Politics & Government

Hopkinton Considers Removing Trees for New Light at School and West Main Streets

A new traffic light proposed for one of the most hazardous intersections in Hopkinton will require the removal of several mature trees.

The light and a turning lane, at School and West Main streets, will require removal of five mature trees, 30 smaller trees, and relocation of utilities lines and a fire hydrant.

Because School Street is a scenic road, removal of trees requires Planning Board permission. A public hearing will be held Monday, at 7:30 p.m., to consider the latest request. The meeting is at Town Hall.

Two 36-inch trees have been identified for removal by Verizon, according to a document prepared by John Westerling, the town's Director of Public Works. The trees will be in the way of relocated utility lines, according to Westerling's letter.

One tree is a 36-inch oak, another is a twin oak with the same trunk diameter.

The intersection is heavily traveled by local residents and commuters heading from Upton and points west to I-495. According to a study by the project designers, more than 1,000 cars travel toward 495 weekday mornings during the peak commuter hours. They are joined by 300 or more cars coming off School Street.

Over the past five years, 24 crashes were reported in the intersection, about half of them cars trying to turn on to West Main Street and colliding with cars traveling on West Main Street.


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