The Select Board has appropriated and obligated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for several pedestrian improvements in the Town of Northborough, Traffic Safety Committee staff reported.

Scott Charpentier told the committee that ARPA funds are committed for sidewalk construction on Alice Street (from the bridge over the Assabet River to East Main Street) and for a sidewalk extension on Monroe Street near the Town Common. The town also approved funding for final design and permitting for Maple Street; that phase is intended to support a future construction appropriation. Charpentier said a small Hudson Street sidewalk segment between Center Drive and Combee’s will require easements because right-of-way is inadequate, so the town will not obligate construction funds until easements are secured.

Charpentier said contract change orders have been signed for crosswalk work funded by ARPA; equipment for crosswalks was ordered, but delivery and construction are likely to be delayed until late spring or summer because of deep winter frost and construction-season considerations. He said the town submitted a request to MassDOT asking that Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) be installed at crosswalks across Route 20 within Northborough; MassDOT has not yet replied and any such installations would likely be part of a district-wide program.

Committee members asked staff to avoid winter concrete work because frost can damage sidewalks and ramps. Charpentier said he expects most construction to occur in late spring or early summer when conditions are appropriate. The committee received no requests to overturn the Select Board appropriations and did not vote to change the funding commitments at this meeting.