After years of demand from Holden residents, the town has finally voted on implementing a roundabout on the intersection of Shrewsbury Street and Doyle Road.
“That was a great idea. It’ll lessen traffic in that part of town,” said junior Matt Sloate.
Sophomore Ansh Gupta agrees.
“I think it’s a good idea, it is a perfect spot for one,” said Gupta.
Once the roundabout completes, Mountview Principal Erik Githmark said he hopes entry to the school will become better.
“I believe that this will create a safer means for kids to access Mountview Middle School when walking or riding a bicycle,” said Githmark.
Sloate travels past the lights almost every day and finds that traffic worsens when Mountview’s day ends.
“The light gets backed up pretty bad. Sometimes it can take multiple light cycles until I get through,” said Sloate.
Junior Brady Case agrees.
“I pass by those lights 5-10 times a week,” Case said. “It will make traffic flow a lot faster normally.”
Junior Daniel Toto said he believes the roundabout will help create safer conditions.
“A lot of people decide to go fast through that light later in the day, so it will definitely create better safety for the town,” said Toto.
According to Director of Holden Public Works John Woodsmall, despite being built in front of Mountview, the school had not been a key factor to the decision of building the roundabout.
“The Mountview Middle School’s traffic types and schedule were accounted for in the design of the roundabout, but whether the school is there or not, the roundabout would have been the preferred option regardless,” said Woodsmall.
Toto said he hopes traffic will decrease in the area and more people decide to walk with the added sidewalks.
“I like how it’ll give the town a better sense of walkability, because for now the biggest way of transportation in that whole area [Shrewsbury Street to Main Street] is strictly motor,” said Toto.
Woodsmall said that change will not happen immediately, with construction expected to take two years.
“Construction is estimated to begin in the fall of 2023, and should be completed by the spring of 2025,” said Woodsmall.
Woodsmall also said that the construction will be paid in full by the state, however the town pays for the overall design.
“The construction is estimated to cost $11-12 million, funded by the State and Federal governments. The design and right-of-way acquisition is expected to cost around $1.25-1.5 million, and is being paid for with the Chapter 90 money. No actual local taxpayer money is planned to be spent on the project.”