All of us at CCE have been impacted to some degree by the construction associated with the Route 128 Add a Lane Project. While much of the heavy construction adjacent to our property has been completed, the resultant loss of trees and other natural buffers to the highway are a major concern.
The Trustees have had several on-site meetings with State Representative Denise Garlick to address this issue and develop a course of action. State Representative Garlick, State Senators Michael Rush and Richard Ross, and our selectman wrote on CCE’s behalf to the MassDOT Highway Administrator, Needham’s Town Manager, the Board of Selectman and the Parks and Forestry Superintendent requesting a plan to mitigate the problem.
As a result, MassDOT reviewed the project and determined that tree clearing has occurred and that there will be space available for new plantings. MassDot will conduct a more comprehensive site evaluation in the Spring. The Trustees further requested that sound barrier walls be constructed along the highway, similar to those constructed along the highway in the Dedham/Canton area.
We will continue to work with State Representative Garlick and post additional updates on the project as we receive new information.