Road Improvements Will Hold Up Traffic

Commuting on Francis Avenue this summer is going to be slower than usual. Count on it.

Road improvements are already underway at key intersections: Division, Maple-Ash and Indian Trail.

So far, most of the work is preliminary, such as paving and clearing right-of-way, said Al Gilson, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

Between Division and Lowell, some excavation and concrete island removal is planned. Drivers can expect a closed lane, delays and congestion.

Traffic is already jammed at the intersection of Francis Avenue and Indian Trail Road where trucks and heavy equipment are widening the road for a right turn lane.

Eventually the lane, which allows drivers heading west on Francis to turn north onto Indian Trail without stopping, will ease congestion during the evening commute.

One of the city’s most crowded intersections, Francis Avenue at Maple and Ash, is being streamlined. Crews are adding a left turn lane from Maple onto Francis.

Francis Avenue road projects, including resurfacing, will continue through the summer.

“People should expect congestion,” said Gilson.

“We can’t work and not cause a problem; there isn’t any way around it. The surface has deteriorated so much, it has to be done,” he added.

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