After approval by the Patrick administration, work is under way on a $48.5 million project to reconstruct a section of Interstate 95/93 (Route 128) along the communities of Randolph, Canton, Westwood, and Dedham.
In a press release yesterday , Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen said the administration was happy to invest "in this much-needed expansion and improvement."
"This will ease travel for commuters along this important corridor," Cohen said.
The project involves widening about five miles of I-95/93 (Route 128) from Route 24 in Randolph to just north of the East Street rotary in Dedham. The work, which also cuts through Canton and Westwood, is part of the Route 128 Add-a-Lane project and will be done in conjunction with ongoing replacement of several bridges including the Neponset River Bridge, AMTRAK/MBTA Bridge, and the University Avenue Bridge.
Preparation work has started and will continue through winter with no impact on traffic, the press release from the Executive Office of Transportation said. Motorists will see significant construction begin in spring 2009.
"The widening of this section of highway from six to eight lanes will improve traffic flow on this heavily-traveled route," said MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky.
State Sen. Bryan A. Joyce, D-Milton, said the highway project will bring with it environmental improvements and is aimed at stimulating business in the towns.
McCourt Construction Co. of South Boston is contractor on the project, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2011.
