Berkshire Line Railroad Track Improvement Project Phase II

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that the second phase of the track improvement operations for the Berkshire Line Railroad has begun in Great Barrington and Stockbridge. 
 
The work, which began on Monday, Sept. 21, will be conducted along the railroad right of way and consists of installing new stone ballast, replacing jointed rail with new continuously welded rail, replacing turnout switches, and reconstructing private crossings. 
 
The project also includes replacing the railroad bridge near Park Street north in Housatonic, reconstructing private railroad crossings in the area near Van Deusenville Road and North Plain Road in Great Barrington, and rebuilding the Furnace Road grade crossing in Stockbridge.  
 
The work will require local roadway detours which will be coordinated with police and fire departments.
 
Construction will continue through the fall until the winter shutdown. The project is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2021.
 

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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