HADLEY — Demolition of a former auto repair shop and trees being cut down will be among the first signs that a $25 million project to widen a section of Route 9 between town center and the shopping malls is underway.

Town Administrator Carolyn Brennan told the Select Board Wednesday that she expects the road work to begin within three to four weeks, based on a recent meeting with Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials.

“It looks like what’s happening now is utility issues and (tree) clearing,” Brennan said.

The plans for the 2.4-mile-long stretch of road show three 11-foot vehicle travel lanes, one in each direction and a dedicated turn lane. There also will be an 8-foot-wide multi-use path on both sides, with protection for this with a 6½-foot green buffer and curb.

The project is expected to be completed over a two- to three-year time period.

Scott McCarthy, interim director of the Department of Public Works, said that he anticipates the first aspect of the work to be visible to the public is the knocking down of the former Exotic Auto Repair building. The business moved to a site closer to the Coolidge Bridge last year.

Then, he said, trees will be removed, though a meeting is planned to go over the list of trees that need to go.

Documents associated with the project indicate 54 trees, including five that have a diameter at breast height of 14 inches, will be cut down. When the project is complete, 169 new trees will be planted.

The final meeting in advance of construction will focus on the town water and sewer lines to be replaced, with the water main near the American Legion building likely where that work starts. The town is paying for replacement of the century-old lines as a way to cut costs.

No problems have yet developed with any of this planning. “Everything looks really good so far,” McCarthy said.

Still, members of the Select Board made appeals for regular updates on the project status so businesses and residents are informed.

Board member John Waskiewicz said he wants the town police to also have a lead role, adding he worries that the state is trying to undertake projects in three separate areas of the road at one time, meaning that people who drive along the corridor will face challenges and delays.

“It’s crazy the way they’re going to be doing it,” Waskiewicz said.

For board member Jane Nevinsmith, getting out more information is critical. Brennan assured her that project details will be disseminated through the town’s website, and that the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will also be kept abreast of the work so that it can directly inform impacted businesses.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>