Dmbrosia Inc. has emerged as the low bidder for the long-awaited safety reconstruction of the intersection at Lothrop, Great Western Road, and Route 39. Harwich DPW Director Lincoln Hooper announced the $326,295 figure during Tuesday’s Traffic Safety Committee meeting, noting that the project will be funded through state Chapter 90 funds. With the bid vetting process complete, Hooper expects to present a formal recommendation to the Board of Selectmen shortly, paving the way for a construction start in late winter.

I have vetted that company and I'll be making a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen to award a contract in the near future, Hooper said, estimating that work should begin in February or March 2026. Hopefully be done by June. The project represents a significant step in addressing a high-traffic junction that has long been a priority for local commuters. While major construction looms, Hooper and Police Representative Aram Gormly noted that DPW crews have already completed low-hanging fruit improvements, including tree trimming and the removal of redundant signage to clear sightlines near the neighboring bike path.

The committee also grappled with the complex safety dynamics at the intersection of Queen Anne Road and Route 124, following a recently completed Road Safety Audit (RSA). Bob Doane, Vice President of Pine Oaks Village—which recently received ZBA approval for a 242-unit expansion—confirmed that his organization funded the $20,000 audit as a volunteer effort. Doane noted that the funds remain available for immediate municipal use to address minor adjustments. That money will be available to the town to use for those type, you know, easy things to do, Doane told the committee. However, Hooper cautioned that larger structural changes, such as dedicated left-turn lanes, are effectively impossible without seizing private property and relocating existing homes.

The discussion regarding Queen Anne Road underscored the growing pressure on Harwich’s infrastructure as the town navigates a $10 billion valuation spike and aggressive housing goals. Committee member Jerry Beltis raised concerns about the impact of the proposed Penrose housing development on the same intersection, prompting Hooper to advocate for moving the project’s entrance as far from the junction as possible. The further away you are from the intersection, the less impact there'll be on being able to get in and out because it does queue there during rush hours, Hooper explained.

Pedestrian safety took center stage when a local grandmother presented a petition to extend the Oak Street sidewalk from Pine Oaks Village to Queen Anne Road. She described a hazardous trek for students and seniors who must navigate twisting curves and heavy truck traffic without a protected path. Pedestrians, the students, seniors, families, they all have to walk along Oak Street without adequate infrastructure, the petitioner said. While Hooper acknowledged the danger, he cited a daunting $2.5 million to $3 million price tag for the mile-long extension. He noted that the town’s road budget is currently dominated by drainage work tied to the $500 million wastewater build-out. Motion Made by J. Beltis to suggest the petitioner approach the Select Board for a town meeting article. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Hooper committed to investigating the Safe Routes to School program as a potential source for engineering and construction grants.

Further south on Route 137, the committee took formal action to address pedestrian crossing difficulties near the CVS and local schools. Despite a 30 MPH speed limit, Beltis noted that actual speeds are much higher, making a crosswalk essential. Hooper agreed but warned that the density of commercial driveways necessitates professional siting to ensure ADA compliance. Motion Made by J. Beltis to engage an engineer to site a crosswalk on Route 137 in the vicinity of 181/182. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The projected cost for ramps and markings is estimated between $10,000 and $15,000.

The committee also reviewed a resident’s request for a roundabout at the intersection of Pleasant Bay Road and Route 28 following a recent collision. Resident Kathleen O'Brien shared her experience, stating, somebody's going to get killed. At least I'm surprised they haven't been killed there. While Hooper dismissed a roundabout as unfeasible due to the need for conservation land taking, he and Beltis explored a lower-cost alternative: removing slipper lanes to force traffic to enter at a 90-degree angle. Eliminate the slipper lane crossover... eliminate all that other nonsense, Beltis suggested. Hooper agreed to have a traffic engineer review the plan to ensure it does not create new liability for the town.

A final proposal from Beltis to add a stop sign on Main Street at the Queen Anne Road junction was met with hesitation from law enforcement. Gormly advised against making isolated changes to an area currently under a broader, politically complicated traffic study. I don't recommend touching it or doing a damn thing until traffic areas... it's all fetched up in a very larger thing, Gormly cautioned. Chair Linda thanked the members for their thorough review, noting that the committee would return to its quarterly schedule in January 2026. Motion Made by A. Gormly to approve the minutes of September 9th. Motion Passed (5-0-0).