The Lincoln Journal
September 27, 2001

State moves ahead underpass plans
Project designed for Hanscom Drive

By Stephen Hagan
Staff writer

Crossing Hanscom Drive in Lincoln, seen by state highway officials as a
dangerous proposition, will soon be an easier and safer trek.

At least, that’s what state highway officials are hoping, in advance of a
planned pedestrian underpass to be built under the road. Matthew Amorello,
the commissioner of the Massachusetts Highway Department, announced last
week the contract for the project was to be advertised for construction
bids, starting Sept. 22.

" This project will make it easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross
Hanscom Drive safely and get to Minute Man National Historical Park,: said
Amorello in a press release.

The project has an estimated cost of $608,000 and bids are expected to be
opened this winter. Work is due to start next spring with an expected
completion date for the project in the fall of 2002.

The project calls for construction of an aluminum tunnel under Hanscom Drive
near the Lexington/Lincoln town line. The tunnel, which will be lighted,
will be 9 1/2 feet high, 13 1/2 feet wide and 135 feet long.

The project is part of an overall effort by the Swift Administration to
direct more than $700 million each year over the next five years to road and
bridge improvements. State officials point out the funding for the project
is not connected to Boston’s Central Artery project.

" It shows the Swift Administration’s continued commitment to projects the
help enhance our quality of life, " said Amorello.

Doug Cope, the public affairs director for MassHighway, said the project
will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. He said the tunnel,
which will be close the intersection of Hanscom Drive and Route 2A, will
help link historical sites at the park. A 25 percent design hearing was held
at Minute Man National Park Visitor’s Center in Lexington to discuss the
plans, Cope said.

For tourists the park, the tunnel will allow for safer experience.

" It will mean easier assess across Hanscom Drive, " said Cope. " There’
will also be closed circuit TV inside the tunnel for safety reasons It’s to
improve safety. "

A network of trails through the park makes a crossing at Hanscom Drive, Cope
said

Cope said the closed circuit televisions are not a response to this month’s
terrorist actions but were planned long ago. He said the National Park
Service was supportive of the project and that Park Service personnel would
be responsible for monitoring the television images.

" It’s just for safety reasons in case somebody had an accident or in care a
bear decided to go in there and live, " Cope said. His bear comment, he
said, was said in jest. Cope added he was not aware of any neighborhood
opposition to the plan.

Why a tunnel and not a bridge?

According to Cope, the road crossing with a bridge would be unwieldy because
of the terrain in the area.

" A tunnel is less obtrusive, " said Cope. " It’s the grade in the area that
would make (construction of) a bridge high. It was felt a tunnel was the
better way to do this and keep the historical nature of the park. "

© Copyright 1995-2001 - Town Online - All Rights Reserved
==========
**NOTICE: In accordance with 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is
distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in
receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.**
==========