands, shoulders, bicycle accommodations and sidewalks with ADA-compliant crosswalks.
“The proposed roundabout will reduce vehicle delays and queuing at the intersection. The roundabout is being proposed such that it maintains the existing traffic patterns, facilitates all turning movements at the intersection, and allows the University Apartments driveway to be aligned to the roundabout,” the proposal states.
During construction, the state said, all streets will be open to through traffic, though some lane reductions may be necessary.
According to the design hearing documents, the project has been programmed in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for federal fiscal year 2023.
Michael Connors can be reached at mconnors@gazettenet.com.