Montague Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements Avenue A

Montague, MA

Complete Streets is an inclusive approach to street planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance, aimed at facilitating safe access for all individuals, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of varying ages and abilities. In Montague, MA, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project along Avenue A and First St. emerged as a priority endeavor due to its pivotal role in connecting pedestrians to key destinations such as the Great Falls Discovery Center, Town Hall, the Shady Glen Diner and other downtown locales. BL Companies provided comprehensive streetscape planning, design, and engineering services for the Town of Montague through MassDOT’s Complete Streets Program, administered by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG). The design implementation embraced innovative techniques aligned with Complete Streets principles. These enhancements encompassed curb bumpouts, the introduction of new crosswalks and the installation of decorative pedestrian signs featuring solar-powered Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB). Notably, the bumpouts significantly reduced the distance pedestrians needed to traverse when crossing Avenue A, resulting in a substantial enhancement of pedestrian safety. In addition to these pedestrian-centric improvements, the project also featured the construction of new concrete curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, and bicycle sharrow pavement markings. Roadway drainage enhancements comprised the installation of standard catch basins and a sidewalk trench drain. Furthermore, a trail connection to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Canalside Rail Trail was established at L Street.