Photo: WBZ NewsRadio / James Rojas
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Some West Roxbury residents are concerned about a big road construction project on a busy traffic artery.
The first phase of construction is now underway along Centre Street between Corey and Maple, as contractors tear up the road to turn the four-lane road into two in the name of public safety. There will also be new center turning lanes, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated bike lanes as a part of the project.
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WBZ's James Rojas spoke with some residents and business owners that all agree safety is a big concern, but have reservations about limiting the amount of lanes on the busy road.
"I can understand having bike lanes because people like to bike... but this road diet, I don't think it's necessary," one man said.
The city said the Centre Street design project is to calm traffic and make the area safer for pedestrians. By reducing the amount of lanes, it will slow speeders and lower the chances of bicyclists and motorcyclists getting hit.
"I know they did some previous enhancements to the road for safety with the painted cross walks but I think they could have done more, this is a pretty drastic change," one woman told Rojas.
The city also said the new construction plan will make it easier for drivers to make left turns on the busy road preventing potential accidents.
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