By Ming Zhang
WESTFORD – Westford officials have postponed the replacement of a deteriorating culvert on Acton Road until summer 2027, citing concerns about traffic and safety during the upcoming school year.
The culvert, located just south of the Westford-Chelmsford line, was flagged as a priority in a 2021 assessment. The town had planned to complete the work this summer, closing Acton Road for up to five days while a new precast concrete culvert was installed.
A phased construction approach keeping the road open was deemed infeasible. Old Lowell Road was selected as the preferred temporary detour after evaluating alternatives.
But delays from the contractor’s precast concrete supplier made the original schedule impossible. The contractor determined that the project could not be safely completed before the start of school and recommended postponing the work until next summer.
The contractor has agreed to cover the cost of temporary repairs (at no cost to the town) if the existing culvert requires attention before then. DPW supports this approach while monitoring the structure, which remains in poor condition.
Postponement could allow reconsideration of Littleton Road (Rt. 110) as a detour once the Boston Road project concludes, subject to MassDOT approval.
Residents raise concerns about detour
The proposed detour became a major concern during the Aug. 25 Select Board discussion.
Multiple residents cited the road’s narrow width, winding layout with blind curves and spots, lack of center lines in places, pedestrian and bicyclist use, potential for truck conflicts, and historical accident risks. A petition with nearly 190 signatures opposed its use.
Concerns also included inadequate prior notification. Residents criticized the town’s communication about the proposed closure, saying some first learned about the detour after seeing signs installed along Old Lowell Road.
DPW Director Kyle Fox said that the signs had been installed and covered by the contractor while the construction schedule remained uncertain. The town had not begun its normal notification process because there was not yet a firm construction date.
Select Board members directed staff to review the town’s notification policy for future road closures, including whether residents should receive more than the current two week’s notice.
Successful community block party
Town staff reported a highly successful community block party recently held, drawing an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 residents. The event featured about nine booths from town departments and community organizations, including police, firefighters association, and DPW, five food trucks, a beer truck, live music, a bounce house, games, and two magicians. Food and beer trucks ran out at times amid strong turnout, with no incidents reported.
Notably, the Robinson School Building Committee engaged roughly three times as many people as had attended prior forums. Organizers highlighted the value of such events for broader community engagement beyond traditional town meetings.
Future events include the Monster Mash in October, plus planned gatherings in January and spring (dates to be announced). Board members praised the effort and hoped for continued strong participation.
Recognition of first responders
The board recognized Westford Police, Fire, and Public Safety Communications personnel for their professional response to incidents on August 14-15. These included an industrial accident at Newport Materials, a traumatic incident at the quarry, and a response on Rt. 495.
Town Manager Kristen Las, Police Chief Chambers, and Fire Chief Denehy, along with others present, were thanked for leadership and seamless coordination. Chief Denehy noted excellent organization and communications, especially the resource coordination at Newport Materials.
Board members expressed personal appreciation for the responders’ presence and service to the community.
Health Insurance Trust update
The board received an update on employee health insurance changes planned for 2027. The Health Insurance Trust voted to move to a “midpoint plus” plan with deductibles and co-pays beginning March 1, 2027.
The town is also considering increasing its contribution to HMO and rate-saver plans from 65% to 66%.
Officials expect to finalize the plan designs shortly and provide employees with examples of how the changes could affect their costs.
Board members thanked board liaison Sean Kelly and Trust colleagues for extensive work, noting the process aims for meaningful progress that benefits both employees and taxpayers.
Proposed Digital Billboard at 5 Makepeace Road
The board discussed a proposed digital billboard at 5 Makepeace Road near the Tewksbury border. American Outdoor Advertising has proposed paying the town $50,000 annually for 30 years, along with providing a portable digital sign and free advertising time for municipal messages.
No billboard was approved. The board is considering whether to authorize town counsel to begin drafting a development agreement, while members continue to raise questions about lighting, wildlife, the night sky and the potential precedent for additional billboards.
Report reviews
Board reports included progress from the tax relief working group, a Robinson School Building Committee community forum, Town Meeting timing working group updates, economic development activities, and ongoing communications.
