EGREMONT- RECONSTRUCTION OF MOUNT WASHINGTON ROAD (PHASE I)

Mount Washington Rd, from the Mount Washington line to Undermountain Road (Route 41), is a two-lane bituminous concrete roadway, approximately 3.5 miles in length. Average pavement width is 22 feet. AADT is 900 vpd with 6% trucks. There is steep and challenging topography as the roadway climbs in elevation toward the Mt. Washington line. Drainage system consists of country drainage, swales, drop-inlets, and cross culverts with direct discharge into Karner Brook. Existing guard rail, end treatments and transitions at bridges are not compliant with current safety standards. Roadway crosses over 4 MassDOT inventoried bridge culverts (E-08-007, -008, -009, -010). One structure is currently reduced to one lane, but is undergoing replacement in 2016. These structures vary in span from 12 ft - 25 ft. Roadway context is rural natural with forest, low density residential, agricultural, and open space. The roadway provides direct access to Mt. Everett State Reservation, Mt. Washington State Forest, Camp High Rock (YMCA), Bash Bish Falls, and is also a bus route for Mount Washington students to access regional schools. The road is used for local organized cycling events and is one of only four access routes to the town. Town proposes roadway reconstruction (maybe reclamation) with minor widening to 26 ft; plus associated drainage, guard rail & safety improvements to maintain safe and reliable access between Egremont and Mount Washington for all users.