Rehabilitation of Route 5

Two segments of Route 5 are set to be upgraded as part of a Town and State partnership rehabilitation project. Partially funded by MassDOT, the redesign of Route 5 aims to meet MassDOT’s Healthy Transportation Policy Directive, which aims to increase walking, biking and transit options by requiring them to be included in all MassDOT funded or designed transportation projects. This is meant to help get closer to Massachusetts’ goal of reducing carbon emissions and increasing green options of transportation. 

Project Limits Aerial View

• One of two segments meant to be redesigned is the northern segment. It is approximately 2.2 miles in length and goes from Interstate 13 in West Springfield to Main Street in Holyoke. The work includes the repair and resurfacing to concrete pavement, and the installation of new pavement at three intersections to Route 5: Highland Avenue, Brush Hill Avenue/Wayside Avenue, and Ashley Avenue. These intersections will also be signalized and reconstructed with new equipment, aiming to address road safety audits. The work also includes bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. 

• The second segment, the southern segment, is approximately 1 mile in length and spans from Elm Street to North Elm Street in West Springfield. It includes the construction of new sidewalks and upgrades to existing sidewalks into compliance with ADA regulations and MassDOT’s Healthy Transportation Policy Directive. Also included are traffic signal equipment upgrades, new crosswalks, and pedestrian/bike-related improvements. Throughout the entirety of Route 5, a new 12-inch water main will also be installed from the Holyoke town line to I-91 and Interstate 13.