State and local officials gathered on Friday for a ceremonial groundbreaking marking the official start of a $1 million highway project designed to spur commercial growth in Norwood’s largest industrial sector. Spearheaded by Town Manager John J. Carroll, the infrastructure initiative extends University Avenue to open up prime industrially zoned land, moving toward a long-term vision originally conceived back in 1966.
Two-Phase Highway Plan and Funding
The newly initiated project is divided into two distinct phases:
- Phase I: Estimated at $1 million and contracted to the John Mahoney Construction Co. of Milton, this phase runs 3,850 feet west from the Canton project line to a dead-end just short of American Drive. It consists of two 12-foot travel lanes and is scheduled for completion by next June.
- Phase II: Envisions connecting University Avenue directly to American Drive, alongside geometric and safety improvements to American Drive, Everett Street, and its intersection with Route 1. Town officials estimate this second phase is at least two years away from breaking ground.
Funding for the project is anchored by the federal Urban Systems program, covering 75 percent of the cost, while state funds pick up the remaining 25 percent. According to Town Manager Carroll, the town had originally saved $300,000 in state aid anticipating the road’s construction; when federal and state funding was secured last year, those reserved municipal funds were reallocated to repair other local roadways.
Local Dignitaries and State Officials in Attendance
Roughly 15 local and state figures participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, celebrating a project that state Department of Public Works Commissioner Sandino J. Tersigni noted was “a long time in coming.” State Highway Engineer Joseph Cronin—who oversaw five years of detailed planning, including environmental studies to protect local water wells—hailed the initiative as a valuable future bypass.
Local officials attending the event included Town Manager John J. Carroll (a former state DPW superintendent); Selectmen Walter J. Dempsey and Joseph F. Curran; Department of Public Works Superintendent Paul E. Wollenhaupt; Police Chief George J. DiBlasi; Fire Chief Thomas J. Barry Jr.; Finance Commission member Thomas DiFrancia; and Board of Assessors Chairman James J. Drummey.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Road Resurfacing Project in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1978
Faced with decades of neglected road maintenance, Norwood officials debated an ambitious $1.9 million resurfacing plan in 1978. While proponents saw it as a path to smooth roads, others questioned the feasibility of the massive effort.
-
Uncertainty Looms Over Norwood Junior High South Opening Date-July 12, 1974
After three years of double sessions following a 1971 fire, Norwood officials faced the possibility of further delays for the new Junior High South.
-
Unfinished Junior High To Open On Schedule-July 8, 1974
Discover the construction history of the $4.5 million Junior High South project in 1974, detailing the challenges faced during the transition from the old Washington Street school.
-
FinCom Summons James Capaldo in Garbage Contract Investigation-June 26, 1974
A heated public trust battle deepens in Norwood as a plumbing inspector refuses to testify, forcing watchdogs to deploy full town charter powers. Categories: Town Government, Municipal Finance
-
Selectmen Authorize Water Main Connection and Space Transfers for Phased-Out Schools-June 26, 1974
Shaw Street Infrastructure Upgrades Approved While Winslow and Shattuck Buildings Repurposed for Town Services The Board of Selectmen enacted a series of municipal infrastructure and real estate management decisions during last night’s executive session. In a unanimous vote, selectmen approved a formal request to seek a $16,000 budget transfer from the Finance Commission to construct…
-
$1.8 Million in Major Traffic and Safety Improvements Recommended-September 1, 1972
Comprehensive Traffic and Safety Overhaul Recommended for Norwood in Final Federal TOPICS Report A comprehensive and exhaustive final engineering report, recently delivered to local town selectmen, has outlined a sweeping, multi-faceted proposal to dramatically overhaul Norwood’s municipal road network, upgrade intersection safety, and alleviate escalating vehicular congestion throughout the community. Prepared by the prominent Chestnut…
-
Norwood Selectmen Delay Walpole Sewer Tie-In Amid Flooding Concerns and Scrutinize Police Logs-August 2, 1972
The Norwood Board of Selectmen delayed a proposed Walpole sewer tie-in agreement over flooding concerns, while Selectman William F. Butters clashed with Police Chief James M. Murphy over police logs.
-
Norwood Selectmen Approve Infrastructure Improvements for Upland Road-July 12, 1971
Local leaders also enacted emergency measures for the town dump to comply with state sanitary regulations and adjusted the 1971 tax rate through light department fund transfers.
-
Selectmen Approve Upland Road and Clapboardtree Street Infrastructure Project-July 13, 1971
Local leaders also enacted emergency measures for the town dump to comply with state sanitary regulations and adjusted the 1971 tax rate through light department fund transfers.
-
Engineers Estimate $532,000 Cost for University Avenue Extension-September 4, 1970
A four-month overdue engineering study prepared by Boston-based consultants Fay, Spofford & Thorndike Inc. at a cost of $8,000 has placed an estimated price tag of $532,000 on the proposed 2,700-foot extension of University Avenue. The recommended roadway layout will connect the existing portion of University Avenue with Everett Street just before intersecting Route 1,…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.