Construction on Busy Seekonk Intersection Is Underway

The construction project on the intersection of Arcade Avenue and Fall River Avenue (Route 114A) in front of the Grist Mill restaurant began during the last week in July. The median island is being redesigned and a traffic light installed.  It is a busy intersection and reportedly one of the most dangerous in the state.

The work includes realigning Arcade Avenue with Route 114A to reduce the skewed alignment of the intersection, according to Town Engineer Dave Cabral.  In addition to the installation of traffic signals, the work will include the construction of pedestrian sidewalks, drainage improvements and bridge rehabilitation of Fall River Avenue over the Runnins Rivers.

Phase 1 is currently underway and should be complete within the next couple of weeks.  Phase 2 involves modifying the median island. “This will allow for the right-turn movement from Arcade Ave to Fall River Avenue as well as left-turn movement from Fall River Avenue to Arcade to occur at a single point – a more traditional ‘T-intersection,’” Cabral said.

The modifications include the elimination of the Mill Road extension in front of the Grist Mill restaurant. Mill Road is used as a short cut for many drivers to get from County Street to Route 114A. “They will be blocking off the road in front of the Grist Mill, the extension of Mill Road, starting the week of August 3,” Cabral said. Mill Road will continue to be a two-way road, but only a right-turn will be allowed onto Arcade Avenue from Mill Rd.

Finally, a bump-out will be created with barrier along Fall River Avenue just south of Mill Road to slow traffic and reduce the skewed alignment. Vehicles will need to make a right-turn movement to continue on Arcade Avenue rather than the straight-though movement that currently exists, Cabral explained in an email.

The construction will create traffic at the intersection but the good news for drivers is that work on the roadway will not take place before 9 a.m. in the morning or after 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Massachusetts Department of Transportation is overseeing the project. The contractor is UEL Contractors, Inc. of Clinton. The project is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million and will be paid with state and federal funds. The expected completion date is May 2017.