Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chris Cignoli, Director of the Department of Public Works, announced today the Six Corners Infrastructure Improvement Project, which encompasses a complete overhaul of the intersection of Alden Street, Walnut Street, Hancock Street and Ashley Street. They were joined by Patrick Carnevale, Director of the Western Massachusetts Office of Governor Charlie Baker, Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy, City Councilor Melvin Edwards, and Springfield Water and Sewer Commission Executive Director Josh Schimmel.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “The reconfiguration of the traffic flow at Six Corners is key to the rebirth of the neighborhood, and continues our enhancements of the area since the June 2011 tornado. This change will be good for public safety, and better the quality of life for our residents and business community.”
The six-pronged juncture, better known as Six Corners, has long been a challenging intersection due to odd angles and irregular street alignment, making it difficult to safely navigate for even the most avid drivers and careful pedestrians.
Chris Cignoli, Director of the Department of Public Works, added, “This project started as a concept by the citizens of the Six Corners area at the tornado recovery neighborhood meetings. It is truly the brainchild of the neighborhood and we are excited to make it become a reality.”
Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy stated, “This has been a long standing project throughout the eight years following the tornado, and here we are now breaking ground to address a much needed transportation issue in this part of our City.”
City Councilor Melvin Edwards said, “As the City Councilor for Maple High/Six Corners, I greatly appreciate the Administration’s efforts in ensuring a safer solution for drivers and residents of the neighborhood.”
“The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is proud to be a part of this important revitalization of Six Corners. Though it will remain hidden by the new beautiful intersection improvements, the Commission upgraded aging but critical water and sewer infrastructure beneath the streets in order to improve service reliability to our customers,” said Executive Director Josh Schimmel. “The Commission worked in close coordination with the City and other utilities in order minimize disruption to residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists as the upgrades advanced. This project is an excellent example of the many layers of partnership and infrastructure – both seen and unseen – that it takes to keep Springfield on the move.”
The new design for the intersection replaces the signalized intersection with a roundabout, adds traffic calming features, streetscape improvements, pedestrian improvements and signage. The work involved with the project will consist of full depth roadway construction, installation of the proposed roundabout, construction of concrete sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, driveways, drainage improvements, conduit, granite curbing, landscape trees and pavement markings. Attached to this press release is a rendering of the new design of the Six Corners rotary.
The City of Springfield contributed $1,116,902 to the project; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts contributed $2,770,000; and $210,008 in CDBG – Disaster Recovery funds. The total project cost is $4,186,571.
Construction will begin in the beginning of June of 2019 and the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of November of 2020.
