Wellington Underpass

MassDOT began construction on Monday, August 17 on the new Route 28/Wellington Underpass shared-use path, a project that will create a safer connection for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between MacDonald Park and Station Landing without crossing highly trafficked Route 28. This path segment is a missing link within the existing shared use path network and will connect users to miles of protected pathways from Medford Square down to the Wellington T Station. Construction for this project is funded by the state-managed Transportation Improvement Program.

As work begins, the construction area will be fenced off to the public and tree and vegetation removal will take place to prepare the site. Approximately 25 trees will be removed (with up to 3 additional trees under review). Many are dead, declining, or invasive species. Tree removals were reviewed by MassDOT, DCR, City staff, and a professional arborist to ensure their necessity.

While work is underway, there will be occasional, temporary vehicular lane closures along Route 28. Segments of the existing shared-use pathway will be replaced by a temporary pedestrian detour route. Signage will direct both path users and drivers as needed.

The construction process will be underway from now until mid-2028. Later in the construction process, about 25 new native trees—including Red Maple, Eastern Redbud, Serviceberry, Oak, Black Tupelo, Tulip, and Cockspur Hawthorn—will be planted and disturbed areas will be reseeded with native seed, lawn, and pollinator meadow blends.

The temporary pedestrian detour and roadwork signs are already in place. Thank you for your patience as this project gets underway.

MassDOT’s virtual Design Public Hearing took place on 12/8/22. More information, and presentation materials, is located at the link below (MassDOT external site): https://tinyurl.com/underpassmeeting